Wonder Woman: A Review

DC Universe, welcome back to cinematic greatness. We have always loved the DC comics, in all their psychotic, insane and beautifully dangerous glory, but to say that the last few films have been a disappointment, is an understatement. Whether it was Henry Cavill’s washed out performance in “Man of Steel” or the let-down of Ben Affleck as Batman, the extended DC-verse has had a rough few years. But with Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the most famous female superhero of all time, director Patty Jenkins has successfully returned DC films to the golden pedestal that Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy had rightfully earned.

For a movie about a fierce, strong and all- powerful female warrior, there could not have been a more inspired choice than Gal Gadot, or for that matter, even Patty Jenkins. Gadot brought to life, with great elegance, poise and royalty, the role of Princess Diana, an Amazonian princess warrior, a demigoddess and the child of Zeus and Queen Hippolyta, deemed the “Godkiller”, a tall order by any standard. Jenkins, on the other hand, broke all stereotypes, both on and off screen, with a refreshing story of a superhero, untainted by the pain and anguish of her past, completely without a dark, grey side, and a picture of sheer “goodness”. Gal Gadot met the unbelievably high expectations set by former Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, in her acting, appearance and understanding of the complexity of her character, earning a well – deserved spot for herself on the Superhero Wall of Fame.

The film depicted the origin story of Diana, before her transformation into Wonder Woman, through her quest to defeat Ares, the god of war, by bringing an end to World War I. Alongside a most charming love interest in the form of Captain Steve Trevor, Diana sets out into the human world, slowly discovering that her noble mission might not be all that simple after all. Chris Pine (Steve Trevor) does great justice to the role of an important supporting character, and hilariously, strikes one as the Lois Lane to Gadot’s Clark Kent. The “oomph” in the movie, however, comes from the unparalleled use of special effects and CGI, and of course, a beautiful soundtrack that has redeemed many a DC film in the past. Every action sequence, particularly the one with Amazonian women fighting German soldiers on a beach in Themyscira, empowers the feminist, in even the most skeptical of viewers and is a visual feast.

However, the authenticity of its DC roots, can be found in the underlying deeper message that the movie hopes to highlight. As pure, loyal and violently ethical Diana ventures into the evil, discontent and selfish human world, her illusion of war is shattered and our hero, appears greatly vulnerable, in light of this realisation. Gadot’s dewy – eyed empathy results in a response of sheer anger at the human race, instead of indifferent cynicism, reminding us of her unworldly demeanour and morals. The movie shines a light on not just the hero or the villain, but turns the lens towards the thousands of innocent lives lost as a result of the war that brings our beloved superheroes glory. Glory comes to our Wonder Woman, but at an immense cost, and one which she is well aware of.

“I will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves”. As Gadot embodies this heroic, romantic notion, in a DC style ending, where good doesn’t quite triumph evil, the viewers are left wanting more, of the action, the drama, the story, the music … and more of Wonder Woman, or Gal Gadot, though after these two hours, one would think they’re one and the same.

[Review by Riddhi Samarth]

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“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!