I’ve been wanting to go and see the new Wonder Woman film, and an article a fellow writer sent me has inspired me to go. Whether I can convince the other half to go with me is another matter. But that’s no biggie, I’ve always wanted to go to the cinema solo, just once, haven’t you? If you’re wondering if the new female superhero lead film hits the spot, read to on discover this writer’s review. The below article was written by Danielle Pratt.
As a superhero, I have always found that Wonder Woman seems to be left in the background – while Batman and Superman rule the DC Universe and their stories are synonymous with classic hero culture – less is known about the Amazonian princess. I can’t really say what I expected when I sat down in the cinema to a late night viewing, I wondered: would Diana be allowed to flourish?
Or would this be another example of when men come to save a well-meaning woman who isn’t strong enough alone? Finally I was satisfied! Diana has trained her whole life on a regime that shows her to be more formidable than many of the men depicted in the film who, eventually, see this for themselves. Despite the hero of the film constantly trying to protect Wonder Woman, our heroine disobeys and stands up against the extreme sexism of the past.
Under her alias of ‘Diana Prince’ the heroine takes a firm stance of refusal to be treated as a second class citizen because of her gender. Although bending a little to satisfy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) refuses to dress in a way that will not be considered ‘distracting’ in the World War era and even attempts to walk around London branded with weapons.
Her quote ‘distracting’ appearance (how many times have we been told not to dress distractingly, right girls) of course attracts the attention of men, who through no fault of their own must now flirt with the beautiful woman. This plan of approach is short-lived.
As one male attempts to show off his language skills and is trumped by Princes’ superior skills and unwillingness to stroke his ego.
Another way in which Wonder Woman is shown as different from the largely male cast, that is to be expected in a film about World War One, is her ability to show compassion to her comrades. When one man in her group is fretful with PTSD and she runs over to him to try and soothe him while her male companions stand back. The victim quickly tries to brush off the episode with a stiff-upper-lip approach and shuns her for trying to aid him.
This clip is a stark reminder that even now, many men feel unable to discuss mental health issues for fear of seeming less manly – Sexism works both ways people!
At the risk of getting too carried away and writing spoilers I will say that this short piece doesn’t even scratch the surface of what this film has to offer. Yes, it will annoy those who dislike the idea that a woman can do anything a man can do – or even due to the race of the title character – but this is the film that even those who are not fans of the DC Universe needed. In the ongoing fight for equality the World needs more films that show that even in a room full of men, a woman can make a significant difference.
