Glamsquad Magazine April 2018

ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT
ALL THE REASONS
WE LOVE BLACK
PANTHER
showcases a complete dose of
melanin and portrays the strength
of women and how well women
can manage power and positions
when given the opportunity.
Set in the fictional country of
Wakada - a perfect juxtaposition
of ancient African and
contemporary technology,
Black Panther revealed how the
balance between monarchy and
democracy can be managed
(a concept often discredited by
the West). The movie showcases
an ideal society where Africa
actualizes it’s potential for
advancement and women are at
the fulcrum.
As far as feminism goes, this
movie is Janet Jackson’s black
feminist quote come to life. Janet
is quoted saying “Black women
possess a special indestructible
strength that allows us to not only
get down, but to get up, to get
through, and to get over.” Through
the characters of the Dora Milaje,
Shuri and Nakia, the strength and
resilience of the black woman
was showcased and celebrated.
It is impossible to discuss Black
Panther and not touch on the
theme of beauty! Yes, beauty!
This movie speaks volumes in
the promotion of Black pride.
The women all adorned natural
cuts (every member of the Dora
Milage cuts her hair
bald), beautiful natural
fros (as shown on
princess Nakia) and
dreads – which was
shown beautifully on
Shuri (played by Letitia
Wright).
Celebrity stylist, Camille
Friend who was the
lead hairstylist on the
movie set was quoted
saying “In this movie,
there is no press and comb. This
is the true beauty of an African
Woman”. Now isn’t that amazing?!
This deliberate celebration of
black beauty in its most organic
form has come at a time of great
importance. It comes at a time
where for many black women,
being yourself and wearing your
natural locks, has become a
highly politicized act.
Yes, we have witnessed many
a great movies in the past and
Black Panther will not be the last
of them, but this movie speaks
to many important cultural and
political themes. Black Panther
is a both a celebration of the
Visionary dream of Africa Rising
and a celebration of the very
essence of black womanhood.
It leaves a lasting impression
and wistful hope-or some may
argue, inspiration, that will last
for generations to come. If you
have not seen this movie, you
had better hurry - there really is
no forgivable under the sun to not
see Black Panther in Cinemas. For
our path, we rate the movie a 4
out of 5. So go on and join in on
the Black Panther fever while you
still can. Wakanda Forever!
By Sebastiane Ebathemehi
Running Time: 2Hours, 17Mins.
Director: Ryan Coogler
Production: Marvel Studios
Major Cast: Chadwick Boseman,
Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B.
Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Angela
Bassett, Danai Gurira, Letitia
Wright.
With only a few weeks left
before Black Panther
leaves Cinemas for
good, we’re here to tell you all the
reasons why you should absolutely
see what can only be described
as History In the Making before it’s
too late.
Like you must have heard about
a million times, Black Panther is
a movie like no other. This first of
it’s kind from the Marvel, Black
Panther has raised the bar in
positioning Africa, women –
particularly black women at the
very top! The movie paints Africa
in all colours of the rainbow but
tells the tale in shades of black
through culture and women – and
we loved it!
The story which is deeply rooted
in African culture and tradition,
tells the tale of T’challa - a true
African King who has the tough
decision to make of honoring
time preserved traditions or
risking breaking those traditions
to step out of exclusion and
into the modern world. T’Challa
the heir apparent to the throne
has an all-female warrior team
(referred to as ‘Dora Milage’) as
his bodyguards. Yes, all women
– African women. Black Panther
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