It’s been more than a month since ‘Black Panther’ hit the theaters and if you haven’t seen this movie yet – stop reading now because this article is full of spoilers. While scouting the news this morning, Black Panther was trending yet again.
” Black Panther Is Now The Highest Grossing Super Hero Movie Of All Time In The U.S – passing the 1Billion Dollar Mark In less Than A Month. ”
Now, what was the total actors pay for this film compared to its gross profits? Asking for a friend! The overall casting of this movie was spot on and gets an A+ review. Before we dish, I’d like to issue a few awards for this marvelous film.
Best Cinematography in a film goes to screenwriter and director, Ryan Kyle Coogler.
Best Villain goes to Michael B. Jordan (Erik. Killmonger).
Best Male Lead Actor in an action film Chadwick Boseman (T’Challa/Black Panther).
Best Break Out Stars goes to Letitia Wright (Zhuri) and Winston Duke (M’Baku)
Best lead Actress goes to Danai Gurira (Okoye),
Best Supporting Actor: Lupita Nyongo (Nakia)
For the first time we had the opportunity of seeing a leading cast of dark-melanated people in their natural being from crown to foot. Why is this such a big deal for the world to see? Because – it is! This is the first motion picture film that was dominated by the original phenotype of African people.
This is NOT to dismiss, uprise or debate the systematic issue of colorism that exists within the African diaspora (due to the impact and ongoing trauma /tension of colonialism). This is a nod to the magnificence of this film that celebrates and highlights the beauty and pride of our race with us at the helm of our nation(s).
In the movie, Wakanda (to the outside world) resembles the representation that we often seen in ad-commercials; a poor and resourceless country. Yet, the movie portrays a different reality of a black society thriving economically and militarily thanks to the most valuable metal on the planet – VIBRANIUM aka Coltan!
The hidden treasures of vibranium is responsible for the vast resources and riches in Wakanda which also poses a severe threat to ‘foreign powers’ who seek to rid the world of its natural resources.
There were subliminal messages (on both sides) shown in this film but one of the key messages that spoke directly to African people is that “We Can Get To Where We Want To Go, Without Changing Who We Are”. Wakanda didn’t have to be colonized to be sophisticated in technology, sustain its cultural roots and advance it’s nation with its natural geographic features.
” Wakanda offers us a glimpse into the world as it could be; self-determined and developed on its own terms without the interruption of colonialism . Women are allowed to realize their full potential .
The women in this film were very specific individuals and very powerful in their own ways and therefore very effective and influential. “ – Lupita N’yongo
One of my favorite moments of the film was the indoctrination of the King. To be king of Wakanda, you had to get buried in the sand of your ancestors and be astro-projected back to the heaven of your ancestors and have a spiritual dialogue. If there was doubt, confusion, or clarification you needed, the answers could be found there – in that moment. This particular scene was deep and powerful at best!
I think back to youth I grew up amongst and those I mentor today. There are so many of us that are walking this earth misguided, misrepresented, unaware, detached because we don’t have the tools, we have not been taught, and thus unknowledgeable of who we are and or where we come from.
Yet, we still love!
The same goes for those of who have been cultured by our parents, loved ones and or guardian(s) and yet we are doubtful and fearful (at times) in rising to our full potential. In the movie, the black panther (T,Challa) was groomed to be the King from childhood, but when he took his position, he had some hard decisions to make as the leader of his nation that conflicted with his personal views.
Different than Klaw, Killmonger was his enemy and blood relative. T, Challa didn’t have the full story as to why the two were estranged and shared different political views, and yet he wanted to reconcile his relationship with his cousin. Killmonger was relentless in obtaining the king’s title (because he was certain of what he wanted) and if it meant the death of T, Challa – then so be it was his motto.
Having felt the wrath of Killmonger’s rage, T,Challa couldn’t affirm the same even after speaking with his ancestral father but, he was re-assured of who he was as the black panther. T,Challa had a renewed confidence in making that hard decision knowing he would confront Killmonger again.
The promise of the film shows aboriginal tales of certain African nations /tribes prior to colonialism and the future of its people when we consider ourselves as ONE people. All of us VIBRATING on the same spiritual frequency. When I rewind my thoughts back to the premiere week of this film, I caught a glimpse of this energy and was super elated. But, how do we continue this mission?
Black Panther is a must see for so many reasons but one of my takeaways from this film is the potential of unifying the African diaspora as whole.
My cosplay attire was an homage to Madam Slay; who was not revealed in this film. I wasn’t going to alter my natural kinks so, I paired a black and gold plum shirt with blue denims, a vintage leopard skin leather jacket, and black ankle boots to complete my look.
Coogler and co-writers certainly altered this portion of the story. Madam Slay played a pivotal role in Killmonger’s life and resurrection as noted in the comic book story. Hopefully, her real story is unveiled in the sequel.
One Love PLUMS!