Black Panther 2018 Review

Introduction (Warning Contains Spoilers)

With an extended version of Avengers: Endgame coming to cinemas this September, Marvel is attracting renewed attention.

Avengers: Doomsday is also scheduled to arrive in December. That gives us the perfect opportunity to continue revisiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We are working through the Marvel films in chronological order. Our journey now takes us to 2018 and Black Panther.

It became one of Marvel’s most culturally significant films. The movie introduced audiences to the fictional African nation of Wakanda.

It also gave Chadwick Boseman his first solo appearance as T’Challa. Boseman had already appeared as the character in Captain America: Civil War.

However, this film gave him the opportunity to develop T’Challa further. Sadly, Boseman passed away in 2020. His death has changed the way this film is viewed.

His performance now carries an additional emotional significance. Seeing Boseman as T’Challa makes the movie seem significant to his legacy.

Nevertheless, Black Panther must not only be seen as a movie featuring a famous star. It is more than that.

Ryan Coogler approaches his direction in an unusual way. He offers an unusual cinematic experience in the context of the whole MCU.

Wakanda is much more than just the name of a fictional country. It is at the center of the plot and ideas raised in the movie.

It addresses issues of tradition, responsibility and isolation. It tells a story of a powerful nation refusing to lend a helping hand.

It addresses the question of historic injustice as well. Killmonger challenges T’Challa’s perception of Wakanda.

This results in the movie’s main conflict. However, there are some downsides to the movie. It is still a Marvel superhero movie.

And that limits the depth of ideas explored. Some concepts become more ambitious than their realization.

Humour of the usual Marvel kind can also be seen in the movie. It features a major third act fight scene.

There are instances where the visual effects lose credibility. The antagonist has solid motivations. However, the antagonist sometimes seems too simplistic for the underlying themes.

With all that being said, Black Panther is still a vital entry into the MCU. It manages to create its own distinct world.

It also provides its characters with solid conflicts. But most importantly, it introduced the audience to one of Marvel’s best fictional cultures.

Direction

Black Panther was directed by Ryan Coogler. This is very crucial. The movie had to create the image of Wakanda.

It had to blend various cultures and Marvel’s style. Coogler does this quite well. He makes Wakanda appear unique.

The country blends African tradition and advanced technology. This makes a strange mix of visuals. Wakanda appears old and modern at the same time.

This makes one of the strongest aspects of the film. Moreover, Coogler does not just make Wakanda look like a fairy kingdom.

Various locations in the country are different. The technology corresponds to the resources of the country.

The costumes correspond to various tribes and cultures. The architecture plays a role as well. In all, it creates a carefully designed world.

The direction also shows the characters’ personalities. T’Challa is a more controlled character than most Marvel characters.

He is first a king before he is a superhero. It affects how the character conducts himself. T’Challa needs to be conscious of his duties to his subjects.

He cannot just do whatever he wants. Coogler uses the responsibility to create tension in the movie. It is not easy for T’Challa to rule his people after the death of his father.

He has to determine the type of king that he will become. The character receives better development because of that compared to gaining superpowers.

The relationship between T’Challa and Killmonger is important. They portray different ideologies about Wakanda.

While T’Challa wishes to preserve his culture, Killmonger wishes Wakanda used its power in a different way.

The discussion, thus, carries political implications. Coogler allows the conflict to take place in the movie. Nonetheless, there are drawbacks.

The movie follows a typical Marvel template. There is a story about the origin of the superhero. There is the presence of a villain.

There is the battle between the superhero and the villain. The last act becomes one long action scene. It results in the simplification of some of the ideas by Coogler.

But the structure of the film restricts how far Marvel can go. There is some comedy in the film. It works pretty effectively.

Shuri’s interactions with T’Challa provide some funny moments. At other times, they are more characteristic for the MCU films.

This could affect the mood of the film. The action direction works well. There are fights with different characteristics.

The action at the beginning of the film is rather intimate. In the casino, there is a combination of action and spy scenes.

Finally, the fight gets even more spectacular. But it is not always as good as it could be. Digital effects make it somewhat weaker.

Coogler works best in quiet parts of the film. The conversation between T’Challa and Killmonger is crucial.

The film realizes that the struggle is also ideological. Thus, the story gains substance. Overall, Coogler manages to give an individuality to the film.

He creates a world which is distinct in the MCU. There are also some good aspects of character drama in the film.

