Why Black Panther Was So Good | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Black Panther Was So Good

Not too spoilery... but you've been warned

693
Why Black Panther Was So Good
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2018/02/21/636548328893531578-1721888926_blackpanthermovie-191922-1280x0.png

Yes, I know. You've seen quite a few other articles that have the same tagline; why we all love Black Panther. I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure my reasons are going to be spectacularly different than anyone else's. But here goes. Here's why I really liked Black Panther. I did my best to keep major spoilers out of here. But you've been warned if you want to go into the movie theater with a clean slate don't read this.

1. Stong female characters.

I feel as though this is kind of the first thing everyone says about Black Panther, but it's true. The female characters in Black Panther were amazing. They were complicated characters, and not just when it was convenient. They were warriors and scientists, sisters, lovers, and mothers, none of these aspects over dominating any of their other traits. Most importantly the love they had for the men around them did not define them and they had other motivations such as loyalty, morality, and honor.

2. While the African nation the movie takes place in, Wakanda, is fictional the costumes worn by the actors did reflex that of real African culture and fashion.

It wasn't an exact match, which makes sense because ever country and groups of people in Africa have their own style so why wouldn't Wakanda's? For instance, the Basotho people who live in Lesotho wear blankets to protect them from the elements and the characters who wore them in Black Panther seemed to have a similar farming and shepherding lifestyle as the Basotho. Also, the writing that is seen in the background of various scenes draws heavily on Nsibidi a language that is found in current day southeast Nigeria. Honestly, there are several other examples of this and I highly recommend looking them it's extremely interesting.

3. This story is different than other Marvel heroes for several reasons.

One of the biggest is a hero with a strong culture that he get's power from. His darker skin and heritage is his strength and is celebrated in this film. Few of the other Marvel superheroes had a strong culture and none of them were black. This movie is long past due but it does a wonderful job.

4. Black Panther doesn't just cover African culture it touches on the struggle of those of African descent living in other countries and is not shy about pinpointing the exact problem in modern day America and where it started.

The villain who emerges is complex and sympathetic. He seems erratic but when you look closer you can see the strategy and careful reasoning behind his decisions.

So there. Four reasons you should see Black Panther. It also had it's funny moments and surprise twists. It may not have been perfect, but it touched on important points in our modern day society, something not many Marvel (or many other superhero movies in general) ever bother trying to do.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1597
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16402
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3445
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments