As a cinephile who’s witnessed the evolution of young Jacob Tremblay’s acting prowess since his heartwarming portrayal in Wonder, I must say I’m thrilled to see him reprise his role in White Bird. This time around, he’s not just a bully but a character on a transformative journey, learning valuable lessons under the tutelage of none other than Dame Helen Mirren – an experience that’s better than any acting class!
In 2017, young actor Jacob Tremblay delivered another inspiring performance in the movie Wonder, based on the popular novel by R.J. Palacio. Given the success of the book, it was only natural that Hollywood would adapt a follow-up graphic novel featuring similar characters. This new project is titled White Bird, and renowned director Marc Forster (famous for films like A Man Called Otto, Monster’s Ball, The Kite Runner, and Finding Neverland) is directing the film adaptation. Interestingly, White Bird serves as both a prequel and sequel to Wonder.
In the second film, you might recall Julian (previously Bryce Gheisar), who was the antagonist in the first movie. Fortunately, the character could potentially find redemption through his affectionate French grandmother, portrayed by none other than Dame Helen Mirren in this film. Although her screen time is limited, having Mirren on board is certainly better than nothing! Furthermore, the unwavering positivity woven throughout the narrative is sure to motivate some young viewers.
White Bird Teaches the Wonder Bully a Valuable Lesson
In my perspective, the movie commences not long after the incidents depicted in “Wonder,” with Julian appearing slightly older, yet retaining the annoying bully persona we all came to dislike initially. If you haven’t watched “Wonder,” don’t worry, as White Bird can be experienced independently and effectively. When Julian’s misbehavior ultimately leads to his expulsion from school, you might find yourself thinking, “He got what he deserved.” However, this situation unexpectedly brings him closer to his loving yet firm-handed grandmother (Mirren), Sara, who is in town and manages to meet Julian despite his teenage rebellion.
She starts narrating an extraordinary tale from her youth, not just any ordinary coming-of-age story. Young Sara Blum (portrayed by Ariella Glaser in evocatively filmed flashbacks) survived the Holocaust in France. It’s undeniably a daunting backdrop, but the graphic novel “White Bird” and its cinematic adaptation provide moments of unwavering optimism amidst peril, making Forster’s latest work a distinctly unique experience, offering a contrast to the more somber treatments of difficult topics.
In White Bird, there are indeed intense, grim scenes involving death. Observe as Sara’s compassionate and valiant teacher, Mlle Petitjean (played exceptionally well by Patsy Ferran), bravely confronts German soldiers who aim to round up a significant number of her students. This act of defiance is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, as she chooses not to abandon her children and instead joins them in the military vehicle.
Finding Fantasy and Color in the Darkness of Suffering
In the end, Sara finds herself in such dire straits that she’s rescued by her kind-hearted classmate Julien (Orlando Schwerdt), who resides in a remote property on the outskirts of the city under siege by Hitler’s soldiers. Julien’s commendable parents, Vivienne (Gillian Anderson) and Jean Paul (Jo Stone-Fewings), make Sara as comfortable as possible under the circumstances, providing her a home within a community where aggressive Nazis are prevalent, constantly patrolling with loaded rifles.
The title of this movie may spark imaginative, magical feelings deep within your youthful spirit, and that’s exactly what it aims to do. Director Forster is known for blending whimsy with melancholy in movies set in a fantastical yet realistic world, as seen in films like “Finding Neverland” and “Christopher Robin”. In this film, he accomplishes something similar by painting the screen with vivid colors as Julian and Sara attempt to imagine a world more brilliant than their own while they escape the chaos, day after day.
White Bird Is Soft and Mushy but Inspiring
Mirren’s eloquent and heart-wrenching narrations certainly boost the end result, even if the emotional components all feel a bit overdone by the third act. If you can move past the relentless mushiness of it all, the optimism led by Gillian Anderson’s adoring motherly turn might just be the cure-all you need to snap out of any real-life self-loathing you might be going through. White Bird might just knock some sense into you as a reminder: “Hey, if they can see the brightness in such darkness, why can’t you?”
Lastly, let me interject with a minor observation that might seem trivial. Nowadays, audiences are more accustomed to subtitles than ever before, thanks to captions on social media videos, the surge of international television, and the popularity of foreign films. Given this context, it seems somewhat inappropriate and insincere for European characters to converse in English. It’s a personal gripe that slightly detracts from an otherwise delightful, moving (and sentimental) film.
In the present day, it won’t be shocking to find that Mirren’s words resonated deeply with her character’s grandson. It is my hope that these words will strike a chord with viewers as well.
White Bird, produced by Lionsgate, is set for release in theaters on October 4, 2024.
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2024-10-05 05:04