Sometimes, one could see the formula of the Marvel films. Still, Coogler’s direction makes the film distinctive.

Cinematography

Rachel Morrison worked as the cinematographer for Black Panther. The movie has a very distinct look.

This is especially important as Wakanda needs to be believable. Cinematography is used to give the country different environments.

The landscape of Wakanda is shown to be big and beautiful. The futuristic city contrasts with the natural landscape.

This contributes towards the main theme of the movie. Wakanda has grown technologically while maintaining its culture.

Colors and textures are used to distinguish the different places. The movie looks fantastic especially at the beginning.

This is where the cinematography shows the scale of Wakanda. It also allows the audience to appreciate the costumes.

The casino scene gives another visual difference. It adopts a more classic look of a spy thriller movie. This is due to the movie moving towards an international action.

In terms of cinematography, the movement is more energetic during the fighting sequences. This is seen by the close-ups of the characters.

It assists in highlighting their physical strengths. Wide shots are also used effectively in the film.

This is especially true when presenting the geography of Wakanda. The compositions through the wide shots help in giving the fake country a sense of magnitude.

The costumes also get enhanced through the cinematography. The various tribal costumes are aesthetically pleasing.

The Dora Milaje costumes stand out. Lighting is also used effectively in the film. Dark lighting is contrasted with the brighter environment of Wakanda.

However, the cinematography does not help in concealing the use of special effects. In some of the action sequences, there is a lot going on visually.

There are many digital effects present in the final battle scene. This affects the visibility of the individuals.

Therefore, visually the film is at its best where it focuses on people and the environment.

Overall, the cinematography is one of the film’s strengths. It helps turn Wakanda into a believable cinematic world.

It also gives Black Panther a visual identity that separates it from other MCU films.

Visual Effects

The visual effects in Black Panther are quite bold. The movie must develop a complete fictional world.

Also, the film requires depiction of advanced technologies. The Vibranium technology offers many difficulties for visualization.

The movie does an excellent job with these aspects. The technologies in Wakanda look like a futuristic vision.

Nevertheless, they remain in connection with the nation’s identity. Moreover, digital effects are good for the Black Panther suit.

The powers of the suit are incorporated in the action. T’Challa can absorb and emit kinetic energy. Several of these moments are highly visual.

The movie also utilizes CGI in the action scenes. The casino chase features quite a bit of effects. The climax involves even more.

But here’s where the visual effects become inconsistent. CGI in some scenes is impressive. But in others it seems fake.

A case in point is the showdown between T’Challa and Killmonger. The two characters seem very digital in some scenes.

This undermines the realism in the action. These confrontations should be visceral and violent. But some of these shots have a computerized feel to them.

It’s sad considering how effective the practical elements are. Practical elements make the actions of the Dora Milaje realistic. Their action scenes have a lot of believability.

It’s true for the hand-to-hand battles in many other parts of the movie. The mixture of practical effects and CGI works best in these instances.

The CGI works great in constructing the larger world around it. Without visual effects, Wakanda would be impossible to construct.

The film uses CGI for expansion of the environment. It is also used to build the futuristic transportation technology systems.

Such visual effects help construct the fictional world. So the film is faced with a tough task. It must create an amazing world.

But at the same time, it must maintain realism. In most cases, it achieves its goal. Unfortunately, some of the climactic effects haven’t aged well.

The film is amazing on a visual front. But it is not one of the most consistently believable visual effects films of Marvel.

Themes and Storyline

Themes are perhaps the most intriguing part about the film Black Panther. Themes in the film revolve around responsibility.

T’Challa becomes king of Wakanda. The issue is how T’Challa decides to utilize his power.

His father thought that Wakanda should keep itself isolated. T’Challa initially subscribes to this idea. However, Killmonger doesn’t agree with him.

According to Killmonger, Wakanda should have a responsibility towards the oppressed all over the world.

This becomes the ideological conflict of the film.

Whether Wakanda keeps itself isolated and safe or whether it uses its wealth for others is an intriguing question.

Another theme in the film is the issue of isolation. Technology is very much developed in Wakanda. However, Wakanda kept itself isolated on purpose.

This isolation saved Wakanda but did not allow it to help others. Isolation, therefore, becomes an aspect which the movie is questioning.

Tradition is another major theme in the movie. Traditions of generations before him are supposed to guide T’Challa.

