Review Of Black Panther Film: Wakanda Forever, Packing Serious Topics With Contemporary Packaging

Black Phanter: Wakanda Forever (Photo: Marvel)

The passing of actor Chadwick Boseman two years ago also caused sorrow, loss, and questions: "How is the Wakanda Kingdom without Black Panther?". This question became a premise in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The departure of the king, the protector of Wakanda, injured many people. This makes the royal leaders have to continue to be strong and fight to protect their country from attack by troops -- even so tough and challenging. Wakanda is now led by Queen Ramonda (played by Angela Bassett) -- mother of T'Challa and Shuri (played by Letitia Wright). The kingdom, previously segregated, has now become known by the world thanks to the leadership of the late king. However, since his departure, Wakanda has been the target of many nations to be contested, because of its wealthy vibranium resources.

Moreover, Wakanda guards had time to find a number of mercenaries who tried to enter the country's technology center and tried to take the vibranium by force. However, they were arrested, and angered Queen Ramonda in the presence of the United Nations (UN) for daring to attack her nation.

Meanwhile, the threat to Wakanda apparently not only above the ground surface but also emerged from below the sea. There is an underwater country called Talokan that is hidden, and is under the orders of Namor (played by Tenoch Huerta Mejia).

Quoted from ANTARA, Namor aims to fight those who try to take on the natural resources of its territory while looking for allies to help it fight. He also targeted Riri Williams (played by Dominique Thorne) who turned out to be involved in the creation of technology that was detrimental to the Talokan Kingdom. Despite having many characters -- both old and new -- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has one relevant focus and is not much different from her first film, namely about capturing the meaning of loss, sacrifice, and heroism. Each character has a different view of these topics.

Director Ryan Coogler, who is back on the scene with Joe Robert Cole, continues Black Panther's legacy in a carefully structured story, expanded themes wisely, and has a strong emotional impact on anyone who watches it.

T'Challa's death left other key characters in "Black Panther" with impactive character development. The people behind T'Challa -- most of whom are women -- have their own way of mourning and facing loss.

Basset dan Wright, yang memiliki peran vital dalam film, tampil begitu luar biasa dalam memainkan karakternya. Pun dengan Danai Gurira sebagai Jenderal Okeye, dan Lupita Nyong'o sebagai Nakia. Bagai besar emosi yang diluas, airah yang harus diusap, dan darah yang harus dipertangkan.

How these characters go so far -- seems to also reflect these filmmakers undergoing a sequel without the Boseman figure -- Coogler's drive, strength and strong passion and team to keep this legacy alive.

Not only struggling with serious things, Wakanda Forever also has an exciting action element. There is also a comedy spice with the right portion, as well as the introduction of new characters such as Namor and Riri who of course have a continuation in the MCU.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is arguably different from MCU Phase 4 films and content. Sekuel comes with a slow-burn story, but still immersive. The duration of 2 hours 41 minutes did not pass because the story, visuals, and voices were so stunning.

Sinematographer Autumn Durald (Palo Alto, Beastie Boys Story) neatly brings the audience into the world of Wakanda and Talokan. This beauty is even more perfect when watched on the widest screen that you can visit.

Director Coogler also collaborated with a number of his old collaborators, including editor Michael P. Shawver, designer produced by trace Beachler, decoration arranger Marlie Arnold and Jason T. Clark, visual arranger of Geoffrey Baumann's effect, costume arranger Ruth E. Carter, and composer Ludwig Goransson.

The audio in this film is no less beautiful than the visuals shown. Raransson's scoring -- which won an Oscar for Black Panther (2018), coupled with Rihanna's theme song Lift Me Up, is a complete combination for this film. Overall, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the perfect tribute to memory and celebrate the legacy left by Black Panther -- Chadwick Boseman.

The heroes of Wakanda Forever struggle for their lives, their nation, and their king who has not been so brave. The courage was not only judged by how many wounds were left on the skin, but also how someone was able to accept the fragility of themselves, to rise as a soldier.

Indeed, a sequel doesn't feel complete without the original hero, however, everyone involved in this film is trying to fill the void.

T'Challa is gone, but, somewhere, she smiles -- feeling so much love that her nation has. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres November 9 in Indonesian cinemas.