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Another shiny new film fresh from Marvel’s conveyer belt of shiny new films, comes stand-alone blockbuster Black Panther. For me, it would need something to distinguish itself from other action movies currently saturating cinemas. Fortunately, this individuality is achieved: by largely uprooting itself from the tried-’n’-tested comic-book heartland of the USA and setting itself in Africa – specifically in a fictional country called Wakanda – a welcome addition to a progressively more diverse universe can be explored.
Envisioned as a representation of resource-rich and colonialism-free Africa, it puts the technology of the West into shadow. The visuals present a refreshing, utterly brilliant blend of Star Wars metallic sheen, and vibrant African art. The traditional style of costume and the illimitable landscapes too, immerse the viewer in this romanticised Africa, celebrating a pan-continental culture without making it seem watered down or trivial. More importantly, the studio made sure to cast an almost all-black cast (Chadwick Boseman in the lead role), and indeed an African-American director (Ryan Coogler). It’s only one film, but the fact that a two hundred million dollar film featuring an almost all-black cast exists, shows that Hollywood is beginning to fashion, inch by inch, a more inclusive path.
Despite the new angle, the film runs smoothly. The beginning explains the backstory, before launching straight into the engaging storyline. It does stick a little too close to the script though, so to speak: after the obligatory car chase, the third act disappears under a vague fuzz of shouting, swordfighting and CGI. I was curious to see Wakanda further explored, to have some action take place in the vibrant, yet largely ignored streets that make up the city. Instead the plot inexplicably diverts to Korea, leaving us with just a few aerial shots of a glassy metropolis – but eerily devoid of inhabitants, – while the final battle scene takes place Braveheart style, on a non-descript field.
One of the highlights is undoubtedly the Kendrick Lamar assisted soundtrack, which purrs and thumps along with a delicious blend of traditional African drums, and punchy urban beats. It truly compliments the vivid visual action on-screen, flavouring the film with a character which sets it apart from other films.
Much like Wonder Woman promised a fresh take on the genre by transforming something as simple as the main character, Black Panther too boasts a diversity which is welcomed. Even to this (very white) viewer, the effort made to create a film which looks beyond the safety of America for its core identity, makes this film worth watching alone.
