“You cannot blend in when you’re born to stand out” is one of the most
meaningful scripts from the movie that I want to bring to you guys today:
“Wonder” (2017). It is a film adapted from the novel of the same name by R. J.
Palacio, an American writer. As soon as it was released, Wonder, a kind of
healing film received a number of acclaims from both critics and viewers.
Additionally, it also earned many nominations as well as awards as the best film
of that year.
Coming to the plot, the film tells a story of a 10-year-old boy named Auggie
Pullman. He was born with a kind of facial deformity that made him undergo 27
different surgeries to be able to live normally. One thing, however, that cannot
be changed is his scary appearance. When he entered 5th grade, his parents
decided to let him go to the mainstream school after studying at home with his
mother for a long time. Here, Auggie's life officially turns over a new leaf with
interesting experiences.
*3 reasons why I think this film is a must-see for people of all ages.
1. The first and foremost factor is the movie’s unique structure. Unlike other
films which will focus on portraying emotions of only a few key characters, with
Wonder, director Stephen Chbosky decided to tell the story in a different, more
prominent style. That is dedicating to each character a certain amount of time to
express themselves from their own perspectives. It is unequivocal to say that the
film is like a picture of the universe drawn by bright planets revolving around
Auggie, the main character of the movie. That includes his family, friends, and
teachers who have been inspired by the boy’s optimism to live more
courageously, and more kindly.
-Except for Auggie’s story, I really admire the storyline of his sister (Olivia).
Although Olivia turns out to be the most understanding girl in her parents ‘eyes,
who are always ready to give her best to her unlucky brother (Auggie), she
sometimes feels lonely in her own house when all the love and care of her
parents revolves around Auggie who has to live in inferiority. However, through
this character, I really learned the story of giving, which is more precious than
anything in the world as Auggie’s teacher said in the film that “ Kinder than is
necessary. Because when it's not enough to be kind one should be kinder than
needed.”
2. The good acting of all the actors and actresses in the film is the second factor
that bears “Wonder” in my mind. Although most of the characters in the movie
are young boys and girls, I think they were professional enough to convey all the
scripts clearly with natural expressions. I want to give a big applause to Jacob
Tremblay (as Auggie). He successfully got into the character that is sometimes
angry, sometimes sad, and unusually happy, just like the cuteness of a child at
the same age. Furthermore, the film also stars many famous actors who have
years of experience in acting. Even Auggie’s parents who are played by Julia
Roberts and Owen Wilson seem to have the least capacity for acting, but still
left a deep impression on me as a model mom and dad who always give
unconditional love for their children no matter what happens.
3. Finally, the lesson from the film is also worth mentioning. The word
“kindness” is repeated many times throughout the movie as the core value which
the filmmakers aspire to define as clearly and simply as possible to the audience.
Perhaps the message from Wonder is that: To be "kind" is not easy at all.
Imagine you were in their position; would you be sympathetic enough to
understand and listen to their own stories? Auggie may not be the center of the
universe as the perspectives of other people around him are noticeable as well,
for example the situation of his sister, Olivia, as I mentioned above. Is anyone
who seems to be happy truly happy? You can find out about this when enjoying
the film by yourself.
Although some opinions are saying that this film is too unrealistic compared
with real life, I believe that though reality is not always ending happily as the
film or as beautiful as fairy tales, the message of “Wonder” should come first,
which made me totally forget about technical and cinematic issues but paid full
attention to its plot and what the filmmakers want to express in the end.
To conclude, I think this heart-rending movie will be the best choice for every
family to watch together to see the beauty of life, especially in the upcoming hol
iday.