But he must also become his own king. He should be able to find a balance between respecting tradition and being responsible for the future.

Killmonger, on the other hand, is a representation of rejection of tradition. Part of his anger is fueled by the fact that he is not part of Wakanda.

His father is killed when he leaves the country. His childhood is spent without any connection with his traditions.

This makes his motives more believable and credible. But a movie like this cannot delve into all issues in such a way.

It is, after all, a superhero blockbuster movie. The story needs some action. It requires humour. It needs a typical villain.

It also needs to fit in with the larger universe of Marvel movies. For this reason, some of the political elements are simplified in the movie.

The argument of Killmonger is made very clear. But the movie fails to delve deeper into the effects of revolution he proposes.

Marvel movies usually value clear narration. Nevertheless, it hampers the development of the main ideas.

The plot is quite simple. T’Challa becomes the king. Someone contests him in this role. This person turns out to have ties with Wakanda.

The king loses his power. And he has to go back home to defend his nation. This is a typical pattern. What is fascinating about this pattern is its background.

The connection between T’Challa and Killmonger adds an emotional element. Also, T’Challa himself grows through failure in the movie.

He starts thinking that tradition is the answer to everything. In the end, he realizes the need for change.

It is quite an example of character development. Finally, the secondary characters contribute to the plot.

Shuri is not just the brother’s little sister. She is one of Wakanda’s brightest tech minds. Okoye is loyal to her country.

Nakia contradicts T’Challa’s views. Ramonda adds to the element of tradition. Thus, these people help to build a community, not just assemble a band of superheroes.

It means that the plot works best when it is about Wakanda. Still, in the end, the movie becomes somewhat ordinary.

The political conflict transforms into a fight. This is completely normal. But it is the moment when some of the more interesting themes become less clear.

However, the plot is well connected. The film also has enough character development for its length. There are quite a few key relationships.

There are also some changes in T’Challa. More themes could have been developed. But they are better developed in the film than in most superhero blockbusters.

Performances

Chadwick Boseman is the key to the movie. He gives T’Challa dignity and moderation. The character is strong.

But he is not always striving to demonstrate it. Boseman knows that T’Challa is a king. That’s why the performance is quite restrained compared to other Marvel characters.

That sets him apart from the others. There is also some vulnerability behind T’Challa’s confidence. Because the hero has lost his father.

He also doubts himself in the role of a ruler. Boseman succeeds in conveying those feelings well. And his death in 2020 only adds another layer to his performance.

It’s hard not to think about him when watching the movie nowadays. That’s why the heritage of Chadwick Boseman is linked to the character. He created a unique image of T’Challa.

Michael B. Jordan is one of the film’s best supporting actors. Killmonger is angry. But he doesn’t make him evil.

He makes him someone whose anger you can understand. His past explains why he is angry with Wakanda.

That’s why he is one of Marvel’s most sympathetic villains. But some of his development is rushed. But Jordan manages to pull it off.

Lupita Nyong’o does well as Nakia. She challenges T’Challa’s philosophy. She thinks that Wakanda should engage more with the outside world.

Nyong’o gives her both intelligence and determination.

Danai Gurira stands out as Okoye. She adds humor and toughness. Her loyalty to Wakanda is what defines her character.

Letitia Wright makes Shuri likable from the first moment on. She brings some humour into the movie.

But she also makes it clear that Shuri is smart. The character plays an important role when it comes to the future of Wakanda.

Angela Bassett adds authority to Ramonda. She manages to make her an important character. Forest Whitaker brings wisdom as Zuri.

Andy Serkis also joins again as Ulysses Klaue. It is obvious that Serkis has fun in playing this character. Klaue is highly exaggerated.

Martin Freeman returns as Everett Ross. This time, he has a much bigger role than before. Ross takes part in the Wakandan fight.

Martin Freeman provides the viewer with a known perspective. But also, his character adds some humour.

Sometimes, however, his participation seems like a link to the rest of the MCU. But this is not always necessary in this film.

However, Freeman is a lot of fun to watch. The cast is the best aspect of the movie. Especially the women of Wakanda stand out.

They do not play a supporting role only. They have their own skills and motives. This makes Wakanda a functioning country.

What Worked and What Did Not

Many things have been done right in Black Panther. Probably the most outstanding one is the creation of Wakanda.

Ryan Coogler creates an entire world of its own. Wakanda is unlike any other place in the MCU. Its blend of culture and technology is very well-done.

