Black Panther is one of Marvel’s latest superhero installments, surpassing Wonder Woman and Toy Story 3 at the North American box office, and climbing ahead of Suicide Squad in the international box office.
The story centers around newly-crowned king T’Challa of Wakanda and the problems he faces in beginning his rule. It’s trouble from the start. On the day of his coronation, king T’Challa’s throne is challenged by a neighboring king and his reign is almost snuffed out before it can even begin.
After claiming victory, King T’Challa is faced with another daunting task: a notorious arms dealer and vibranium thief, Ulysses Klaue, has been spotted in London and it’s up to the new king and a team of his closest friends to take him down before he can sell a highly dangerous weapon made of vibranium.
The king is faced with problem after problem, from foreign assasins to mutinous advisors to the growing threat of discovery by the outside world. King T’Challa walked into a mess when he inherited the kingdom of Wakanda and he intends to fix it the best he knows how, no matter the cost.
King T’Challa strives to do good and make the right choice with every decision, even if it kills him. He wants to do what is best for his people and his country.
Still, there is conflict and tension growing because of the late king’s choices to remain on the sidelines instead of helping the rest of the world, especially since Wakanda is so technologically advanced and its technologies and resources could be used to help the surrounding third-world countries and other struggling nations. T’challa has to decide between his country’s security and the needs of the world around it; and he finds it is not an easy decision to make.
Overall, the movie did a good job at portraying the story. The visual effects were well done and the scenery was beautiful. The plot did seem somewhat lacking in substance, although the themes of duty, generosity, friendship, and loyalty shone through.
The character development was excellent. The change in T’Challa’s viewpoint was clear and well illustrated.
Black Panther is an admirable film with strong themes and a talented cast. It may just turn out to be one for the books.
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