Original artwork, not a still
In times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers.
— Black Panther • 2018
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is the film's mission statement, delivered by a king who has learned that hiding is not the same as being safe. It reads like a real proverb, so it travels easily onto posters and speeches about openness over walls. It also answers Killmonger without arguing: the way to keep faith with those left outside is to open the door.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Black PantherShow the scene
The speech comes in the mid-credits scene of Black Panther (2018). T'Challa stands before the United Nations as king of Wakanda, ready to reveal his country's true nature after generations of posing as a poor farming nation. He says that in times of crisis the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers, and that more connects people than separates them. An official in the chamber answers with a sceptical question about what a nation of farmers can offer the rest of the world. It sets up the film's shift from isolation to openness.
Sources (2)
- Black Panther (2018) script transcriptT'Challa's address (mid-credits scene)Reference checked
- Black Panther (film), WikipediaPlot, mid-credits sceneReference checked
Context reviewed
