Story
Black Panther continues on from the end of Captain America: Civil War. T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) is the son of the King of Wakanda, a seemingly third-world African nation. When his father dies, T’Challa returns to Wakanda, which has a closely guarded secret. Although it seems underdeveloped, the country is actually the most technologically advanced in the world and has an unlimited supply of the priceless metal Vibranium, which powers its technology. T’Challa’s coronation takes place, but not without incident, because a rival chieftain named M’Baku (Winston Duke) challenges T’Challa for the throne.
Following his coronation, T’Challa goes to America. He has received information about the infamous arms dealer Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), whom the Wakandans have been trying to capture for 20 years. The information reveals that Klaue, along with a ruthless and dangerous ally named Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), killed several people during a robbery in which they stole a priceless African mask made of Vibranium. T’Challa and Wakandan General O’Koye (Danai Gurira) capture and arrest Klaue. But Klaue escapes from jail in a daring raid, during which CIA operative Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) is shot in the back. T’Challa takes Ross back to Wakanda to be healed with Vibranium-powered technology.
Life becomes even more complicated for T’Challa when Killmonger arrives to challenge him for the throne. This has dire consequences.
Themes
Superheroes; civil war; child soldiers; revenge and betrayal
Violence
Black Panther has extended scenes of intense action violence, some of which is brutal. It also shows property destruction, many violent deaths, ritual violence and self-mutilation. For example:
Sexual references
Black Panther has some sexual references. For example:
- There are some remarks with sexual connotations about a man shooting his gun prematurely and the bullets not penetrating.
- Characters talk about a man who went to America and had an affair with an American woman, who then had a child. The man was killed and the child was abandoned by the rest of his family.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Black Panther shows some use of substances. For example:
- A woman drinks drugged coffee that leaves her unconscious.
- Two men drink a potion that gives them supernatural powers.
- People drink in a casino bar.
Nudity and sexual activity
Black Panther shows some nudity and sexual activity. For example, after committing a violent crime, two people become sexually excited as they escape in the back of an ambulance. They kiss each other passionately as the scene ends.
Product placement
Smart phones and luxury car brands are displayed and used in Black Panther.
Coarse language
Black Panther has some coarse language, name-calling and crude behaviour.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Black Panther is the latest movie featuring Marvel characters and the first to feature this black superhero. It’s aimed at older teenagers, adults and fans of Marvel movies. The movie’s actors, soundtrack, score, and scenery combine to make it entertaining and the storyline has real substance. There are several strong characters, including the female leads.
Black Panther isn’t recommended for children under 13 years, and we recommend parental guidance for children aged 13-15 years. That’s because the intense and brutal violence is shown in a way that’s likely to make the violent scenes seem more real to younger viewers.
These are the main messages from this movie:
- World inequality and disadvantage must be addressed. We are all one people so we should look after each other.
- Wise people build bridges, and foolish people build barriers.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include selflessness. You could also talk about how a nation’s wealth and resources could be distributed to help those who need support.