Movie Review: Wonder (Rating: 5/5)

The main storyline of Wonder (based on a novel with the same name) is about how a boy with facial differences fits into a mainstream primary school, and how his family members manage their own lives, while providing him all the support he requires. Not only the story itself is heartwarming, but also the way the story is told is just brilliant. Wonder is definitely one of the best movies in 2017. 

The usual formula for this sort of film typically focuses only on the main character. Lucky for us,  this film took a very different approach, by letting us (the viewers) to see the perspectives from other characters, and the result makes the film both inspiring and refreshing.

The main character is a fifth-grade boy (played by Jacob Tremblay) who was born with a rare medical facial deformity. After years of being home schooled, his parents (played by Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson) believe it is time for him to enter mainstream school. He also has an older sister (played by Izabela Vidovic) who is extremely supportive to him.

The storyline on the main character is good in terms of how he manages to make friends and to have a normal school life with all the issues along the way. And the progress he makes in overcoming those issues are both convincing and encouraging in its own way. But what is great about the film is, it let us see the main storyline from the other characters‘ point of views, so we can understand more on why it happens the way it is. The different perspectives starts at around one-third of the film, which includes those from one of his friend, his sister, and finally a close friend of his sister. 

I especially like the perspective from his sister, who was having issues with her close friend, while helping her brother to fit into school. Her side of the story showed us why regardless of how much she loves her brother and will do anything for him, it is unavoidable sometimes for her to feel lonely and neglected, when all the attentions of her parents are always spent on his brother. 

Also, people make mistakes, especially during difficult times, just like she made a mistake when she unintentionally lied to his new boyfriend, due to just a slip of the tongue during their first encounter. But she later did rectify the mistake by explaining her reason to him, as any lasting relationship can only be built upon honesty and sincerity, especially to the people you cared about.

I also like the film talking about, how his mother manages to pursue her dream even after spending all her time taking care of her two children, and how upset his father was when their dog died even though he is always the most cheerful guy in the room by cracking jokes and being supportive. They showed us people can pursue dreams under any circumstances, while the good/bad times are all parts of the package in life.

The only (minor) aspect I would complain about is, the movie did not elaborate enough in some of the essential conversations, such as on why his sister initially does not want the family to see her play. On the other hand, the movie just briefly touched on some funny conversations such as the “farting nurse”, which is much more detailed in the original novel, and jeez… this part is hilarious in the book :)

To sum up, besides being an inspiring story about a little boy, this film is really about empathy. Not only for the obviously needed ones, but also those around them who are easily neglected. Moreover, friends and families often misunderstood each other due to miscommunication or worse, lack of communications. This film showed us we have to talk to each other, even though the conversations can get extremely hard sometimes. Also, we have to learn how to listen and to forgive, no matter how big the mistakes your loved ones have made. 

Wonder is a fantastic movie you should go to watch not only with adult friends but also with children in primary school. I am sure they will all understand the movie and have learnt something when they leave the theater.