BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

US, 2022, 161 minutes, Colour.

Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurire, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Tenoch Huerta Mejia, Martin Freeman Julia Louis-Dreyfuss.

Directed by Ryan Coogler.

Chadwick Boseman made a strong impression as King T’Chalia, the Black Panther, not only in the film of that name but appearances also in Captain America and two The Avengers movies. This sequel pays tribute to him, pictures and posters of him during the opening sequences, and more at the end to remind us of his pervading presence.

The kingdom of Wakanda is presented as Africa’s most progressive country, and the source of an element much sought after by other countries,vibranium, including some unscrupulous American authorities. The kingdom, after the battles in the previous film, is at peace, ruled over by the late T’Chalia’s mother, Queen Ramonda (an always dignified Angela Bassett). Wakanda is also very advanced in experimental technology, the realm of T’Chalia’s, sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright). Eventually, this episode of Black Panther history and action will become hers.

In the meantime, a strange civilisation that can survive under water, led by a strong, sometimes vicious, warrior who can fly, project himself at speed, Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejia), confronts the authorities of Wakanda, especially as to possession of vibranium. (The creatures of this kingdom look as if they might be blue cousins of the realm of Avatar.)

So, the scene is set for action-adventure, Marvel Universe-style.

The sequences in the kingdom of Wakanda are visually impressive. There is a visit to the United Nations, visits to Boston, Washington, all in connection with the ownership of vibranium.

But, while there is a development of various characters in the kingdom, especially Shuri, her friends and research associates, the female military squad, the audience may have the impression to take away of continuous battle sequences. And, there are many  and more!

Ultimately, the action moves into the realm of the superheroes, the attack by Namor and his cohorts, the death of the Queen, the mantle falling on Shuri, the technological experiments (including an ability to visit the after-world which includes a sequence featuring the deceased, from the previous film, Killmonger, Michael B.Jordan).

And, of course, this will mean a confrontation between Shuri and Namor, and the strategy of keeping him out of water which he needs to renew his strength.

The ending is not quite as anticipated – Shuri visiting Haiti, and she and the audience discovering more about T’Chilia and his family, and the prospects of what futures sequels will be like, especially when this story ends with an allegedly peaceful pact with Namor. And, after the final credits, the promise that Black Panther will return.

1. Black Panther in the Marvel universe? Previous films? His own film? The kingdom of what candour? Prosperity, development? Role in the world? The importance of Chadwick Boseman as T’Chalia, his death, but his presence pervading this film, images at beginning and end, the influence on the plot?
2. The visuals of Wakanda, the cities, the people, ordinary life, the people in the caves in the hills, the royal palace, Shuri and her experiments, those working with her? The role of Queen Romanda, taking charge of the kingdom?
3. The international situation, the United Nations meeting in Geneva, the American representation, the French, the challenge to the Queen, wanting vibranium? The machinations? Later, behind-the-scenes, Ross, his connection with work under, his life saved, his relationship with his wife, tensions, her arrogance, manipulations, scorn?
4. Nomar, his tribe, in blue, masks, living beneath the sea, his own need for water, his ability to fly, move swiftly, his confronting Wakanda?
5. The ships, the research, the bottom of the sea? The threat to Nomar and his tribe? The attacks, the playing of the sounds, the crew all walking to the edge and falling into the water?
6. The attack on Wakanda, the confrontation with the Queen, the flood, her death?
7. Shuri, her personality, studying, reference for her brother, the contacts in Boston and the helping with her research, the visit to Haiti, her sister-in-law, persuading her to come to Wakanda?
8. The experiments, the armour and disguise, her inheriting it, perfect fit? Her experiments to travel beyond this world, meeting Killmonger, memories of the past?
9. Nomar and his attack, the battles, his followers? The buildup to the confrontation between Shuri and Nomar, the strategy of keeping him out of the water? Success, his submission, calling off the attack?
10. The possibilities for a peaceful future? Get the scenes of no more with his cousin, waiting patiently for a further attack?
11. Shuri, the visit Haiti, the discovery of her nephew, his role as the future Prince?