Critical Analysis of Unrealistic Elements in Black Panther (2018) Movie

The Marvel film Black Panther (2018) has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, culture, and technology. However, several elements in the film remain highly unrealistic from both a scientific and cultural perspective. This article aims to critically analyze some of these aspects, providing insights that may enhance understanding and appreciation of the film.

Vibranium Technology

The vibranium, a fictional metal with extraordinary properties, forms the backbone of the technology showcased in the movie. Advanced devices such as flying cars and medical devices are advanced beyond our current capabilities, making the technology unrealistic. While the concept of vibranium enhances the fantastical nature of the film, it also highlights the gap between the film’s cinematic world and reality. This element creates a sense of wonder but also undermines the scientific plausibility of the narrative.

Wakanda's Isolation

Wakanda is depicted as a technologically advanced nation hidden from the world, reflecting a society without outside influence or discovery. This portrayal faces challenges in reality, especially given the highly interconnected modern world. Any nation, especially one with such isolation, would not be able to maintain its advanced status without the benefits of international trade, communication, and knowledge sharing. The film’s depiction of an isolated Wakanda is thus unrealistic, as it ignores the global interconnectedness of today's society.

Cultural Homogeneity

The rich and diverse culture of Wakanda is portrayed in the film, yet the society is depicted as somewhat homogeneous. In reality, any nation, particularly one as isolated as Wakanda, would exhibit a wide range of cultural influences and variations. This cultural homogeneity simplifies the story but fails to represent the complexity and diversity that might arise in an isolated yet technologically advanced society. The film's portrayal represents a romanticized version of a society rather than a realistic one.

Superhuman Abilities

Characters like T'Challa and Killmonger possess enhanced abilities due to the Heart-Shaped Herb. This element, while a staple of superhero narratives, remains highly fantastical and not grounded in reality. The idea of a plant granting superhuman powers is a product of science fiction, and its absence in real-world medicine is another aspect of the film's unrealistic elements. The motivations for using this herb, and the effects it has on characters, add to the fantastical nature of the film but also introduce elements that may be difficult to accept from a scientific standpoint.

Duel for Leadership

The tradition of challenging the king to a duel is rooted in some real historical practices, but the dramatization in the film overlooks the logistics and social ramifications in a modern society. Such a practice, if implemented, would likely lead to significant political and social upheaval, which are not fully explored in the film. The film’s portrayal of this tradition is more about enhancing the dramatic narrative than accurately depicting a real-world scenario, serving as a tool to highlight the clash of old and new in the context of the Wakandan monarchy.

Medical Advancements

The healing technology in Wakanda, including the use of vibranium in medical practices, is depicted as being far more advanced than what is currently possible. This creates a significant gap between the film's portrayal of medicine and real-world capabilities. The inclusion of such advanced medical technology serves to enhance the film’s fantastical nature but also highlights the limitations of scientific understanding at the time of the film's setting. Realistically, such advancements would require far more scientific research and development than what the film showcases.

Character Motivations and Conflicts

While Killmonger’s character motivations may be compelling, they oversimplify complex issues such as race identity and power dynamics. The film’s dramatic conflict serves to drive the narrative but may not fully account for the nuances of real-world issues. The simplification of these issues in the film serves the dramatic narrative but may not fully represent the complexity and depth of real-world challenges.

While these elements contribute to the film's fantastical nature, they are also what make Black Panther (2018) a unique and engaging film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The line between fantasy and reality creates a captivating world that continues to intrigue viewers and spark discussions about various real-world issues.