Not many actors gained recognition of Chadwick Boseman. Since the 2000’s, Boseman became an icon. Whether it’s black heroes, jazz singers or baseball players, Boseman played many characters. However, in 2020 Boseman’s career was cut sadly short when he passed away from Cancer. His death was a big loss for the film industry. Listed below are my picks for best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Black Panther
Black Panther is a spectacular superhero that shaped my friend’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with an African-American kid that was a huge fan of a hero with courage. A comic-book nerd, he always spoke fondly about a hero that made him feel heard. As a member of the African-American community, he was always proud of a hero that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love for Black Panther, my friend gave me a lifelong appreciation for the comic-book character. In 2018, Chadwick Boseman did an extraordinary job portraying the iconic comic-book character in his film “Black Panther”. The first ever comic-book film led by an African-American cast, “Black Panther” proved to be the perfect showcase for Chadwick Boseman as an actor. In the greatest role of his career, Boseman embodies a majestic king that seeks to protect a kingdom facing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Boseman was always one of those actors with a powerful screen presence, and his strengths as a performer are clearly evident in “Black Panther”. For instance, the scene in which T’Challa engages in a frightening fight with Killmonger in the coronation ceremony is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Panther” Chadwick Boseman’s greatest movie is its message. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 10 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about an African-American leader defending his kingdom, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated actor with wisdom whose unforgettable movies always achieved stardom.
2. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Music is a passion that my father has always enjoyed pursuing. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a father that had dreams of becoming a musical maestro. I vividly remember a father that sought to become a world-famous singer. Drawn to the sound of music, he found enjoyment in composing melodies that were profound. As someone treasuring memories of a father that sought musical stardom, I adored “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. Released in 2020, Chadwick Boseman’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a Broadway play about African-American musicians. In the most emotional role of his career, Boseman embodies a black musician struggling to achieve success in a competitive industry causing despair. Boseman always had an aptitude for conveying strong emotions through delivering inspirational speeches, and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” showcased his strength as a performer. For instance, the scene in which Levee faces rage denouncing God after having a tense argument with his bandmates showcased the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sacrifices faced by musicians which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved Broadway play about African-American musicians facing a price to pay, it’s a brilliant reminder about an actor whose memorable movies are worth celebrating today.
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3. Da 5 Bloods
War movies are a genre of films that my uncle has always loved dearly. At an early age, I developed strong bonds with an uncle that loved movies about historical events. Fascinated by WWII, he enjoyed watching hardships that traumatized soldiers went through. As someone treasuring fond memories of an uncle that loved the war movie genre, I adored “Da 5 Bloods”. Released in 2020, Chadwick Boseman’s movie did an exceptional job of capturing hardships black soldiers experienced in the Vietnam War. In the final role of his career before his tragic death, Boseman poured his heart and soul into a black soldier facing an emotional toll. Boseman was always one of those actors with the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a supporting role, and his strengths as a performer were clearly showcased in “Da 5 Bloods”. For instance, the scene in which Stormin’ Norman delivers an inspirational speech to his army of comrades motivating them to participate in the war is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Da 5 Bloods” a war masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the Vietnam War ended, it’s a compelling reminder of an actor that thrived playing complicated characters whose movies deserve to be celebrated.
4. Captain America: Civil War
Friendships are relationships destined to face hardships. I remember forming friends with a kid in school I grew up to treasure. We enjoyed playing soccer creating a bond with each other. However, all of a sudden our bond came to a closure. No longer the companion I had grown to adore, he became a stranger that didn’t want to meet me anymore. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the war between friends that become enemies as powerfully as “Captain America: Civil War”. Released in 2016, Chadwick Boseman’s comic-book blockbuster captured friendships between superheroes facing disaster. In his first ever comic-book role, Boseman embodied a hero struggling to get along with friends facing an emotional toll. It’s a role that gave Boseman the chance to showcase emotional vulnerability he hadn’t shown in his career before. For instance, the scene in which T’Challa breaks down in tears after losing his father in a tragic accident is one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Captain America: Civil War” a great comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of friendships between hero in a civil war ending in ways which are tragic, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor creating a legacy that is iconic.
