Wonder
"Wonder" is a heartwarming and emotionally powerful film that explores the themes of kindness, empathy, and acceptance. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the movie is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio.
The film follows the story of Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), a young boy with a facial deformity who has been homeschooled for most of his life. As Auggie begins fifth grade at a public school, he faces the challenges of fitting in with his peers and dealing with the stares and comments that come with his appearance. However, with the help of his family, his new friends, and his own resilience, Auggie learns to embrace his differences and find his place in the world.
One of the strengths of "Wonder" is its exceptional cast. Tremblay delivers a remarkable performance as Auggie, capturing the character's vulnerability, humor, and strength. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson are also excellent as Auggie's parents, conveying the struggles and joys of raising a child with special needs. The supporting cast, which includes actors such as Izabela Vidovic, Mandy Patinkin, and Daveed Diggs, also deliver strong performances that add depth and nuance to the story.
Another notable aspect of "Wonder" is its poignant and uplifting message. The film encourages viewers to see beyond appearances and to practice empathy and kindness towards others, regardless of their differences. The story also highlights the importance of family, friendship, and community in helping individuals overcome adversity and reach their full potential.
In addition to its inspiring message, "Wonder" is also visually stunning. The film's cinematography and production design create a vivid and immersive world that captures both the beauty and challenges of Auggie's life. The film's score, composed by Marcelo Zarvos, is also a standout, evoking both the emotional highs and lows of the story.
Despite its many strengths, "Wonder" is not without its flaws. The film occasionally veers into sentimentality and oversimplification, particularly in its portrayal of Auggie's classmates and their reactions to his appearance. Additionally, some viewers may find the film's portrayal of disability and facial deformity to be overly simplistic and unrealistic.
Overall, however, "Wonder" is a moving and uplifting film that is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages. Its themes of empathy, kindness, and acceptance are more important than ever in today's world, and the film offers a powerful reminder of the importance of seeing beyond appearances and connecting with others on a deeper level.
The total score is
based on its critical reception and audience response, "Wonder" has been widely praised as a touching and inspiring film with strong performances and a powerful message. It has a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for its heartwarming story, beautiful cinematography, and powerful themes of empathy and acceptance. Ultimately, the film's value and impact may be subjective and depend on the individual viewer's personal experience and perspective.
A movie with a similar atmosphere
If you enjoyed "Wonder" and are looking for similar movies that explore themes of kindness, empathy, and acceptance, you might enjoy watching "The Upside" (2017), directed by Neil Burger.
"The Upside" tells the story of a wealthy quadriplegic named Phillip (Bryan Cranston) who hires an ex-convict named Dell (Kevin Hart) to be his caregiver. Despite their differences in background and social status, the two men form an unlikely friendship as they learn to understand and appreciate each other's strengths and weaknesses.
Like "Wonder," "The Upside" is a heartwarming film that explores the power of human connection and the importance of seeing beyond appearances and stereotypes. The film also features excellent performances by Cranston and Hart, who bring depth and nuance to their respective characters. Overall, "The Upside" is a moving and inspiring film that is sure to resonate with viewers who enjoyed "Wonder."
