4.5/5 Stars

“Black Panther” has made a statement on the human condition and creatively touches on issues that are relevant to the time. Being the new installment of the Marvel universe, “Black Panther” has hit theaters and continued to break record sales.

Director Ryan Coogler (“Creed”) illuminates the responsibilities people of color have to endure in order to protect and serve one another. Black Panther follows the story of the new renowned king T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman, “Marshall”) after the fatal death of his father. T’Challa, better known as Black Panther, embodies the sacrifices and eminence decisions a leader must make to help people no matter what color, background or place they are from. T’Challa’s power is challenged when Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan, “Creed”) comes back to his motherland and unleashes secrets that questions T’Challa’s reign over Wakanda.

Jordan brought to life one of the most ruthless and well-contrived black villians to date. Erik is a product of hate and frustration and centuries’ worth of political and social mistreatment of people of color in the world.  Script writers Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole carefully fabricated a monster that many African Americans can relate to and understand, making the message of the film all more impactful.

The choices each character makes provide hope to the audiences watching for a better future.  Though the film was very political, it was not overbearing or uncomfortable to hear Erik’s intentions because of the history of race relations embedded in American culture. “Black Panther” highlights the feelings many African Americans have as they continue to battle for their rights in a country that has done them wrong.

The visual effects used to demonstrate the powers of Wakanda was done remarkably, as it immensely enhances the story and the relevance of the technology used. New upcoming star Letitia Wright, mostly known for her role in the last episode of season four of “Black Mirror,” plays the most intelligent person in the Marvel Universe, Shuri, T’Challa’s younger sister and the genius behind the equipment used to help accomplish missions to preserve Wakanda’s living condition. Wright clearly depicts Shuri’s character with wit and grace as she continues to reinvent and fulfill her duties for her country.

All the women serve to protect and encourage women to take charge.  Introduced as T’Challa’s love interest, Nakia plays an important role in keeping faith and standing strong no matter the struggles one may face to protect their beliefs, values or loved one. Nyong’o’s portrayal of Nakia  convinces audiences to believe in the impending destruction of the world as she scrambles to assemble a team to shield the powers built within the Wakanda empire. The female characters demonstrate elegance, honor and intelligence as they work together to fight for Wakanda.

The message of the film is to fight for what is right and so the right way, instead of repeating history by instilling the same techniques of the many colonists that did so in the past. T’Challa makes his own path by correcting the wrongs of his ancestors. “Black Panther” opens a conversation about race by pointing out the history of the world and the impact it has had in the black community. This film glorifies the progression and forgiveness black people have made to live in harmony without causing people of different races to feel uneasy.

Image from Marvel Entertainment via YouTube.com