The Eternal Joy of ‘Black Panther’

Friday February 16^th, 2018. Six years ago my favorite film of all time released worldwide. I remember everything. My outfit, black long sleeve skater dress, black thigh high boots, and a blue and black beaded necklace I bought at the African Festival of the Arts in Chicago. The seat I sat in, my preferred theater had cushy, oversized red chairs. My meal, deluxe nachos that required a to-go box. How I felt, awed, delighted, excited, proud. “All the Stars” playing and the sand table cast credits? Perfection. I probably floated out of the theater. Black Panther (2018) is, in my opinion, one of the greatest films to ever grace the silver screen.

I didn’t watch many cast and director interviews prior to the film’s release. They didn’t need to convince me to buy my ticket. I was ready when the post credit sscene rolled in Captain America: Civil War (2016). The universe conspired to bring together the perfect mix of people to create Black Panther. Fruitvale Station (2013) and Creed (2015) made me a fan of Ryan Coogler. He’s a true genius and gifted writer and director. Hannah Beachler built sumptuous sets and solidified the beauty of Wakanda in the material and ancestral planes. Ludwig Goransson crafted a score that soars and punctuates every scene perfectly. My admiration for Ruth E. Carter is deep. She is the sole reason I have developed an interest in costume design. I never considered it but her extensive career and the magnificence of her work in Black Panther make new things feel possible for me. The Warrior Falls scene highlights the ultimate balance between these four artists. 

“To me we are the most beautiful creatures in the whole world—black people.” – Nina Simone. Does a more beautiful cast exist? I think not. My reaction to Chadwick Boseman’s announcement as the lead was “Oh yeah! He be actin’!” His ability to fully embody a character pulls you in and makes everything real and rich. Even in his transition he is a light and an indomitable force.  Lupita Nyong’o is living joy and has dazzled me since 2013. I never watched The Walking Dead but I knew that Michonne was nothing to play with, Danai Gurira gave life to my favorite character. Angela Bassett is a generational talent in her ability and her beauty. Michael B. Jordan will always be good in my book. Daniel Kaluuya won me over in Get Out (2017). This was my introduction to Letitia Wright and Winston Duke who continually give stellar performances. The chemistry and love between the cast radiates out, I hold them all dear for this work.

The number of rewatches is unknowable at this point. Four theater viewings in 2018 and every chance on Netflix, Disney+, and cable. I’ve seen it so many times that I want to get inside and ask two characters a few questions. King T’Chaka and Prince N’Jobu step to the front. Prince N’Jobu’s desire to aid the diaspora is valid but working with a white arms dealer is wildly short-sighted. King T’Chaka’s anger with his brother is also valid, that same arms dealer ended Wakandan lives. But killing your sibling hyped off the heart-shaped herb, is unnecessary. Then to leave your nephew alone, that is unhinged. T’Challa should have snapped a little harder in the ancestral plane. Two brothers poor decisions led to immeasurable pain and their sons fighting to the death.

You know a story is well written and executed when you analyze it like you’re back in an Honors English class. Nakia is the true revolutionary. She held a radical vision of support, protection, and self-determination. A vision so strong that by the film’s end our new king has changed the nation’s entire foreign policy. Speaking of that new king, T’Challa was dealing with too much. Father murdered in his face, chasing the perpetrator all over Europe, reuniting with the love of his life, learning of his father’s betrayal, nearly murdered by a deranged cousin, betrayed by his best friend, and ultimately sending his cousin to the ancestral plane. ‘Kumkani’ needed a break and probably some therapy.

Black Panther is my comfort. It brings joy and inspiration. If I can be a part of creating something so beautiful in any small way, it will be the honor of my life. It’s taken hold of my heart. It dethroned two films from my childhood and holds the number one spot. This film is beautiful in every imaginable way, I will never tire of it. It’s part of the lasting legacy of my favorite actor. The pride and excitement that swept the world are unmatched. A global phenomenon lauded and highly awarded. Thank you to everyone who brought it to life, you changed the cinematic world.