Black Panther Movie Review
I'll admit, when I first saw the trailer for Marvel's new Black Panther movie, I wasn't inclined to see the movie. But then, in prayer, I found myself examining why I hadn't wanted to see the film. Perhaps because the movie didn't feature any characters that looked like me? Perhaps I didn't like the accents that I'd heard, or care to participate in the ever-tense racial relationships and hate-filled social commentary I'd heard.
But then, in prayer again, I found myself feeling a real pull to see the film. I'd been extremely excited to see Wonder Woman, starring Gal Gadot, because of the strong message of female empowerment. My initial hesitance to see Black Panther was perhaps a result of allowing my so-called feminist mindset get out of check. If I was so excited to see a woman portrayed on screen, why wasn't I equally excited for my black brothers and sisters in Christ to receive equal representation on film, in one of the largest minority-driven feature films ever made.
I repented to God for my lack of understanding, and bought myself and my husband tickets for the Monday night show at 7 o'clock. When I logged on to select my seats, I was shocked to find the movie was almost sold out! We nabbed seats in the second row from the screen, but gladly arched our neck upward to watch the cinematic history unfolding before our eyes.
The movie was absolutely packed. I am both pleased and ashamed to say that I was a minority in the screening as a white person. I am pleased because so many people of color came out and spent their money to support their own representation on screen. I am ashamed because the blockbuster success of white-centered superhero films did not seem to translate to Black Panther for others of my race. I almost allowed the backward way of thinking stop me from seeing a film that truly inspired and amazed me.
Black Panther was two hours and 19 minutes of pure power, strength, beauty, action, and drama. I found myself intrigued by the substance of the story, which took on much larger themes than many other superhero movies I've watched over the years. Colonization, isolationism, social justice, racial relations, and so many other themes were addressed in the film, but never in a way that felt uncomfortable or took away from the story at all. I think that this film can truly be enjoyed by people of all races at any age, of any background.
I am proud to say that I saw this film, because I truly do want to dedicate my life to giving a voice to the voiceless. I am so grateful that God helped me check my own viewpoints and positions and drove me to see one of the best films I've seen in my lifetime.
If you haven't seen Black Panther, go out and show your support for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are finally seeing a small glimpse of the representation in our society that they deserve.
But then, in prayer again, I found myself feeling a real pull to see the film. I'd been extremely excited to see Wonder Woman, starring Gal Gadot, because of the strong message of female empowerment. My initial hesitance to see Black Panther was perhaps a result of allowing my so-called feminist mindset get out of check. If I was so excited to see a woman portrayed on screen, why wasn't I equally excited for my black brothers and sisters in Christ to receive equal representation on film, in one of the largest minority-driven feature films ever made.
I repented to God for my lack of understanding, and bought myself and my husband tickets for the Monday night show at 7 o'clock. When I logged on to select my seats, I was shocked to find the movie was almost sold out! We nabbed seats in the second row from the screen, but gladly arched our neck upward to watch the cinematic history unfolding before our eyes.
The movie was absolutely packed. I am both pleased and ashamed to say that I was a minority in the screening as a white person. I am pleased because so many people of color came out and spent their money to support their own representation on screen. I am ashamed because the blockbuster success of white-centered superhero films did not seem to translate to Black Panther for others of my race. I almost allowed the backward way of thinking stop me from seeing a film that truly inspired and amazed me.
Black Panther was two hours and 19 minutes of pure power, strength, beauty, action, and drama. I found myself intrigued by the substance of the story, which took on much larger themes than many other superhero movies I've watched over the years. Colonization, isolationism, social justice, racial relations, and so many other themes were addressed in the film, but never in a way that felt uncomfortable or took away from the story at all. I think that this film can truly be enjoyed by people of all races at any age, of any background.
I am proud to say that I saw this film, because I truly do want to dedicate my life to giving a voice to the voiceless. I am so grateful that God helped me check my own viewpoints and positions and drove me to see one of the best films I've seen in my lifetime.
If you haven't seen Black Panther, go out and show your support for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are finally seeing a small glimpse of the representation in our society that they deserve.
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