"I love you so much. And I hate this war so much. Oh, it's a crazy world. Anything can happen. If you shouldn't get away, I mean, if something should keep us apart, wherever they put you and wherever I'll be, I want you to know that...Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time." - Ilsa Lund (Casablanca)
Wonder Woman is the fourth entry into the DC Extended Universe and it is the first acclaimed and successful female-led and female-directed comic book adaptation of the genre. The character of Wonder Woman is perhaps DC's most iconic hero and one of my personal favorite. So naturally I would be very excited going in to watch the film (going as far as dressing up as the Amazon Princess). After the 141 minutes of the Patty Jenkins-directed film had ended I was in tears...of joy. Not only does the film work on the basis of being a comic book film origin story, but it works as a film in general, and that is even more important in a genre that was in dire need of something other than the status quo.
STORY
"I used to want to save the world. To end war and bring peace to mankind. But then, I glimpsed the darkness that lives within their light. I learned that inside every one of them, there will always be both. The choice each must make for themselves - something no hero will ever defeat. And now I know...that only love can truly save the world. So I stay. I fight, and I give...for the world I know can be. This is my mission now. Forever." - Diana Prince
The story of this film tells one of both love and courage. In several ways, it shares themes with the romance classic Casablanca. In a genre full of generic storylines and dullness, Wonder Woman stands out and above most other comic book adaptations. Like the Statue of Fearless Girl on Wall Street, this film's story dares to defy all odds and delievers a message that is both beautiful and poetic. Art.
CHARACTERS
Wonder Woman
"It's about what you believe. And I believe in love. Only love will truly save the world."
Gal Gadot is absolutely perfect as the Amazon Princess. I cannot praise her performance enough. She is to Wonder Woman as Christopher Reeve is to Superman. Gal embodies the love, courage, bravery, strength, innocence, compassion and spirit of Wonder Woman. The protangonist yearns to fight for the innocent and explore the world of man. She has this sort of innocence about her when it comes to social norms yet she challenges the ones she sees as wrong. For example, she calls some military generals out on their own cowardness and unwillingness to care about the lives of their own soldiers. That scene was actually a very powerful moment in the film. Diana also knows how to kick ass while challenging the obstacles that stood in the way of women at the time. Again, perfect casting as Wonder Woman.
Steve Trevor
"I wish we had more time. I love you."
Chris Pine is amazing as Steve Trevor. He's also incredibly good looking. Not only does Steve listen to Diana, but he understands her as well and doesn't try to get in her way. It's a mutual partnership between the two and Steve completely understands that. His chemistry with Diana is also perfect and the best romance in any film of the genre of comic book adaptations. He is the ideal partner and his death was completely heartcrushing to witness and the most emotional moment of this film full of emotional moments. Steve will be missed.
Conclusion
"I wanted to tell a story about a hero who believes in love, who is filled with love, who believes in change and the betterment of mankind. I believe in it. It's terrible when it makes so many artists afraid to be sincere and truthful and emotional, and relegates them to the too-cool-for-school department. Art is supposed to bring beauty to the world." - Patty Jenkins
Wonder Woman is not only a great film. To just call it that would not be telling the entire truth of its quality. Wonder Woman is a cinematic achievement that will stand the rest of time among the greatest of cinema. In the past sixteen months, only two films have made me so emotional that I was driven to the point of crying tears of joy: La La Land and Wonder Woman. Patty Jenkins has definitely delievered a Wonder Woman fan's dreams coming true and beyond. I am extremely happy beyond belief what the success of this film means for future female-led comic book adaptations. We currently live in times of crisis with our current political and social atmosphere, and this is the perfect film for today. It inspires and will continue to inspire young fans of Wonder Woman to do what is right. I have faith.
I will finish things off with some Casablanca.