If you haven’t made it out to see the newest movie, ‘Black Panther’, that generated over $200 million this past weekend, then it’s time you spent that last ten-dollar bill in your wallet right about now.

I saw it opening night and didn’t get out of the theater until one in the morning full of satisfaction, along with the dreadful realization that I had two exams the next morning I needed to study for. The movie was worth seeing despite the grades I may receive on an exam that counts for thirty-percent of my grade. Heck, I would have watched it again (And I did, two days later). The atmosphere of the crowd was amazing, and it was a movie experience I had never felt before. The crowd laughed, cheered, and cried for two long hours and you could tell there was a strong connection between these people and the characters on screen. Drawing away from my own personal experience, here are a few reasons why you should take the time to see the movie.

1. It’s history being made

The cast is predominantly African American and features strong actors like Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker. With Ryan Coogler, who already has several successful movies under his belt, and the reins in his hand, the movie was bound to be a hit. A beautiful piece of work that was created by people of various African descent; this is something the black community can see themselves in and relate, but also show the rest of the world just how profitable movies with black actors can be. Hitting fifth in the box office, just under “Marvel’s The Avengers”, it is breaking records left and right. Ultimately, this will change the way the movie industry creates content as they are realizing there are more audiences to serve to other than white males.

2. You haven’t seen anything like it before

Wakanda is a fictional, futuristic, and modern country in Africa, while the rest of the world is far behind them in means of technology and government. Everything from the diverse cultural clothing, the stunning scenery, the action-packed story-line, right down to the complex characters themselves, allows for refreshing differences from movies of the past. The movie embraces and embodies everything black pride is all about; love, power, and community. These characters are all given a unique personality and their own distinct qualities. The women are just as strong and brilliant as the men’s characters. With a tech-savvy, goofy sister, a strong and fearless general, and an independent and determined lover, T’Challa is surrounded by women that are key players in his success as king. This movie will shift the roles of women in superhero movies (or any movie for that matter) from damsel in distress to leaders of change and symbols of revolution.

3. It’s a movie of representation and the fight for equality

This is something the black community can see themselves in, where the characters aren’t the sidekicks, slaves or criminals, or any other stereotypical role. The characters are kings, queens, princesses, warriors, spies, and geniuses, with capabilities beyond what is humanly capable. 99.9% of the cast is made up of actors and actresses of African descent, which is a huge and crucial step in the right direction. It’s important for young black children to understand that they matter, and they have endless roles they get to choose from to be in life. This movie gives them the ability to look up at the big screen, see themselves, and dream to their heart’s content. The movie also highlights the black lives movement and furthers the question on whose responsibility it is to help rid the racial oppression so many face today. Erik Killmonger points blame to Wakanda, claiming the country sits in comfort while people just like them are being killed and incarcerated. He is furious that they are more than capable of doing something about helping those dealing with these systematic inequalities. In a society full of prejudice and hate, the privileged must recognize that their ability to encourage conversations about black lives. We must discuss how the portrayals black people see in the media affects how the world sees them, how it affects the way they internalize those representations, and how they must live their life. People don’t just want a platform to talk about their culture and people, they need it. Black Panther is just the beginning.