White Bird: A Wonder Story, aired on 4th October 2024, is a heartbreaking war drama directed by Marc Forster based on the novel by the same name. The movie works as a both a prequel and sequel to the 2017 film, Wonder, which is about how good deeds, heroism and optimism in humanity exist even during the brutal times of the wars.
Synopsis
When being expelled from his previous school, Julian Albans (Bryce Gheisar), the former bully from wonder, was put in an uncertain position for which he was unable to prepare himself. This is where he hopes to be able to set his life on a better path, and his parents, who are newly immigrated, do their best to provide him with hope. Unfortunately, the lack of funds forces them to pull him out of school, where fortunately for him, there is his grandmother who is a great storyteller. Sara Blum (Helen Mirren) is a Jewish girl living in France during the Nazi occupation, and she recounts her memories to Julian, recalling the painful moments of her childhood.
The conflict reached its peak when German troops invaded her village and she was forced to hide away from them. Remember Sara’s former classmate Ileana, the one who dreaded polio? He develops feelings for her and Sara’s family, who takes her in when the war centralizes around her home. However, even when faced with the worst torment as a refugee, Sara finds solace in her newfound romance with Julien. Despite their difficult circumstances, Sara is able to feel warmth through the newfound relationship.
The story deeply penetrates Julian’s heart reshaping his behavior where he begins to learn about compassion resulting in kindness.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Marc Forster
- Screenwriter: Mark Bomback
- Based on the Upcoming Graphic Novel By R.J. Palacio; The Series Titled White Bird Brought Back for the Sequel
- Other producers include: David Hoberman Todd Lieberman R.J. Palacio
- Cinematography By: Matthias Koenigswieser
- Music By: Thomas Newman
Main Cast:
- Helen Mirren as Grandmère Sara Blum
- Ariella Glaser as Young Sara Blum
- Bryce Gheisar as Julian Albans
- Orlando Schwerdt as Julien
- Gillian Anderson as Vivienne, Jacob’s Mother
Production and Release
After the second World War, shooting of the picture round was done at different places in Eastern Europe in order to recreate the time when France was taken over by the Nazis in the 1940s. The movie also depicts life of a boy who is shown interacting with some Jews in France during the world War II and strikes throughout entire shooting and pandemic continued to hit the release date. Appearances of the movie started with countries including Italy, Slovenia and parts of Croatia even before its official US premiere.
Critical Reception
The film also did great at the box office as Three years of multiple delays due to numerous COVID-19 lockdowns, cast strikes, and several other issues. Helen’s depiction of Grandmère Sara has received particular appreciation with critics giving high remarks for her struggle to show off the emotion throughout.
Rotten Tomatoes also gave it a Great Rating at its premiere as the movie was considered heartfelt with deep storytelling infused with multiple layered acts throughout.
Ariella Glaser’s portrayal of young Sara has also been applauded for her believable performance and the depth of character as she adds an element of delicate naiveness to young Sara.
There has been praise for the film’s cinematography and focus on accurate recreation of its milieu for successfully placing the viewer within the hopeless yet hopeful context of France during the war even though some reviewers did note that while the message of the film was strong but some narrative details may be expected by viewers who have watched other holocaust films.
Themes and Analysis
White Bird offers insight on how an act of kindness can change a person’s life and the strength of the will that is required to rise against injustice. The film reveals through Sara’s life how a single act of kindness, or an act of prejudice, can alter the course of generations.
Sociologics concepts are seamlessly blended in where Sara and Julien’s relationship highlights the concepts. The discrimination against Sara for being Jewish and against Julien for being physically disabled becomes the bedrock upon which their compassionate friendship flourishes, firmly believing in love amidst hatred.
The film juxtaposes Julian’s current problems with the events of his grandmother’s life and provides the viewer with parallels between the past and the present and cementing the essence of the film which is that hatred is born from ignorance and what is needed to combat it is understanding and kindness.
Conclusion
White Bird: A Wonder Story is a gripping tale of man’s capacity to endure and the kindness people can show at the worst of times. The action on screen and the story that spans ages makes the viewer appreciate the role of compassion towards hatred all the more so.
If however the audience does want to engage with a more bulging sob story that combines whitewashed history and a moral lesson, Spider Man furtheron is interesting and painful in about the same manner all together.
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