Black Panther review: A crisp narrative and statement for people of colour

After many generations of white superheros, Black Panther is an important film that holds its own

Marvel’s Black Panther is many things, but it is not drab or boring or confusing. A crisp narrative, some commendable performances and top-of-the-class special effects ensure that the film holds its own and the viewers’ interest. The eighteenth offering in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s run-up to 2019’s much awaited magnum opus Avengers 4 (working title) blends into the fabric of the MCU and, at the same time, can be understood by those not familiar with the other films in the franchise. 

There is a meme doing the rounds on the internet saying a film about a lesser known Marvel superhero has managed to create more chatter among fans and audiences than the formidable assembly of DC superheroes that is The Justice League. While DC and Marvel fans may continue to be at loggerheads about this, Black Panther proves that Marvel knows how to prop up its lesser known superheroes. 

The story does not depend in anyway on any of the better known superheroes. For a superhero film, the storyline packs a punch in that it revolves truly around the evolution of T’Challa/Black Panther, the protector of Wakanda. It contains elements of a family feud, political espionage and, of course, the self-reflection that every superhero’s backstory needs to have. Fast-paced yet meaty, Black Panther’s story is one of the pillars the film carries itself on. 

The much-talked-about casting of the film hits the spot as well. Chadwick Boseman (T’Challa/Black Panther) is poised, charismatic and when it comes to non-Wakandans, enigmatic in the right measures. Michael B Jordan as the villain N’Jadaka/Erik “Killmonger” Stevens impresses with his delivery. The two have few scenes together, but their chemistry is compelling. 

The only criticism that one may have for the movie is that it does not seem to set up Infinity Wars

Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Letitia Wright (Shuri) and Angella Basset (Ramonda) give power packed performances with the first here impressing with stunts as well. Wright has some of the best lines in the movie, providing a level of sass that Marvel movies are known and loved for. Martin Freeman (Everett Ross of the CIA) and Andy Serkis (Ulysses Klaue) are the only two white faces in the main cast. Serkis entertains as the maverick Klaue while Freeman, having mastered the act of the blundering straight jacket who means well (Hobbit, Sherlock), is delightful as always. 

Black Panther is an important film in that it is a statement for people of colour in an industry that has been rife with race debates in the recent past. The film brings this dialogue to the fore with its story and dialogue, but in a more poignant way than might be expected from a superhero film. Aiding these is the visual canvas and music. Much like Marvel’s Netflix show Luke Cage, Black Panther owns the black music scene and melds it with some traditional African beats. The film’s canvas bursts with vibrant colours and geometric motifs — an ode to African art. For all the criticism Marvel may attract, credit to the top guys for trusting Ryan Coogler (director) in his vision for the film. 

Special effects and stunts do not disappoint, either. Envisioning the utopion country of Wakanda with its technological advancements is no mean feat. When it comes to stunts, the women (Nyong’o and Gurira) are given just as much to do as the men. 

The only criticism that one may have for the movie is that it does not seem to set up Infinity Wars, which comes out this April. There are enough easter eggs to nudge the audiences’ attention in the direction of the MCU (stellar writing to be given credit here), but unlike Thor: Ragnorak, it does not slam the set up in the viewers’ face. But then, the film’s power lies in the dichotomy of its narrative — it’s a blatant and vibrant celebration of black culture, but at the same time is poised and subtle in the statement it makes about race, oppression and privilege. 

PS: Do watch till the end of the credits if you’re a fan of post-credits scenes. They do not disappoint either.