“Wonder Boy” : Beauty is always hidden where we can’t see

“Wonder” is a movie adapted from RJ Palacio’s novel. This movie is not limited to inspiration itself, but also explores many topics such as family, education, family affection, friendship, etc. It does not focus on the protagonist alone, but portrays it from multiple angles to make the story full.

What is the movie about?

The story revolves around Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old boy born with facial deformity. Before that, Auggie had been educated at home by his mother, Isabel, until the fifth grade, when, encouraged by his family, he entered Becher Preparatory School and began his campus life. 

When he first entered the school, Auggie suffered strange looks, ridicule and even isolation from his classmates because of his unique appearance. However, Auggie did not back down. With his own humor, kindness and wisdom, he gradually impressed the people around him: he made a sincere friend like Jack Will; his outstanding performance in science class won the recognition of teachers and classmates; on Halloween, he dressed up as “Boba Fett” and accidentally heard Jack quarreling with others to defend himself. Although he was sad, he finally chose to forgive; in outdoor development activities, he and Jack and other classmates fought against the bully Julian together. After experiencing difficulties such as getting lost, they successfully escaped with mutual trust and courage. Auggie not only found a sense of belonging on campus, but also infected the people around him with his own experience and became a role model in everyone’s hearts. 

“If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose being kind.”

There is a line in the movie that left a deep impression on me: “If you have to choose between being right and being kind, choose being kind.” Auggie’s classmates rejected him at first, but later, they slowly learned to be kind and accepting. Just like Auggie’s sister Via said: “Be kind, because everyone is fighting a hard battle with life. If you want to really understand them, just look at them with your heart.” When Auggie was bullied on the playground, his friends stood up to protect him; when he stood on the stage, the whole school applauded him. At that moment, my eyes were really filled with tears. 

And Auggie’s family, his father always infects him with humor and optimism; his sister, although sometimes jealous of the attention he gets, chooses to support him in the end. They use their love to support Auggie. As Auggie’s mother said, “This is my son’s face, I love it.” This kind of unconditional love is really the most precious thing in the world. 

Detailed analysis

In the campus scene, the social dilemma Auggie faces is vividly shown through the surprised or evasive looks of his classmates when they see him, as well as the whispers among them. The first time Auggie goes to school wearing an astronaut helmet, using the helmet to isolate himself from the outside world, this detail deeply shows his inner fear and anxiety. 

Ending: Gaining growth and recognition

At the graduation ceremony of Beecher Prep School, Auggie received the Henry Ward Beecher Medal from the school for his hard work and kindness. This medal is the highest honor for kindness and courage. When the principal read out Auggie’s name, the whole school stood up and applauded, and Auggie’s parents and sister were moved to tears. At this moment, Auggie not only gained the recognition of others, but also achieved self-growth and completed the transformation from inferiority to self-confidence. Julian, the former bully, transferred to another school, and other students on campus also learned kindness and tolerance under the influence of Auggie. The whole school was filled with warmth and love.