Black Panther is a new addition to the MARVEL cinematic universe and is directed by Ryan Coogler, 31, who is well known for directing Creed and Fruitvale station. Coogler brings to the big screen an unforgettable afro-futuristic world and experience, transporting viewers to the breath-taking, tech-savvy utopia that is Wakanda, a secret country hidden deep in East Africa.
Black panther has already smashed box office records in just the first week of its release on February 12, raking in $427m worldwide(£305.9m). As the 18th film of the MARVEL Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchise, the superhero action movie ticked all the boxes for Marvel fans around the world, as shown by an outpouring of support online for the film.
Black Panther picks up where Captain America: Civil War left off, with the Black Panther (T’challa) returning home after the death of his father T’chaka. The film follows the story of T’challa, played by the brilliant Chadwick Bosman, who is about to succeed his father as the King of Wakanda.
T’Challa’s power is challenged when Killmonger (Michael B Jordan), comes to Wakanda to take on the Black Panther, claiming that he is the rightful heir to the throne.
The film tackles a flip in social norms and highlights political issues. One scene that does not go unnoticed is when Nakia, played by Lupita Nyong’o, goes undercover as a Nigerian school girl, following the school girls that have been captured by Boko Haram. Coogler captures the unspoken in a superhero movie.
Three actors whose performance stand out is Michael B Jordan (Killmonger), Letitia Wright (Shuri) and Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther/ T’Challa). They brought out the intense, the funny and the chilling sides of the film. However, Wright’s performance as the character Shuri was amazing. She ever so brilliantly embodied such a hilarious, modern and technological genius and without her, the Black Panther would be nothing.
It is quite evident that women in the film dominate, as they are depicted as powerful leaders and protectors, seen by the ‘Dora Milaje’, Black Panther’s personal bodyguards.
So, if Black Panther is your first MCU film, then it definitely won’t be your last. It will leave you satisfied and wanting to jump on the bandwagon. The film explored different sides of Africa, – from the soundtrack, the costume design and even the makeup. It didn’t fail to combine different African countries as one, even though Wakanda is set in East Africa.
The film brought a freshness to the MCU and brought to the screen a superhero that every young black child can identify with.
Megan Kelly 
Plamedi Mbungu 
Anize Keers