"The revolution will not be televised, the revolution will be live."

I am now ready to talk about Black Panther coherently. Still a bit overwhelmed by such an epic and brilliant film, but more or less ready to speak about it more constructively.

To put it bluntly, technically Black Panther is absolutely breathtaking. These visuals are out of this world and I'm so happy I've had the privilege to witness them in large formats (RPX 3D and IMAX 3D). The cinematography in this film is just stunning, this looks unlike anything Marvel has put out. From the grimy neon lit streets of Korea, to the florescent blue floating train passage, to the afrofuturistic settings of Wakanda - Black Panther can be a bit overwhelming to look at on the big screen. From the radiant sun to the lavender enveloping the sky this is visual eye candy through and through. The editing is mostly excellent. At times the editing is a bit clunky in pace but for the most part it's excellent. The costume design and set pieces are absolutely gorgeous. The score is very tribal and afrocentric and adds to the films afro theme. This is by far the most unique film Marvel has created in terms of technicalities the only other I can think of that comes close is Ragnarok. What Disney has crafted with the world of Wakanda is just mesmerizing.

The cast. The cast! Oh where does one begin with the cast. This cast is sublime from beginning to end. Every single character has their own psyche and their own motives, these are multi layered characters polar opposite to the conventional characters you get in a MCU film. I could list off every character who does an amazing job but it would serve no purpose, this entire cast murders it. These performances are full of emotion, power, and rawness. It's not usual to see actual amazing performances but this film delivers amazing performances. The scene between Lupita and Danai as they have an argument with one another was just so well done I was completely moved. And anyone who watched this film is going to love Shuri.

It's no surprise that Black Panther is immensely political, at times a little too on the nose. But the politics of this film are absolutely necessary. As I addressed in my previous review, Black Panther is a cumulative analysis of blackness and a celebration of blackness. That's not to say black panther is "anti-white" no idea where that narrative is from, but this is an unapologetically black film. From motifs like colonization, corruption, chaos vs order, family, and unity. The sole message of black panther is one that black audiences will resonate with. There's much to be taken out of the film for non-black audiences, but this film has a big message for its black viewers and I hope this message manages to uplift and empower its target demographic.

Black Panther is without a doubt one of Marvel's most grand creations yet. Breaking the mold of the conventional releases Marvel often pushes out, Black Panther is a breath of fresh air. Black Panther isn't just a showcase of why representation is so beautiful it's a powerfully abrasive work of cinema. This was my second time watching it and as the film ended the theater was filled with clapping from the packed theater giving it a standing ovation. Seeing everyone so full of joy and embracing each other because a film brought them together is possibly the most beautiful thing. Unfamiliar civilians conversing politely full of smiles and warmth, to me that is unity. Black Panther has never been more necessary than it is now.

"Wakanda forever!"