2018 | Dir. Ryan Coogler | 134 Minutes
"You are a good man with a good heart, and it's hard for a good man to be a king."
Still grieving over the death of his father, T'Challa ascends to the throne of Wakanda, a technologically-advanced and resource-rich African nation hidden from the rest of the world. On a mission to bring an enemy of his country to justice, T'Challa discovers a family secret kept by his father in the form of an adversary who intends to usurp T'Challa's birthright and conquer the world using Wakanda's high-tech weaponry. T'Challa begins to consider the impact of his actions as a king, and the role of his nation, on the world stage.
Black Panther is a visually-stunning action-packed spectacle that encourages serious discussions about what it means to be a leader, and about the proper amount of knowledge and resources a nation should share with the world. As a distinct departure from other heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, T'Challa's struggles not with his ego or personal failing, but with making the best decisions as a ruler. While T'Challa gradually shifts away from Wakanda's historically isolationist approach to foreign affairs, in direct contrast his rival Erik Stevens is overeager to reveal the might of Wakanda to the world. Writer/Director Ryan Coogler does not provide easy answers, but he clearly rejects the violent path chosen by those like Stevens.
The film showcases exceptionally imaginative special effects to present Wakanda's technological wonders, particularly in the grand sweeping aerial shots of the nation's Afrofuturistic cityscape, when the scientific genius Shuri reveals the automated Vibranium mining system to an astounded Agent Ross, and when all of T'Challa's gadgets are put to use during an intense car chase through the streets of Busan. The breathtaking fight choreography featured in every thrilling action sequence is also a true highlight of the picture. T'Challa's multiple ritual combat scenes atop a waterfall, a fight sequence in an underground casino in Busan, and the epic climactic ground battle between Wakandan tribes are absolutely exhilarating.
Leading an incredible cast of predominantly black actors, Chadwick Boseman is, in a word, iconic as T'Challa. Boseman exudes T'Challa's strength, patience, and wisdom as a king, and also manages to be gentle and charming when joking with his sister or trying to convince the woman he loves to stay by his side, having the opportunity to show off more of his range as a performer than in his first appearance as T'Challa in Captain America: Civil War. Michael B. Jordan takes complete ownership over all of his scenes as antagonist Erik "Killmonger" Stevens, a complicated villain with motivations that may be justified despite his misguided approach. Lupita Nyong'o is radiant as Wakandan spy Nakia, the apple of T'Challa's eye. As Shuri, Letitia Wright is a real joy, perfectly fitting the role of playful rebellious sister, brilliant chief scientist, and capable warrior. The most impressive action star in the cast may be Danai Gurira in the role of Okoye, the fierce general of Wakanda's all-female royal guard the Dora Milaje. The film also features Daniel Kaluuya as T'Challa's best friend and Border Tribe leader W'Kabi, Winston Duke as Mountain Tribe leader M'Baku and proud foil to T'Challa, Angela Bassett as the Queen Mother Ramonda, Forest Whitaker as mystic wise man Zuri, and Sterling K. Brown as king T'Chaka's wayward brother N'Jobu.
Previously appearing in Avengers: Age of Ultron, Andy Serkis returns as the despicable illegal arms dealer Ulysses Klaue, dialing up Klaue's over-the-top personality to the very limit. Martin Freeman reprises his role from Captain America: Civil War as the CIA Agent Everett K. Ross, essentially the token white supporting player of the film with a much greater part to play than in his previous appearance. Also returning from Captain America: Civil War are Florence Kasumba as Dora Milaje warrior Ayo, and John Kani as King T'Chaka.
Unlike any previous Marvel Studios film to date, Black Panther tells an inspiring story about the challenges of being a good leader while delivering on the promise of a solid action film that goes well beyond simply following the familiar beats of a standard comic book movie. The film firmly establishes T'Challa as one of the most heroic characters depicted in cinema, and the narrative provides a bounty of amazing role models particularly for children of color. Wakanda Forever!
MID-CREDITS STINGER
T'Challa reveals his plans to share Wakanda's knowledge and resources with the rest of the world to the United Nations.
POST-CREDITS STINGER
A trio of Wakandan children wake a man known as the "White Wolf." The man is revealed to be Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), living in peace and undergoing treatment from Shuri to deprogram his Hydra brainwashing.
STAN LEE CAMEO
Stan the Man is a high roller at the underground casino in Busan.
FRAGMENTS
- Director Ryan Coogler has collaborated with actor Michael B. Jordan on all of his films so far including Fruitvale Station, Creed, and this film
- Director Ryan Coogler has also collaborated with composer Ludwig Göransson on all of his films so far including Fruitvale Station, Creed, and this film
- Sterling K. Brown and Winston Duke were featured in recurring roles on the television series Person of Interest
- Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis previously appeared together in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as Bilbo Baggins and the creature Gollum
SUPPLEMENTAL STUFF
- Video: Kendrick Lamar and SZA "All The Stars"
- Video: The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar "Pray For Me"
- Video: Ludwig Göransson featuring Baaba Maal "Wakanda"
