Why Were People More Outraged With Black Panther's Success Than They Were With Crazy Rich Asians?

Is it a mystery to you why some people were more outraged by the success of Marvel's Black Panther than by the global popularity of the movie Crazy Rich Asians? Yes, it is as perplexing to me as it may be to you. In the years I have attended the theater multiple times to watch Black Panther, I've never heard about or read complaints about its widespread acclaim.

Similarly, although I haven't yet had the opportunity to watch Crazy Rich Asians, I've heard nothing about any complaints against its success. My local theater didn't show it, and none of the streaming services I use listed it. This comparison is purely based on the lack of complaints rather than any definitive conclusions about the films.

Reflecting on the Grounds for Southeast Asian Success

Crazy Rich Asians achieved significant cultural and commercial success by telling a story about an Asian family in Singapore and Singaporeans. It resonated with audiences due to its authenticity, representation of Asian culture, and successful marketing strategy. The film tapped into a growing desire for narratives that reflect the diversity and richness of Asian experiences and identities.

On the other hand, Black Panther, while having a groundbreaking presence with its all-black cast and African-inspired setting, also stumbled in some aspects that garnered mixed reactions. The film received widespread praise but also faced criticism for certain plot points and characterizations.

Critics React to Black Panther: Misunderstandings and Influences

Apart from the cultural representation, one must also consider the narrative challenges in Black Panther. The highly intricate world-building of Wakanda, while visually stunning, faced criticism for its historical inaccuracies and anachronisms. For instance, the concept of a nation as advanced as Wakanda still relying on a king and a form of ritual combat to decide succession is seen as unrealistic. The portrayal of a child leading the nation's research and development (RD) is also questioned for its plausibility.

The film's antagonist, though a formidable character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), also faced criticism. His flawed logic and intentions in terms of utilizing vibranium to spark revolutions in Africa are seen as illogical and misguided.

The Key to Successful Film Marketing and Aesthetics

Marketing plays a vital role in the success of a film. Crazy Rich Asians was marketed with a strong emphasis on the cultural significance and the diverse representation it offered. The film's success was also due to its connection with a growing market for films that feature more Asian representation on screen. In contrast, while Black Panther was marketed as a revolutionary milestone for representation, it sometimes fell short in its narrative coherence and cultural sensitivity.

Conclusion

This comparison between Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians is not about creating a competition but about understanding the dynamics of film success and the challenges filmmakers face in balancing cultural representation with cinematic storytelling. While Crazy Rich Asians resonated with audiences through its cultural authenticity, Black Panther struggled with some plot points that detracted from its impact.

Ultimately, the success of any film is a complex interplay of factors including story, marketing, cultural resonance, and critical reception. It's important to recognize both the achievements and the shortcomings of these films to appreciate their contributions to the cinematic landscape.