5. 42
Baseball is a fascinating game that I was once fond of playing. I recall heartwarming childhood memories of my love for playing baseball. During my childhood, I would always enjoy playing the game with children in my neighbourhood. I participated in my school’s baseball championships working with a team to build relationships. As someone treasuring memories of a game that I once used to value, I loved “42”. Released in 2013, Chadwick Boseman’s movie celebrated the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson. In the most athletic role of his career, Boseman embodies a baseball player that faces a heavy burden to bear. Boseman is one of those actors that always excelled at playing African-American figures, and “42” showcased his strengths as a performer. For instance, the scene in which Jackie Robinson endures racism during a baseball game is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “42” a great sports movie is its message. The film delivers a strong message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a commemorated black legend that changed baseball, it’s a brilliant reminder about an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to enthral making memorable movies audiences recall.
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6. Marshall
When it comes to the most inspirational lawyers in American history, it’s worth discussing Thurgood Marshall. During the 1960’s, Marshall was the first African-American lawyer that fought for his community. A righteous lawyer with strong authority, Marshall created an enduring legacy. In 2017, Chadwick Boseman did an exceptional job of portraying the powerful African-American lawyer in his film “Marshall”. In the most inspiring role of his career, Boseman embodied a lawyer fighting for a community about which he has grown to care. It’s a role that gave Boseman the opportunity to showcase his aptitude for playing powerful black icons with a strong authority. An awe-inspiring tribute towards an inspirational African-American lawyer, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor whose movies audiences treasure.
7. Get On Up
Few musicians that became the talk of the town years ago are as beloved as James Brown. During the 1950’s, Brown was a beloved African-American singer that composed timeless melodies. With his charming personality, commanding stage presence and strong vocals, Brown earned a huge following. In 2014, Chadwick Boseman embodied the legendary African-American musician in his film “Get On Up”. In the most energetic role of his career, Boseman embodies an iconic black musician that faced hardships which were tragic. It’s a role that gave Boseman the rare opportunity to showcase his aptitude for singing, dancing and performing melodies. A marvellous tribute towards a legendary musician crafting songs which were melodious, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor whose movies audiences consider to be precious.
8. Avengers: Infinity War
Chadwick Boseman was one of those actors that always excelled at playing leaders. Through his larger-than-life presence, Boseman always had an ability to create compelling leaders. Boseman’s strengths for playing leaders facing war is clearly evident in “Avengers: Infinity War”. Released in 2018, the Russo Brothers’ comic-book blockbuster found the actor reprising the role of Black Panther. In his most heroic role, Boseman embodies a king that inspires his kingdom to fight in war. Despite having limited screen-time in the movie, Boseman managed to leave a strong impression. It’s a commemorated role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his aptitude for playing leaders in positions of power. As precious as the infinity stone, it’s a remarkable reminder of a well-known actor that has always stood in a league of his own.
9. Draft Day
Over the past decade, the sports movie genre hasn’t fared so well. Audiences no longer cheer watching football players score victories in games overcoming fear. With predictable plots, lacklustre storytelling and lack of surprise, most sports movies are a chore to sit through. In a deteriorated genre that has lost its abilities to blow audiences away, it’s worth recognizing “Draft Day”. Released in 2014, Chadwick Boseman’s sports movie celebrated the lives of football players. In the most athletic role of his career, Boseman embodies a football player under pressure to succeed carrying a burden to bear. It’s a commemorated role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his larger-than-life screen presence. In a genre that has declined, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder about an actor whose memorable movies have shined.
10. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
It’s challenging to face the loss of a celebrated cinematic icon. On August 28th, 2020, fans were devastated when they learned Chadwick Boseman had passed away. Boseman’s death marked a huge loss for the film industry. Following his death changing the world forever, Ryan Coogler honoured the deceased actor in his film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. Released in 2022, Coogler’s movie paid heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor in a spectacular sequel. Although Boseman never makes an appearance on screen, his commemorated presence is deeply felt throughout the movie. During a time when the world hasn’t recovered become torn apart after seeing Chadwick Boseman depart, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor whose movies will forever hold a precious place in my heart for inspiring my love of art.
The Film Buff 