Caitlin Baker | @c8linbaker
22/11/2022
This action packed Marvel blockbuster lays heavy on the heart with its clear tribute to Chadwick Boseman.
The only thing missing from this action packed, 2 hours 41 minutes, Marvel Studios feature is Chadwick Boseman's presence. Boseman was sadly unable to reprise his recurring role of T'Challa, the Black Panther, due to passing away in 2020 at just 49 years old. This left many fans worried that director Ryan Coogler would attempt to somewhat skip over T'Challa's passing throughout the film with no respect to be shown for Boseman. Coogler managed to do the complete opposite with the entirety of the film feeling like a tribute to Boseman, "I’ve lost people before where I wasn’t in a position to show the world how I felt about it. And on this one we did have an opportunity. And we didn’t want to miss that moment." The film has a beautiful ambience to it, one that makes you feel warm and gooey (not so much during the fighting sequences). You can avidly tell that Boseman left a mark on his fellow cast mates hearts with touching performances from Letitia Wright (Shuri), Angela Bassett (Ramonda) and Danai Gurira (Okoye).
“Ryan wore a necklace with Chad’s picture on it every day of the shoot. There was no doubt that this was a tribute and celebration of Chad.” - Kevin Feige (Marvel Chief)
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The film begins in Wakanda with its people mourning the loss of their king, T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman). The loss of T'Challa weighs heavy on the viewers heart for the entirety of the film with the phenomenal acting from the cast, although I'm sure their tears were partly real. Ramonda talks to the United Nations and reveals the French's attempt to steal their vibranium. The plot then leads us on a journey to the people of Talocan and their ruler Namor the Sub-Mariner which, you guessed it, is our villian. Namor, a mutant with the ability to survive both on land and sea, seeks out Shuri (Letitia Wright) and her mother, Ramonda (Angela Bassett) to join forces to help stop foreigners from taking vibranium and to also kill the scientist who created the machine which was able to locate the vibranium, but insists that if they do not accept, they can not get in his way. Shuri and Ramonda 'politely' decline. We're then whisked away to meet Iron Heart formally known as Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) after she is found to be a teen tech genius who invented the machine the government is using to track vibranium without her knowledge. Shuri and Riri are taken after the FBI fins them at Riri's lab and cause a car chase with it ending in Talokens finding and taking both Shuri and Riri. They are both saved by Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) and taken to Wakanda. Namor, now angry at Wakanda decides break in and flood the city causing an all out war. After an explosion Riri starts drowning, so Ramonda swims to save her. She is able to get Riri to safety, but only to drown in the process. Shuri decides to use Namor's mother's bracelet to create the artificial heart-shaped herb which is able to turn her into the next Black Panther. It's then decided that they will draw the Talokens to them and fight. The plot then leads to an epic fight scene between the Taloken and the Dora Milaje. Shuri manages to get Namor into a hovercraft which is able to heat his body up to make him weak. Namor destroys the machine and it lands on a dusty island. Shuri and Namor battle it out with Shuri having the upper hand, almost winning the battle until she sees a vision of her deceased mother and decides not to go through with it. Shuri and Namor decide to be civil and live in peace, or so it seems. In Haiti, Shuri meets with Nakia before leaving for the beach where she burns her funeral ceremonial robe, allowing her to finally grieve.
As an avid marvel watcher this film is now one of my favourites. It allows us to mourn both T'Challa and Boseman all while demonstrating the raw talent of the director, Ryan Coogler, and the cast. This film made me feel passion while watching it, passion for Wakanda and its fight. I was so immersed that part way through it's as if I forgot it was a film and it was real, sort of like a maladaptive daydream. This film quite obviously deals with the themes of loss, anger, and bargianing while also incorporating humour, love, and honour which makes it an emotional rollercoaster that I'd happily ride again. The target audience for this film can range from children to adults, it's an action packed sob story fit for anyone regardless of age, race, gender etc. I can see the film being of use to someone who has lost someone close to them as a visual representation of dealing with pain and letting go. This film is an easy 5/5 stars ticking all the boxes with action, romance, humour, and loss.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is in theatres now.
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