Movie Review: Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler (Four Stars)

Movie Review: Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler

(Four Stars)

“In times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.”

All the action fun we expect from Marvel movies, with a side of introspection and angst. Set in fictional Wakanda (approximately co-locus with Rwanda in Africa’s Great Rift Valley), the story revolves around the internal and external struggles of an technologically advanced nation which poses as poster child for third-world subsistence. Visually stunning.

“You are a good man, with a good heart. And it’s hard for a good man to be a king.”

Lots of conflict, loyalties and heroism. The focal point of all the angst is T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), king of Wakanda, but even his opponents have good lines. Quibble: if you know how to “turn off” vibranium, do you tell a CIA agent?

“They knew death was better than bondage.”

Lot of female empowerment, though Marvel’s idea of female power tends to have a prurient side. Among the notable women characters, Shuri (Letita Wright) almost steals the show.

“Don’t freeze.”