THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
The first quarter of 2018 has just passed and here we are,
already hearing people talking about movements and how much there is a need for
change in our society, the world and individualists. Remind me why #MeToo
movement is a crucial thing that needs a voice, remind me of how much Harvey Weinstein
needs to be brought for judgement and every other man who could have keep to
themselves to prevent further allegations or another Salem witch hunt. The
words can go on and on, but that is not why I am here today to type after two
months of disappearing, juggling with school work and the examinations that
could somehow ease my GPA.
I am here today to give you my long due review on the Marvel’s
most-anticipated entry, Black Panther starring King T-Challa
(portrayed by Chadwick Boseman) as he comes to term with the grief he had for
his late father and trying to hold his sovereignty when several threats came to
take upon his place. Along with the leading protagonist, he was joined with
several characters who would provide support and some wise words, ensuring his
journey would be smooth-sailing. As I try to hold my biases for this well-diversified
film, I shall provide some background of how I felt prior to watching the Black Panther, along with explaining
some aspects of the film.
Two years ago, the same year when Captain America: Civil War was
released, I had the opportunity to join my sister on a little adventure to
catch the blue carpet premiere of the film at Marina Bay Sands, where we got the
chance to experience the intense moment in which we prided ourselves as Team
Captain America supporters. I bet some of you may remember that evening in
April 2016 where this awaited film was premiered on our little red dot, making
us one of the first few Southeast Asia countries to be selected for this film
to be premiered. My sister and I even saw Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, Anthony
Mackie and Joe Russo at the premiere, which they played their respective
characters; Captain America/Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier and
Falcon, and on the other hand, Russo served as the co-director, screenwriter
and producer along with his brother on Captain
America: Civil War.
I still remembered the excitement at the blue carpet premiere
despite not being a really huge fan yet of the whole Captain America hype back
then, and now to think back – I am still glad that I got to the chance to
experience the whole hype at the venue, and this is how I felt when Black
Panther was set to release this year after the full trailer and television
spots dropped last year and in early this year. I remembered watching the film
last Saturday in which I was greeted by how beautiful Wakanda was, residing in
an isolated place, hidden from the outsiders where you see how advanced, very
much advanced than Tony Stark’s inventions are here in this South African-inspired
country.
Not only was I very much in loved with Wakanda’s beauty and
spirit, I was actually surprised by how funny King T-Challa was with his
sister, and honestly I find that rather lovely to see these two characters
going on battle (very technological, I know), and seeing how T-Challa was lucky
to be surrounded by women who are smart, quirky and very skilled in their combat
since they are trained well to serve their nation. So much for talking about my
favourite moments in Black Panther
that I have yet to talk about the music, overall and even the main antagonist, Erik
Killmonger (portrayed by Michael B. Jordan).
For the music in Black
Panther, I love the curated soundtrack done by Kendrick Lamar and some of
the singers and rappers involved. Their music very much touched my heart and as
someone who had been some time in the dark, I wished this music would have come
sooner because honestly, this soundtrack hands down to be an incredible effort
to suit with the story plot of the film and highlights so much of each main
character’s desires, hopes and dreams. One of the songs that really stood out to
me was All the Stars by Kendrick Lamar and SZA because of its
compositional lyrics; an outstanding message of hope and how much light there
is if we just hold on, just as how much King T-Challa would have for his nation
as the threats come in the way and putting him down. All in all, the curated
soundtrack for Black Panther was well
done, basically summarising much of the film’s main story.
Marvel has also been known for not doing justice to the
antagonists in most entries of the cinematic universe, one of which was Doctor
Strange where you have several prominent stars acting the antagonists
with so much aura but to only to be washed down as such minuet characters with
lack of substance. However, Erik Killmonger was different. Having to hold back
and carrying so much rage, fighting through his time in a special squad and
carrying many kills with glory, I can understand why he looked forward to this
day in which he would want to take the throne in Wakanda. He may not be the rightful
king, having to carry around such ominous promises and vengeance, still it was
not partly his fault for who he was but to look at the ancestors of Wakanda,
carrying so much secrets and burying down, only to create such spiteful individual
that would come and threaten the harmony of the beautiful nation.
In conclusion, Black Panther was brought to us at
the time where we could learn so much from this isolated advanced nation.
Adding on to the fact that our world has rapidly changed and so many talks
about being different in colour, size and everything that now matters, Black Panther serves as a wonderful film
that shows how much diversity we can be, if only we start talking about the
right issue and not trying to seek out flaws and then just tarnishing people
for their deeds. If we set the right example, show the right path with calamity
like how King T-Challa does in Civil War and
Black Panther, I am sure that we can
even move forward from slightly outrage issues that could have been better if
there is an actual goal to achieve. If I can watch Black Panther again, I
would not mind going back to enjoy each moment of the film ranging from the
beauty of the country, the fighting, the spirit and everything else that I may
have missed out from the film before Avengers: Infinity War is released
next month. Wakanda forever!
Ratings: 8/10
