Chadwick
Boseman Lupita
Nyong’o Angela
Bassett Letitia
Wright Danai
Gurira
Michael B. Jordan Andy Serkis Sterling K.
Brown Martin
Freeman Daniel
Kaluuya
Talk about a rising star; writer/director Ryan
Coogler has made big splashes in just a few years with his award-nominated and
winning Fruitvale Station (2013) and Creed (2015), and now stands to earn
much high praise for Black Panther. He is lauded for delivering productions
with all of the elements of notable films—entertainment, fantasy, emotionality,
and meaning while weaving in topical issues of race, gender, and government.
All of those qualities emerge in Black Panther, a mythologically-informed
story about destiny, rightful heirship, sibling rivalry, and legacy. But current politically sensitive
issues are present as well, such as state protectionism vs. participation in
world affairs, treason vs. loyalty, and methods for achieving power/respect in
the world.
T’Challa (Boseman) is the heir-apparent for the
kingship (in the form of Black Panther) of Wakanda, a fictional country
somewhere in Africa, notable for its natural resource metal of vibranium, which
allows the country to develop uncommon technological achievements, while
passing themselves off as a third world country (a protectionist
endeavor). Then the intrigue
begins, when Wakandan prince N’Jobu (Brown) decides that Wakanda should share
its knowledge to be of service to the rest of the world, which is further
complicated by the surprise appearance of an American rival (Jordan) to the Wakanda throne who is accompanied by
a notorious arms dealer (Serkis). Battles ensue, which test the loyalty of
some and throw T’Challa’s right to the throne in doubt.
Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther exemplifies a
strong leader from a distinct culture who eschews war and is committed to truth
and right. Michael B. Jordan
exemplifies a worthy opponent who, brought up in the American way of thinking,
is convinced that power/might is the only way to assure that “good” things
happen. I particularly loved the
strong women surrounding the Black Panther, who represented loving,
civic-minded mother (Bassett), technologically savvy sister Shura (Wright), trusted secret service head
Okoye (Gurira), and cagy spy and love interest Nakia (Nyong’o). It’s so refreshing to see women in
traditionally male roles, especially Nakia exerting a humanitarian voice and
Shura a technology guru.
Boseman as the Black Panther effortlessly keeps
real the fine lines between statesman, warrior and pacifist. Michael B. Jordan chews up his role as
the African American brought up in the U.S. with a historic heritage he doesn’t
quite understand. Daniel Kaluuya
is ever subtle but strong in his role as W’Kabi, torn between two different
regimes. Andy Serkis—long overdue
for an acting award—plays a deliciously evil arms dealer. Martin Freeman of the Hobbit’s Bilgo Baggins fame is
extraordinary as an American CIA agent (excellent casting!). And, finally, Forest Whitaker ably
plays the reverential priest Zuri who must swear in new kings of Wakanda.
This is certainly a film that can be viewed
numerous times for its complexities of plot and message and its performances by
the principal players.
Black male and female superheroes
abound in this unusual action movie touching on race, destiny, thrones, and
legacy, making an exciting addition to the action/fantasy genre.
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