Black Panther 2: A Beautiful Contemplation of Loss and Vengeance Review of “Wakanda Forever”

MOVIE REVIEWS

November 08, 2022 at 6:00 p.m

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” will soon start in German cinemas and we were able to experience the film in advance. “Black Panther 2” is a beautiful and deeply sad work that never loses hope and optimism.

at Don’t miss Disney+ highlights! from 8.99 dollars*

advertisement

On November 9, 2022, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the new blockbuster from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), will be released in German cinemas. It is the sequel to the 2018 film “Black Panther” and tells the story of the kingdom of Wakanda after the sudden death of King T’Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman in the first film). This event refers to the actual death of the actor.

We are introduced to the new reality of the film in a highly emotional and sensitive manner, and Chadwick Boseman hovers over the entire film like a heavy shadow. But even if “Wakanda Forever” is about coping with grief, Chadwick Boseman’s death is by no means the focus. Without paying too little respect to the tragic loss, the film manages wonderfully to create a life of its own.

As Shuri (magnificently played by Letitia Wright) and all of Wakanda mourn the loss of T’Challa, a new force rises from the sea: Namor (the charismatic Tenoch Huerta) and his Atlantis, dubbed the Talokan. Together with Wakanda, he wants to declare war on the rest of the world because he sees his home and wealth, vibranium, endangered.

In fact, it ignites a sort of political thriller centered around the greed of some countries claiming vibranium. It’s very exciting and we feel reminded of “The Return of the First Avenger”, but don’t worry: the “political” storyline is still “amusing” enough for families, because Martin Freeman in particular handles the political part and sees to it his witty way for amusement.

But not only the “The Hobbit” star knows how to loosen up the sometimes very sad film with humor. Winston Duke is back as M’Baku and once again lets his charisma run wild! However, the comedic highlight is a trip to the USA by Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Shuri. However, we do not want to anticipate too much.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is a political thriller, an action comedy and a philosophical work about grief processing – and last but not least revenge. The film wants to be a lot and it succeeds brilliantly! Rarely have the ingredients in a Marvel film been so well balanced! And a sad work so hopeful!

Totally balanced as all things should be.

Should Thanos describe this movie

Director Ryan Coogler manages to unleash a cinematic impact, as he did with the first “Black Panther” film. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” even tops the whole thing and is one of the best, if not the best second part of all Marvel films.

“Black Panther 2” succeeds in telling an independent and gripping story, balancing humor, tragedy, suspense and action and also adding new aspects to the overarching story of the MCU. The aimlessness often criticized in the previous films of the fourth Marvel phase is not to be found here. “Wakanda Forever” knows exactly where he wants to go and is extremely single-minded.

We would also like to mention the film music as outstanding. Ludwig Göransson had already won an Oscar for his music for the first “Black Panther”. Now the “The Mandalorian” composer proves once again that he is one of the best in his field. Hardly any composer unleashes such energy in the cinema as Göransson. Above all, the use of rap and singing in his entire work is outstanding. It doesn’t feel like a film score, it feels like an exciting mixtape.

Antagonist Namor can definitely hold a candle to Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan from the first film). Tenoch Huerta (known from “Narcos: Mexico”) plays his role wonderfully likeable. However, since he pursues – shall we say – difficult goals, his manner is at times reminiscent of Christoph Waltz: so ass-friendly that we forget he’s the bad guy. Also, the Namor costume looks super cool. All of Talokan looks stunning. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is a film to marvel at!

Last but not least, Angela Bassett deserves a special mention. The actress gets a lot of strong character moments and knows how to use them. Rarely has a star performance in a Marvel film been so compelling. Chapeau!