There was a line across the entire theatre and I could barely find a seat. My jaw dropped just two minutes into the actual movie, and there was more audience participation and cheers than any movie I’ve ever been in.

The premiere of this “Black Panther” was long anticipated by Marvel fans and supporters of diversity alike. It was advertised as the first black superhero movie, and many people around me in the forty minute-long line were only there to see history be made. I was one of those people.

I should start this with a disclaimer: I’m not a superhero fan, and like most of West’s population, I am white. However, I can recognize the magnitude of a majority-African cast in a major Hollywood film, and I couldn’t wait to see it.

The first thing that stood out to me was the portrayal of Africa in “Black Panther.” The movie is set in an advanced city hidden in the middle of Sub-Saharan Africa, and goes against all the stereotypes of African people only living in huts. In fact, their civilization is the most advanced on Earth. Having friends that have lived and currently live in Africa, it was incredible to see the continent portrayed as a powerful source of life instead of a struggling desert.

Additionally, the actors blew me away. Over 70 percent of them are actually from Africa, and that authenticity really showed through in their accents. The costumes were breathtaking, and incorporated designs from actual tribes in the area. The only downside was that I sometimes found myself getting lost in the design of the film instead of the plot, and would snap out of my trance five minutes later, not knowing what was happening.

The audience’s reaction surpassed anything I ever could have expected. The theatre was completely packed with a more diverse audience than the usual middle-aged white men that superhero movies are marketed to. More clapping occurred during the movie than other ones that I have seen, and a man behind me was particularly fond of whistling every time a punch was thrown. Normally I am a quiet and reserved person, but I loved the participation. I clapped along with everyone else when someone triumphed, and sobbed at the end of the movie with the nice woman sitting next to me.

Overall, “Black Panther” was extraordinary. The graphics were advanced, the costumes intricate and the message groundbreaking. It was evident that the writers and directors had a broader message than just “superheroes are cool,” and that alone set it apart from every other superhero movie I have seen. I would recommend that everyone see it; if not for the breathtaking action scenes, then for the heart wrenching portrayals of the dangers of black elitism and toxic masculinity.

The Pathfinder gives “Black Panther” a 9.5/10.