Wonder Woman (2017): DC Comics Tells Iconic Character’s Origin Story

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With exception to two films (I can totally be this specific since that’s how few I skip), I’ve either seen or plan to, all of the recent comic book adaptations. From mutants to flying aliens, millionaires to archers, if they’re tagged “Marvel” or “DC Comics,” I’ll likely see them. The latest from DC invites us into the origin story of its icon, Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman (2017) Film Review

Many years ago, in the wake of a peaceful land that saw man turn against brother and eventually war, a brave Queen (Connie Neilson) and her general (Robin Wright) battled in war. With the help of the god Zeus, the Queen and her band of Amazons were triumphant over the god Ares, in the process banishing their enemy. Ever since that fateful day, they’ve lived peacefully on a protected island.

Diana (Gal Gadot), Princess of the Amazon grew up in the shadow of these stories, which hail her mother’s victory. She has been trained harder than any before her, and wishes to be like her mother. What she doesn’t understand is the horrors war inflicts. Everything she knew and thought she wanted changes when she rescues an American fighter pilot.

Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) is a patriotic pilot fighting WWI as a spy for British intelligence. While trying to escape the Germans, he breaks the barrier of the Amazon’s island. Believing Steve’s “War to End All Wars” is orchestrated by Ares, and that she’s the only one who can kill him, Diana leads Steve off the island in exchange for passage with him. As the pair leave behind all Diana knew, the brave warrior faces a world of danger, humans, finding strength in unexpected places… and love.

Despite their flaws, when it comes to superhero films, I’m a messy puddle of fangirl speak. Sure there have been duds, but I still adore what they stand for. I respect their “good guy” characters. I admire the messages of justice and truth. The female directed (Patty Jenkins) Wonder Woman falls into the same “win” category, though I’ll confess without reservations, for me, I don’t have the reaction to this so many do.

From the moment she stepped on screen in Batman v Superman, I know this was a character that would benefit DC Comics cinematic universe. Prior to this, the only introduction I’d had of this character was an episode or two of the 70s TV show. Seeing Gal Gadot confidently step into these shoes (in Batman v Superman) was one of the reasons this film dripped in confidence. The actress brims with the right kind of swagger to pull this role off (21^st century Diana), and yet surprises with an innocent, beautiful WWI Diana. Seeing the world through the eyes of this new Diana is lovely. Her character is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise cynical world of superheroes who sadly, succumb to their weary souls.

It is our sacred duty to defend the world. And it is what I am going to do.

– DIana / Wonder Woman

Everyone in this cast is brilliant. From Pine’s Steve Trevor (wonderful character who I’d really like to write a great deal about) to the hilarious and fabulous Lucy Davis as Steve’s secretary, and veteran Robin Wright. There’s an undeniable chemistry between everyone, and furthermore, a respect between the characters that’s magical. From the old-fashion and wonderful way Steve treats Diana (while fully knowing she can physically take care of herself, and respecting that) to Diana’s foolish but compelling belief mankind is better than they are, these characters find a place in our hearts and remain there.

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Wonder Woman (2017): DC Comics Tells Iconic Character's Origin Story. A review of the #DCComics adaptation with Gal Gadot. #Movies #ComicBook #Adventure #ChisPine #GalGadot Share on X

As I allude to earlier, I didn’t walk away from this film with the same reaction as others. Because I made plans to eventually see this in theaters, I followed my usual pattern of not reading reviews. But seeing the Twitter chatter couldn’t be helped. While the majority praised this for some variation of its “female empowerment,” this is not my takeaway. Does it feature a strong woman? Unquestionably. Did it make me feel any more empowered? No. Though memorable, Diana is not the first woman to do great things for great causes, nor will she be the last.

This film spoke to me on a much deeper level than that of a common society complaint. Instead I walked away awed by its messages of collective strength in the most horrific of adversities. Sacrifice, friendship, loyalty, love, and though this is perhaps the one tiny downfall, its parallelism. I’m in no way disagreeing that Wonder Woman is beautiful. This film is emotionally satisfying, in fact. There’s very little, if anything, I can find to complain about. The way Diana grows into the moniker that fits her so well, with class, elegance and grace is a joy to experience. The romance (though all fleeting) is bittersweet beauty that feels like it uses Jane Austen rather than “raunchy” as its model.

Diana Prince is a woman we’re sure not to forget meeting. She’s intelligent and looks to find beauty beneath the rubble. To her credit, she finds it, carefully chips away the clutter and protects it. That’s the image of a heroine to be admired. She’s a heroine who seeks truth and justice every day – and we love her for it.

Content: There is some minor innuendo (Diana doesn’t understand the ways of the world, so it’s mostly owning to her naivety, which is endearing), and perhaps a minor profanity or two. Aside from this, the PG13 content is mostly violence.