The Importance of ‘Black Panther’

In the wake of current events where the United States is not so united right now, let’s return to a time where everyone appeared united: when Black Panther released.

The film was the first in the MCU to star a black superhero; not only that, it had an all-star collection of a primarily Black cast. Black Panther was also helmed by African American director, Ryan Coogler, who had directed Fruitvale Station and Creed beforehand.

Praise for Black Panther sparked several months before it came out. Social media was overwhelmed by the praise, and hashtags such as #BlackPanther and #WakandaForever were everywhere. The marketing team made sure that Black Panther was more than just another superhero film, that it would actually give light to a community that doesn’t get enough attention in Hollywood. Fortunately, a vast majority of people were excited about the film, and that Hollywood was on the right track for re-defining the portrayals of African Americans on the big screen.

Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman as T’challa, otherwise known as Black Panther. After T’challa’s father, the king of the fictional African country of Wakanda dies, he returns home to take the crown. However, T’challa is challenged by Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) who plans to abandon Wakanda’s isolationist policies and start a new revolution.

While the film’s plot goes through a familiar pattern akin to other Marvel films — and a third act that could’ve been done better — it touches upon heavy themes such as politics and oppression. T’challa and Killmonger have different views on what they want for Wakanda. Wakanda has been isolated from the rest of the world since the day it was founded, but Killmonger wants to break out of that stigma and deliver its resources throughout the world.

Killmonger is the antagonist, but makes some fair points on how Wakanda shouldn’t be in isolation, especially since it carries the fictional metal called Vibranium. Wakanda is the most technologically advanced and richest nation in the world thanks to this metal, but none of its people would want to share it. Killmonger on the other hand, wants to use Vibranium to overthrow governments around the world. That of course isn’t good, but he has his reasons instead of just being a typical bad guy.

Killmonger wants to take revenge on those who oppressed and enslaved his African brethren; following this plan would give Killmonger closure for the oppression he himself had throughout his life. Killmonger’s plan isn’t good by any means, but he does give social commentary on racism and class systems which makes the audience understand where he’s coming from. With these issues touched upon, it makes Black Panther feel more grounded than other superhero flicks.

T’challa on the other hand, is a bit less compelling than Killmonger, but he still carries some strong qualities. T’challa strives to be a good leader for his people, and so he has confidence but also aggression, he doesn’t want anything standing in his way, but he does show his humorous side from time to time. T’challa makes for a good role model to kids, and an inspiration for the Black community.

Black Panther gained over a billion dollars at the box office, and $370 million for its opening weekend, proving to Hollywood that an African American narrative works for blockbusters. Black Panther won audiences and critics for its social commentary and ensemble of an almost black cast.

Another noteworthy aspect to Black Panther is its setting; Wakanda is a place filled with culture, taking inspiration from several African tribes such as the Zulu and Maasai. The clothes that the characters wear are vibrant and have intricate details, showing that not only was there care put into the setting, but into each and every character to provide appropriate representation.

Black Panther is an influential film that brought in positivity to the Black community. The community isn’t always put in the center of attention as much as it should, so with a movie starring the first Black superhero film in a long time, it offers hope that more will come.