Apart from binging through Manhunt: Unabomber on Netflix, I went ahead and watched Black Panther this past weekend. The movie was definitely unique, and not just by the superhero cinema yardstick.?
Here are some thoughts that I was left to chew on, as I left the cinema hall happy and satisfied.
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One thing that hits you first and foremost about Black Panther is how it celebrates Africa. The continent's rich culture, sights and sounds, and the raw, visceral portrayal of its people and their shared heritage is Africa like you've never seen before. In a continent rife with poverty and war, Wakanda is a rare glimmer of hope for not just Africa but the rest of the world. What a pleasant surprise!
If White Caucasians shaped the current world order in real life, this movie is about a fictionalized world where Black Power reigns supreme; or rather that power is exercised with great caution, if at all. The thought that definitely crosses your mind, while watching Black Panther, is the world would've been more diverse and probably less afflicted, if Africans and Africa hadn't been exploited as they were throughout history. If only the continent's genius had also been allowed to flourish...
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While the movie is all about the Black Panther, there's a strong undercurrent of female characters that have a huge impact on how the story unfolds. Can't recall a movie where a male protagonist's support system is all female. T'Challa's life and fortune is constantly shaped by exemplary women in his life. His mother is the proud Queen of Wakanda. His ex-lover Nakia is wise and caring, always giving him sound advice. And fearless Okoye is the leader of Wakanda's army and intel services.?
Not to forget T'Challa's sister, Shuri, who's not unlike Q in the James Bond movies -- she helps Black Panther and Wakanda with all the technological wonders derived from Vibranium. It goes without saying that T'Challa wouldn't have been a successful Black Panther for long if it weren't for the positive impact of these women in his life.
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I must say Lupita Nyong'o hasn't looked more elegant and beautiful in a movie than in this one. Angela Bassett is equally majestic and regal in her appeal. And Danai Gurira is fantastic, not unlike a Black Amazon Warrior -- kind and menacing at the same time. Through their grace and poise, these actresses redefine the very essence of strong and beautiful black characters portrayed in modern cinema.
Africa is alive in this movie unlike anything you might've seen in a Hollywood movie, ever. The different tribes inside Wakanda, the rhythmic drum beats, their ritualistic dance, the songs they sing, and the fight sequences (allegedly inspired by real-world African tribes) -- everything seems more authentic and uncontrived. It's one big homage to Africana -- its unique culture, and rich flora and fauna -- and it's great to see.
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The art department of Black Panther deserves a lot of credit for enhancing the essence of Africa and bringing it out for the world to see. The different tribes -- their unique dress, makeup, ornaments and weapon -- stand out against each other beautifully. From T'Challa's finely embroidered ¡°kurta¡± to Nakia's mesmerizing dresses, this movie is a great introduction to traditional African fashion. It is all beautifully researched and detailed, enhancing the overall diversity of the film.?
Instead of a token black guy, which is like a recurrent comic theme of most Hollywood movies, it's refreshing to see Black Panther deploy a token white guy instead -- in the form of Martin Freeman, who plays a CIA operative. Freeman has quite an atrocious American accent -- just horrible!
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I don't want to spoil this for people who haven't watched the movie yet, but Black Panther has one epic dance move that has great viral potential. It takes place during the ritual combat scene, when Black Panther's energies are drained out (magically, of course) so he can fight like a mere mortal against his challenger. Everyone watching the fight does this dance then -- while keeping their head still, hands crossed across their chest, bobbing their shoulder up and down rapidly. It's contagious!
Of course, Wakanda's technological progress is all down to the vibranium they possess. Everything from Black Panther's kinetic-powered suit which is hidden inside and activated by an ancient necklace to magnetic levitation trains with futuristic force-fields, and of course giant vertical lift-off planes with silent propulsion systems (and in-built invisibility shields), I would give my little finger for a chance to spend a night in Wakanda.
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Black Panther's deep Africa-inspired roots is the reason behind its universal human connection. How the present is connected to the past, and how it inspires the future is a major story arc of this movie. Respect of elders is another big value which this movie shares, not unlike our own Indian culture. Wakanda's progress -- without the external influence of the world -- doesn't come at the expense of ancient wisdom, its people remember where they came from and don't take things for granted. Think there's a lesson for all of us there somewhere.
Finally, Black Panther also stresses the values of compassion and shared progress. It stresses upon the privileged to do their bit for the upliftment of the forgotten sections of our society. If Wakanda is the happiest place on earth, the most technologically forward, then it has a moral obligation to share its knowledge to make the world a better place -- and not just Wakanda.
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So yeah, that was Black Panther for me. And not like any other Marvel superhero movie.