A driving theme for the directors in the creation of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was how does one cope with grief and overcome loss, and it’s affects on each character? Staying true to African tradition, the film begins with a beautiful celebration of King Tchalla’s [Chadwick Boseman’s] life. Setting the scene for a story, that is not only packed with depth and strong characters, but incredible raw emotion.
“Chad’s passing affected filmmakers and the actors in a way that was incredibly profound,”… “Chad was very much our artistic partner in this project, in this franchise and in this storytelling. I would spend time with him, just he and I, talking about where we wanted to see the character go, where we wanted to see the story go, how much he admired the other characters and the actors that portrayed them. We realized that it would only be right for us to continue the story.” – Coogler
The brilliance of the storytellers at Marvel is you find yourself living and breathing every single part of the emotional struggle of Queen Ramonda and Shiru. Early on in the film, that this loss is more than just within the portrayol of the characters but a deeper sense of loss for that of Boseman’s legacy himself. Taking this film to a whole different level!
The story follows Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje as they fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. With the introduction of Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation. Representing the people of Talokan, a hidden underwater civilization that is the directors reimagined version of the comic book realm of Atlantis. First appearing as the Sub-Mariner in the Marvel Comics #1 in 1939, Namor is among Marvel’s oldest characters, acting both as hero and villain in the years to follow.
Without seeking to offer spoilers, the film is phenomenally brilliant! And by far one of the best cinematic films in years. Seeking to be objective, my only critic would be that of the character IronHeart. Dominique Thorne’s inclusion was exceptional, and she gave an incredible account. By far one to watch for the future. However, i feel the writers went a little too far in her inclusion within the battle scenes towards the end of the film. If we look back at Avengers: Infinity Wars; Shiri was given time to be the scientist, and truly come into her own as a character through Black Panther. Especially with the upcoming Ironheart series release in 2023.
This aside, the film is a beautiful tribute that showcases a rich and diverse cultural heritage. A beautiful testiment to the late Chadwick Boseman, and if this is what we have in store for the future, we are in for a massive treat!
STAR rating, 5 / 5!
