Wonder: White Bird

I came in with lowered expectations, but this film absolutely blew me away!

This film was very well-paced, and I found myself fully invested in the development of the main characters. The developments felt honest and meaningful, not just shallow or simply there to further the plot. The main theme of the story, one of human kindness, was well portrayed, and even though we got hints and foreshadow, I was still surprised and gut-wrenched when the plot unfolded. I was very impressed by the acting, especially among the younger roles. The emotional maturity of one of the characters caught me off guard. I didn't expect myself to be so emotionally impacted by this film.

This film is one that everyone, young and old, need to watch. No matter your opinions, we all need to be impacted by the genuine, heart-reaching kindness displayed so effectively in this story. I ugly cried quite a bit after the film, feeling deep sorrow over the enmity prevalent today. I hope this movie impacts you just as deeply.

The headline names of Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson drew me to this one, the type of film that I would normally pass on, given that it concerns a theme that has probably been done a hundred times before. And of course it has, but not always in such a compelling and effective way. It avoids becoming too saccharine or clumsily tugging at over used emotional strings. Yet, there are sweet moments and powerfully emotional moments, but done so subtly that they creep up on you with great effect. Of course the darkest side of human nature is introduced soon enough, as the daily life of a sleepy French town is unmercifully invaded. Having said that, this is still a film that can be watched by the whole family, as it avoids being graphicly violent, whilst leaving viewers in no doubt as to the nature of evil. There are all sorts of lessons to be learned ( or relearned ) regarding how people choose to behave in ordinary as well as extraordinary situations.

As an added bonus, the cinematography and production are exceptional with an effective soundtrack. The young actors look like they are as experienced as the two much older stars mentioned previously.

The expelled bully Julian from Wonder (2017) is trying to fit in hard in his new high school and is still struggling. He does feel guilty but doesn't understand why he was made to pay so much. While he is still unsure, his grandma Sara visits him from Paris and shares her life story as a little girl in the Nazi occupied France during the second World War. She shares her nightmare of being ostracized and how she is forced live a life in hiding with the help of Julian and his family. The boy turns out to be her first love as they bond over an year, helping her hide from Nazi army. Her story is the triumph of humanity, love over hate and Sara knows better that it is time to share this story with Julian, fondly named after her Julian. How he became the light of her life when her's was filled with darkness and hopes to instill the same light in Julian to help him out of his predicament.

The Wonder reference is limited to Julian as the story is entirely that of Sara in the 1940s. Needless to say, this was an out and out sob fest, unlike Wonder which had it's lighter moments. Having said that, White Bird is still a heart touching tale and a well directed one. The story got me captivated instantly though it travels through familiar tropes and the director gets on with the story immediately without wasting much time with Julian from current time. The world during the Nazi dominance was truly heartbreaking as the people turned against Jews, told through Sara and her parents' pov. The scenes where Sara and Julian test their imagination that knows no bounds, were well executed. Despite the predictability, it is still an all important film even for the current times and the stance it takes against hatred is worth a watch. Helen Mirren as Sara shines in her extended cameo while the performances by the leads just melted my heart.

In a world where violence and action always takes credit, sometimes we need to take a moment and enjoy the kind movies.

This movie truly touched me in so many ways, its character development is outstanding, and the director's way to send the message is phenomenal also. I would truly advise every parent to give this movie a shot and watch it with their children as there are some really deep and meaningful life lessons throughout the movie, a movie that teaches us (specifically the young generation) to love and be kind to others instead being mean and using others to bully our way to the top.

Truly recommended !

This film deserves more attention!!!

I read the graphic novel and the novel to the film beforehand and was absolutely in love with it. So I was desperately waiting for the film to finally be released (which took ages due to several postponements, but well worth the wait.) I had very high expectations for the film and I wasn't disappointed! They were super close to the original story and masterfully turned it into a film that invites you to dream, but also moves you to tears. The film is incredibly moving and quite heartbreaking, but at the same time so incredibly beautiful and magical. I think they beautifully managed the balance between teen romance and historical narrative of nazi-occupied France in the 1940s.

I especially enjoyed Gillian Anderson's performance, which was outstanding! Although she had (as expected) a quite small role, she did once again incredibly well. And her performance really stuck with me. Especially later in the film (which I can't tell about, because I don't want to spoiler), her performance was heartbreakingly impressive and convincing.

But not only Gillian's performance was great, I was really impressed by Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt who played the main characters Sara and Julien! And come one Helen Mirren as grandmère?

So all in all a beautiful film which deserves all the praise it can get!

GO WATCH THIS FILM.