We first meet the Black Panther in the Civil War movie. If you have not seen Captain America: Civil War, then I would watch that first as Black Panther is a continuation of his story. This is my review and discussion about the 4 social issues the movie deals with.
Black Panther Movie Review
Black Panther is a great movie and one you will have to watch a few times to really appreciate all the intricate storytelling. You learn a lot about the Black Panther in this movie and understand his motives and admire his love for Wakanda. There is quite a bit of comedy in this movie and a lot of great one-liners, one of the best from Stan Lee himself. Along with the comedy, there was also a tiny bit of a love story as well.
Marvel’s Black Panther is a groundbreaking film that has taken the world by storm, breaking box office records and garnering critical acclaim. The movie tells the story of T’Challa, the king of Wakanda, a fictional African nation that possesses advanced technology and wealth beyond compare. As the Black Panther, T’Challa must battle internal and external threats to his kingdom, while grappling with his duty as a leader and his own personal demons. With a star-studded cast, spectacular visuals, and a powerful message of representation and inclusion, Black Panther has cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon and an incredible addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What is Black Panther About?
The African-tribal clothing and ritual scenes were amazing. You almost felt their love for tradition and for Wakanda flowing from the big screen to you.
I saw this movie in 3d, but believe a regular viewing would be just as good and I didn’t notice all that much that the 3d view added.
4 Social Issues Black Panther Unmasks
If you don’t want any spoilers don’t read any further. I am going to be discussing active plot points in the film and how they brought a few social issues to the front.
Sins of the Father
T’Challa’s (the Black Panther) father discovered that his brother Prince N’Jobu has aided his enemy in stealing Wakanda’s precious supply of Vibranium. When T’Chaka (the father) found that out he killed his brother. When someone prevents treason that is the expected response. What T’Challa did wrong was leaving N’Jobu’s son alone afterward. He left his son to fend alone.
T’Chaka never told Wakanda or anyone in his family what happened. T’Chaka never told T’Challa what happened. In T’Challa mind his father was perfect. As everyone knows, people as a whole are not perfect. Once T’Challa finds out he is furious at his Dad and tells him so during a near-death healing ritual where he is reunited with his father for a little bit of time.
Should N’Jobu or T’Challa have to pay for the sins that their fathers committed?
N’Jobu paid for the sins of his father by being stranded without any family. That is wrong.
N’Jobu trained himself to kill T’Chaka or T’Challa. Since T’Chaka already died, T’Challa was his target. That is wrong too.
Oppression of Minorities
People groups all over the world battle with some type of oppression. In America, we deal with minority oppression and racism in a lot of areas. What should our response be? What should the oppressed peoples’ response be? According to N’Jobu fighting back with stronger military weapons was the answer. More guns and violence. N’Jobu wanted the powerful Vibranium to create awful weapons while the Wakandans were using that precious Vibranium to save lives.
The Black Panther decides in the end that he does want to help oppressed people but with the sharing of Wakanda’s hidden Vibranium, not building more violent weapons. Those who can should help those in need, and who are not as privileged as themselves. Whether it is volunteering at an underprivileged school or taking in foster kids. Sharing the is the answer, not violence.
Attitude of Vengeance
N’Jobu wanted to avenge his father. I can understand that. At first, I could almost sympathize with his motives. It was not his fault he was abandoned. Combine the attitude of vengeance with being a part of an oppressed race and then there is a disaster waiting to happen.
The problem with vengeance of any kind is that it can grow and consume. Wisdom and love are thrown to the side when your own thought is revenge. N’Jobu killed his girlfriend to seek revenge. He destroyed the powerful Vibranium plants. He killed anyone that got in his way.
In the end, seeking revenge killed him. Nothing good comes from getting revenge.
Sharing of Resources
Lots of things are good for us. Money is good. Food is good. In Wakanda, Vibranium is good. Good things can often lead to problems though. People can become greedy for money. People can eat too much and become unhealthy with food. Vibranium in the wrong hands can mean destruction.
Wakandans hid their Vibranium from the world. Even though it had healing powers, even though awesome technological advances were happening, Vibranium was hidden. Outside of Wakanda, it helped no one. This is all because they had hidden it.
Once N’Jobu and Nakia, T’Challa’s love interest. opens his eyes he realizes he does need to share the resources he possesses.
How does one handle the sharing of resources when if in the wrong hands sharing can be a bad thing?
For me, these are all the social issues The Black Panther movie raises. They are issues we need to discuss in a civil, responsible manner and I believe this movie deals with them in an excellent way. I love this movie so much!