Black Panther (2018)

In this article, we will be looking at 2019’s book “1001 Movies to See Before You Die” and going through each film in a random order that I have chosen. We will be looking at what constitutes this film to be on the list and whether I think this film deserves to be here at all. I want to make perfectly clear that I won’t be revealing details from this book such as analyses by film reporters who have written about the film in question, so if you want the book itself you’ll have to buy it. But I will be covering the book’s suggestions on which films should be your top priority. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that everyone reading this article has probably watched many of these movies anyway. But we are just here to have a bit of fun. We’re going to not just look at whether it should be on this list but we’re also going to look at why the film has such a legacy at all. Remember, this is the 2019 version of the book and so, films like “Joker” will not be featured in this book and any film that came out in 2020 (and if we get there, in 2021). So strap in and if you have your own suggestions then don’t hesitate to email me using the address in my bio. Let’s get on with it then.

Black Panther (2018) dir. by Ryan Coogler

Let’s all admit it, “Black Panther” was the ultimate superhero movie. Starring the late legend Chadwick Boseman who formerly portrayed James Brown in “Get on Up”, rising star Michael B. Jordan who also portrays Apollo Creed’s son in the “Rocky” spin-off “Creed” and one of my favourite actresses of all time Lupita Nyong’o - this film is a testament to great acting, great writing and amazing storytelling. Released at a world premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on January 29th, this film became the highest grossing solo-superhero film of all time and went on to be in the top ten highest grossing films of all time. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a positive overall review with the critics’ consensus reading: “Black Panther elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights while telling one of the MCU's most absorbing stories—and introducing some of its most fully realised characters.”

The Chicago-Sun Times weighed in on the movie stating that the film had: "finely honed storytelling with a Shakespearean core; winning performances from an enormously talented ensemble; provocative premises touching on isolationism, revolution and cultures of oppression, and oh yeah, tons of whiz-bang action sequences and good humour.”

Whilst USA Today stated the following about the film: "While the themes are deep, Black Panther is at the same time a visual joy to behold, with confident quirkiness, insane action sequences and special effects, and the glorious reveal of Wakanda.”

Of course, we cannot ignore the cultural impact that it has had. From the purple carpet being rolled out by people dressed in African attire and the cast wearing the royal robes of their heritage, the cultural impact has made a giant difference when it comes to how African-American films are made and viewed. Erlanger Turner, a Professor at the University of Houston stated the following about the cultural impact of “Black Panther”:

“Many have wondered why Black Panther means so much to the black community and why schools, churches and organisations have come to the theatres with so much excitement. The answer is that the movie brings a moment of positivity to a group of people often not the centrepiece of Hollywood movies... [Racial and ethnic socialisation] helps to strengthen identity and helps reduce the likelihood on internalising negative stereotypes about one's ethnic group.”

The film went on the win three Academy Awards, an American Music Award, BET Awards, a Billboard Music Award, a BAFTA, a few Critics’ Choice Awards, three Golden Globes, five People’s Choice awards and many more.

A sequel has been talked about and is set for release in 2022 however, of course, it will sadly be without its King. Hopefully in the sequel, they maintain the brilliant legacy that Chadwick Boseman left for us to appreciate.