White Bird: Une histoire merveilleuse

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.

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.

I haven't the slightest idea why imdb is featuring the worst review of the bunch as a featured review. Couldn't be further from the truth.

This is not a story of the Holocaust, it's a story of hope, kindness and courage in the darkest of times. That's what it promises and that's what it delivers.

No there aren't any Nazi camps portrayed, but it is an accurate depiction of what it felt and what it meant to be a Jew in those times, alienated and fearful for your life.

I haven't seen the Wonder movie and can't compare but a 7.2 rating for this movie is absurdly low. This is one of the standout movies of 2024 for me so far, one of meaning and hope and I wouldn't mind watching it again or recommending to a friend.

So go watch it without being influenced by a discouraging review.

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.

About a month ago, after watching the trailer, I did not feel I was in the mood for this movie. It seemed like another movie about cruelty and perseverance. Today, I noticed Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson were in the cast so I chose it.

The cinematography, set design, costume and all those things we only notice if there is something wrong was just perfect. Orlando Schwerdt, Mirren, Anderson and the evil of Jim Mathews were all spectacular performances. Narrated by Mirren, this movie was a must see for anyone specially if they have kids entering any school.

The landscape of this beautiful French town questions my sanity of why I don't travel enough. Overall, this is a story about kindness and the lack of it. The pressure of trying to fit in and being afraid; not understanding what true strength really is. Since Mirren was also in the present, I felt safe watching the story unfold because she would survive. I wish it could have been presented a tiny bit differently so this safety would have been removed. Besides this, the movie delivered the message of choice and strength.

We all have little birds in our lives; we might not know we have them until you are in a position that offers it. Then, the little bird shows up and it gives you an existential placement.

I recommend you watch this film and check the room for light and wonder. It's so true, kindness is stronger than all the other options available. We are but memory of all the choices we make in life and the history we create. We develop our own paths in a direction and it can be modified at any moment. The most courageous people are all around us. The wolves will one day come for us all. Will you be ready ?