A growing sense of wonderment
Ahead of its general release in Chinese cinemas on Jan 19, the touching US drama Wonder scored a rating of 9 out of 10 on online ticketing platforms Maoyan and Taopiaopiao after more than 100 preview screenings took place on the mainland.
The movie was praised by audiences for hitting the soft spot as a heartwarming story that manages to avoid turning too sentimental.
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, Wonder tells the story of a 10-yearold boy named Auggie who was born with facial dysmorphism, and who begins fifth grade after years of being home-schooled by his mother.
Not unexpectedly, Auggie’s unusual appearance attracts undue attention, and he is initially met with derision and repulsion by many of his peers.
But with the strong support of his parents and sister, Auggie eventually inspires the people around him with cour- age, kindness and wisdom to earn their friendship, respect and love.
The film is directed by Stephen Chbosky, and stars Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay as Auggie.
Chbosky shows his personal affinity for the film’s title because of the word’s double meaning.
“‘Wonder’ can mean a sense of amazement about the miracles that are all around us. It can also mean to be curious about something, or perhaps somebody,” the director says while promoting the film in Beijing. “The two meanings actually match with each other.”
Chbosky says he chose to shoot the movie because of his love for the book, and the fact he could relate to so many things that happened in it on a personal level.
“I’ve actually been betrayed by friendships. And sometimes I have not been the best of friends myself. I can relate to every aspect of the book, every character.”
Other than the main storyline that tells how Auggie manages to conquer his difficulties, the film also shows how strong and selfless friendships and families can be by telling the story from the perspective of different characters.
Split into sections, the film is shot from a variety of viewpoints, showing the personal experiences of the characters other than the protagonist, including Auggie’s friends, his sister Via and Via’s best friend.
And by doing so, Chbosky tries to encourage the viewer to understand events from different characters’ viewpoints, rather than face the challenges silently and risk estrangement.
“The more we can communicate, the closer we’re likely to be.”
Beyond the original book, Chbosky added many scenes to the film depicting close family ties, not just to allow Roberts to showcase her acting talent, but also to create a rich viewing experience for families.
It is the first time that the 12-year-old actor has taken on such a challenging role, and it took makeup artists 90 minutes to apply the elements used to recreate the facial condition. The actor also undertook extensive research online, visited real children with similar conditions and invited them to write to him, in order to understand the role better.
In the film, Auggie wears an astronaut’s helmet to hide his imperfections. It demonstrates his desire for self-protection, and his need to maintain emotional barriers while keeping a safe distance from others. But it also shows his infinite yearning to join the outside world.
The “helmet” also made an appearance at a Beijing premiere on Jan 14, where Chbosky and Tremblay wrote down messages of hope on cards for the children attending it.
“Warm the world with kindness,” one card reads.
“We all are different and want to be treated with kindness,” says another.
I’ve actually been betrayed by friendships. And sometimes I have not been the best of friends myself.” Stephen Chbosky, director