This world building makes a huge difference for the characters. Unlike Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, T’Challa has obligations.

It is not just about fighting the bad guys. It is about becoming a successful ruler. Thus, it gives the protagonist a better development arc.

Chadwick Boseman does a great job. His portrayal became very important after he died. Boseman gave T’Challa dignity and emotional depth.

Michael B. Jordan should be praised as well. Killmonger had very good reasons to be angry. Thus, his confrontation with T’Challa has more meaning.

The supporting actors are also great. Florence Kasumba, Danai Gurira and Lupita Nyong’o were fantastic.

Letitia Wright was amusing and dynamic as Shuri. Martin Freeman also got some additional screen time.

Another strong point of the movie is its theme. It explores loneliness, responsibility and tradition.

It discusses consequences of ignoring the suffering beyond your country. Nevertheless, there are limitations in discussing these themes.

The movie is made as mainstream Marvel blockbuster. So, there is only much to which the filmmakers could go in terms of political agenda.

Some ideas seem to be oversimplified. Killmonger’s ideology could have been analyzed better.

Consequences of his actions could also have been explained better. Pacing is also an issue with the film.

First half is definitely better than the second one. The creation of the world and characters worked well.

Final act became much more conventional. Big action battle moved the movie into more mainstream Marvel direction.

Visuals also became less impressive. Some scenes in the final battle look computer generated.

This is quite disappointing considering how strong other aspects of the film were in reality.

The jokes may also at times disrupt the serious tone. For the most part, the jokes work well. Nonetheless, some of the jokes seem out of place in the Marvel film.

The film also has numerous tie-ins to the rest of the MCU. For the most part, this is reasonable. Nonetheless, some of the tie-ins are distracting from the story of Wakanda.

In spite of the above criticisms, the film is very good in all respects. The positives about the film outweigh the negatives.

The film creates some great characters. It has created a good fictional world. It has a great journey for T’Challa.

It has some themes which are much more profound than superhero fights.

Overall Verdict

Black Panther is an essential movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In addition to being among the most unique films of the franchise, Ryan Coogler is responsible for creating the world of Wakanda.

This universe seems rich. Culturally speaking, it also seems unique. The blend of technological advancement and tradition is quite effective.

At the heart of the film is Chadwick Boseman, whose performance as T’Challa is dignified.

He manages to imbue the character with a personality that exists beyond his powers.

Boseman’s passing will inevitably affect people’s perception of the film. The awareness of that fact brings in another emotional element.

Therefore, Boseman’s performance becomes an integral part of his legacy. Michael B. Jordan is also a key element of the film.

One of the more interesting characters in Marvel, Killmonger, has understandable motives for his hostility towards Wakanda.

Unfortunately, the film did not go into the political philosophy of the character.

However, the topics of the film are ambitious. The movie discusses responsibility, tradition and isolation.

Isolation, in particular, is presented through the discussion of whether it is a responsibility of powerful nations to assist other countries.

But there are some restrictions when it comes to the depth of discussion of these themes in a Marvel blockbuster.

Ultimately, the film turns to superhero cliches. The final battle scene is not as great as the previous parts.

Some visual effects are not really believable. This is probably one of the film’s greatest flaws from a technical point of view.

The performances in the film are very strong. Letitia Wright makes Shuri unique. Danai Gurira gives Okoye strong presence.

Lupita Nyong’o plays Nakia emotionally. Martin Freeman also has a larger part as Everett Ross. He serves as a link to the whole MCU universe.

But he is not necessary for the plot development. However, the most notable success of the film is world-building.

Wakanda seems like a real place for people to live. This is quite an achievement. It makes the film stand out of typical superhero movies.

But of course, the film is far from being perfect. Its themes could be developed further. The final part is conventional. And some visual effects have aged badly.

There are times where the Marvel template becomes glaringly evident. However, Black Panther does manage to establish its own uniqueness.

This is done through giving its characters a cultural and political backdrop. Black Panther also manages to give Chadwick Boseman a defining starring part.

This is one of the best aspects of the movie. To me, it is definitely a movie worth praising without having to consider it perfect.

It is an excellent Marvel movie with an ambition behind it. It carries more significance than simply being a movie in the Marvel universe.

The movie established that superhero movies can create their own world with a unique culture. It offered us a superhero who was unique from the others.

The most significant thing that it did for me was give me Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa.