There has never been a film like Black Panther, of that there can be no doubt. It has broken so many box office records that no matter what you think of it, where it matters, [MONEY} it has been a huge success. I have been to see it twice (and yes, I did dress up). The second time with my 8-year-old and his Grandmother. They loved it and the really brilliant thing is that my boy doesn’t really see what all the fuss is about. An amazingly advanced African country where natural haired women are treated equally and one is the General.
So why do some people hate it so much? Because the fairy tale challenges the status quo. I mean why else is it being scrutinised like this? Did you hear any of this in relation to Iron Man, Avengers or Spiderman? In case you missed the memo, it is a comic book. I’ve spoken to people who thought it was going to be about the Black Panther civil rights movement and people who thought it was too violent. I suppose that is what happens when a film transcends its genre. That is the real success. People who have never watched a Marvel film were compelled, either through duty or because it was all anyone was talking about, to go and see it. If you haven’t, as of yet, I would advise you to see it for yourself. It isn’t a good Marvel, Black, Women’s or anything else kind of film. It is a quality, big budget Hollywood movie with the usual villain, love story, cliff hanger and happy ending. Thing is, all those things happen with predominantly Black ensemble. Now that is something different.
