Here's a post on my most latest movie crush. Wonder Woman.
My superficial introductions to the world of comic book heroes, had not opened up Wonder Woman, until, this movie came along. Wonder Woman , to me, was the only saving grace of Batman Vs Superman. Wonder Woman , the movie however, introduced the character in a whole new light. An origin and coming of age story, that is heart warming and inspirational at the same time.
The movie straddles across two worlds - one , mythological and dreamy, and another - dull and war-filled, building interest and engaging the audience throughout.
The movie opens in Themyscira, with young Diana being restrained from training to be a warrior. We get a peek into the life of the Amazons inhabiting the island . It is just so refreshing to see an all-woman island - women who can kick ass , with their "fly off a horse and shoot an arrow like a boss, while twisting 360 degree mid-air" finesse. Instantly likable, is Antiope, the general of the Amazon army and Diana's aunt, who trains her to be a warrior. Antiope, played by a terrific Robin Wright, is as awesome as Diana herself. Here's one of my favourite moments from the movie, where Antiope yells "Shield", bounces off , turns mid-air and shoots three arrows, to kill some rifle wielding Germans. Goosebumps. Every single time. (And... if this is any inspiration , Robin Wright is 51. )
While I have watched most of the super hero movies to have come out in recent times, Wonder Woman stood out for one reason. ( Nope - not watching a woman super hero on screen, or because it was directed by a woman ). This is not a movie that brings down its men to make its woman a super hero. It is a super hero movie,where the hero has a heart and happens to be a woman. And it ends right there. That's what makes it empowering and its protagonist worthy of emulation. Like Patty Jenkins, the director says in this interview - "I want to make a great super-hero film. Not a great woman super hero film. I want to be a good director. Not a great female director".
Time for some confessions. In those moments were self-reinforcement is required (many times in a day if you raise a toddler) , I like to think of myself as some sort of a "Mother Teresa meets Superhero", who can take on anything and come out successful. I found that superhero in Wonder Woman.
My superficial introductions to the world of comic book heroes, had not opened up Wonder Woman, until, this movie came along. Wonder Woman , to me, was the only saving grace of Batman Vs Superman. Wonder Woman , the movie however, introduced the character in a whole new light. An origin and coming of age story, that is heart warming and inspirational at the same time.
The movie straddles across two worlds - one , mythological and dreamy, and another - dull and war-filled, building interest and engaging the audience throughout.
The movie opens in Themyscira, with young Diana being restrained from training to be a warrior. We get a peek into the life of the Amazons inhabiting the island . It is just so refreshing to see an all-woman island - women who can kick ass , with their "fly off a horse and shoot an arrow like a boss, while twisting 360 degree mid-air" finesse. Instantly likable, is Antiope, the general of the Amazon army and Diana's aunt, who trains her to be a warrior. Antiope, played by a terrific Robin Wright, is as awesome as Diana herself. Here's one of my favourite moments from the movie, where Antiope yells "Shield", bounces off , turns mid-air and shoots three arrows, to kill some rifle wielding Germans. Goosebumps. Every single time. (And... if this is any inspiration , Robin Wright is 51. )
Making way now, for the super hero herself. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.
I was hooked, every since I watched the trailer for the first time - where she non nonchalantly fends off a bullet with her gauntlet and runs into the battlefield, dodging bullets with her shield. (0:32 in trailer below - goosebumps guaranteed) .
Giving credit where its due, this movie rides heavily on Gal Gadot's charm and grace as Wonder Woman. She has superb screen presence and is completely believable. Strong, witty, naive , confused - Diana is all of these things, in the most endearing way possible . Which makes it so easy to relate to her and travel with her through the story. She comes across as naive initially , to expect that good will prevail , love will heal and all will be well. Too simplistic an argument for a complicated world. But that's what gets her to the end. May be that's what we need too - to stick to the basics, keep at it and like she says "In the name of all that is good in the world" , the end will be good.
The scenes between Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and Diana, are some of the best in the film - genuinely funny. Chris Pine has excellent timing , pulling off quite a few laughs. Especially, the scenes where Steve and Diana discuss her knowledge on "reproductive biology", coming from an all-woman island. ( I could sense all the women in the theatre break out in applause when she says "... it concluded men are essential for pro-creation, but when it comes to pleasure, not necessary". ) They travel together through the movie - Steve, the practical one and Diana, the idealist. The scene where she decides to take on the war front - being Wonder Woman for the first time, is absolutely iconic.
While the antagonists shift around - the movie's best antagonist to me was Dr.Poison - the evil woman scientist who makes poisonous gas bombs. The second half of the movie goes on expected lines and the climax does nothing spectacular to add to the overall experience.
Time for some confessions. In those moments were self-reinforcement is required (many times in a day if you raise a toddler) , I like to think of myself as some sort of a "Mother Teresa meets Superhero", who can take on anything and come out successful. I found that superhero in Wonder Woman.
Wonderful write up dear.. Hope to watch it with you!! Lets see
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