Why I Cried During Wonder Woman

Thursday, June 8, 2017

We saw Wonder Woman last night at our local theater. I've been looking forward to seeing this movie since it was announced, as I was fan of the Lynda Carter era Wonder Woman and the only reason I ever watched The Justice League was to see Wonder Woman. And Aquaman. But that's another story.

And I cried.

Like many women who have watched this movie, it touched me in several fundamental ways, and this Super Hero movie became much more to me than a fun entertainment.

I cried because Diana is a badass. But she's a matter-of-fact badass. She worked hard to attain the skills and strength that are her birthright, but really - it's not that big of a deal. It's just part of who she is, and I loved the fact that her will was forged in the cultural fire of her people, not in some tragic event (usually involving either a man or her uterus or both) that left her broken or on fire for vengeance or some shit. She came of age in a warrior society, and she's a warrior. That's it, nothing to see here, move along. When was the last time I saw a female character in a movie that was strong, tough, undamaged, totally passing the Bechdel test - without apologizing for who she is, or for smashing patriarchal norms? Never, that's when. And the inclusion of this character in the modern zeitgeist makes my heart soar.

I cried because Diana does what is right, not what is easy or expedient. Like Steve Rogers, she's the moral center of her Super Hero universe, and she gave up everything she knew and loved in order to do the right thing. Watching her run head-long into No Man's Land made me weep with pride and longing.

I cried because Diana is an advocate for capital "J" Justice. You do what you need to do, but don't make the mistake of assuming she will follow any moral compass but her own. She's the master of self-determination, something we all wish for ourselves and our children.

I cried because our Moe-Moe was a fan of Wonder Woman, as well as having many other geek interests. Prior to her death, she was so looking forward to this movie, hoping that the studio's portrayal would be a well-rounded one, including the core of who Diana is, without failing the Bechdel test (as so many movies do). I know she would have been delighted with the end result. It breaks my heart that she was robbed of this experience - and so many others - by her mental illness.

I cried because this is the movie I've been waiting for my entire life. It provided, in its daring and complete vision, an example of what female characters should look like, but don't. Diana was a fully formed character, with nuance, complexity, emotional vulnerability, strengths, weaknesses, substance. Her life, desires and values didn't revolve around a man, or a tragedy, but around her duty. And in the end, she chose love. Not the love of a man, but the love for the very best of humanity, while acknowledging that the very worst is always there, as well. The brave choice, the tough choice, the generous choice. A true Super Hero.


4 comments:

Anne C. said...

A similar review to yours... http://pvponline.com/news/wonder-woman-spoiler-free-review&t=Wonder%20Woman%20-%20Spoiler%20Free%20Review

I found what he said about "So as a character she's devoid of any "no man is going to tell me what to do." baggage. Diana doens't let ANYONE tell her what to do. Again, gender is irrelevant. She simply never considers herself to be anything but equal." to be particularly heartening.

SO looking forward to seeing this on Friday!

Anne C. said...

Second try on that link: http://pvponline.com/news/wonder-woman-spoiler-free-review

Janiece said...

Thanks, Anne. That's pretty spot-on, although I don't think she "pulled her feminist punches." As the author notes, there's no such thing as "feminism" in her world, so why would she feel a need to advocate on behalf of her gender?

Anne C. said...

By "pulled her feminist punches" I read "didn't rely on common feminist tropes." Because, as you say, she doesn't need to advocate on behalf of her gender.