tw Movie Ticket: Black Panther
Running Time: 137mins.
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Produced by Marvel Studios
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett
I’ve sometimes wondered what Africa would look like today, if we had leaders who were dedicated to preserving our history, growing our economies and utilizing the continent’s vast resources to their maximum potentials. After seeing the Black Panther movie and witnessing the marvels of Wakanda, I can confidently say that Marvel studios – in collaboration with Ryan Coogler – painted the perfect picture of an African utopia augmented by technology and rooted in tradition.
I saw the movie at Filmhouse cinemas in Leisure mall, Surulere. The viewing hall was cool, and the movie quality was standard, though the brightness could have been a little higher as the dark scenes were barely visible at times.
The Black Panther story follows T’challa’s return to his home country of Wakanda after his father’s death – and the events of Captain America: Civil War – to be crowned king. Being the new king, he is also to assume the mantle of the black panther and guide the country through travails created in the past, to its future. In summary it is a story of tradition, responsibility to family and society, and creating a future that overcomes the past, but learns from it.
The acting, scenery and cultural details were top notch, and though the African accents sounded a bit forced at times, it wasn’t hard to be convinced that I was watching a movie carefully directed to portray African culture as truthfully as possible.
The fictional country of Wakanda, for me, the highlight of the movie. It was an emblem of perfect balance – balance between ancient Africa and modern technology, as well as a balance between monarchy and democracy. It was indeed, the ideal society.
However, while the presentation of Wakanada was spectacular, the story line was a little cliche, and some events seemed a little too convenient, but that’s a matter of personal opinion.
All in all, Black Panther movie definitely lived up to its hype, if not in story then in presentation and I would add inspiration to Africans all around, in that it presents a model of excellence African societies should strive for.
If your skin is dark, you should watch this; if you like superhero movies with tight fight scenes, you should watch this; if you like sci-fi and technological displays you should watch this, and if all you want to do is see a decent movie, you should watch this.
However, if you’re looking for a complicated moral story, with deep philosophical implications, then this might not be the movie for you if you’re a dark person who doesn’t like happy endings, you probably shouldn’t watch this either.
Out of 5 stars, I give it a 3.5.
Have you seen the movie?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments section!
