A race of Amazons has been left on Earth by Zeus to defend
against Ares, the God of War, who hopes to destroy humanity. When a young
Amazon named Diana learns that World War I is underway, she travels to the front
lines, believing that Ares must be there, and that if she can only defeat him,
she will end the war.
Along the way, Diana will learn the truth of how she came to
be.
SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY
The Adoption Connection - SPOILERS
Diana was told that she had no father, and that she was sculpted
by clay. In truth, Zeus is her father, and she was created to be the only one
strong enough to kill her half-brother, Ares. In an effort to protect Diana,
her mother has decided that Diana must not learn the truth of her origin.
Strong Points
There’s so much to like in this movie. Diana decides to save
the world, not because they deserve it, but because it is the right thing to
do.
Diana shows mercy even to a great villain.
Diana’s mother caringly advises against Diana’s military
training, saying “She is a child, please let her be so.” Diana does go through
training, but it is refreshing to hear a voice asking for kids to be kids. Later, when Diana heads off to the war, her
mother says, “You have been my greatest love; today you are my greatest sorrow.”
It comes across as a genuine statement of the love her mother has for her.
Diana is one of several brave, courageous characters in the
film.
Challenges - SPOILERS
Diana’s mother Queen Hippolyta initially told her that she
sculpted her from clay. There’s a theme of secrecy that might not resonate well
with adoption-connected audiences; Diana’s mother says that Diana “must never
know the truth about who she is or how she came to be.” That might be the most blunt
statement of secrecy about identity issues that I’ve heard in a film. Diana’s
mother tells Diana,
“You are not an Amazon like the rest of us.” Later, Diana
learns that Zeus is her father, and Ares is her half-brother.
Diana learns eventually that she was created to be “The
Godkiller” – the only weapon strong enough to kill Ares. She eventually does
kill him.
Diana’s aunt dies protecting Diana from a German bullet that
was intended to kill her.
As the film is set in World War 1, there is violence and
gunfire. A villain shoots one of his own soldiers to make a point. One of the
generals on the British side seems unconcerned that his troops will die; he
says “That is what soldiers do.”
Diana is not able to save everyone that she wants to save. I
do wonder if that could be painful for kids who weren’t able to protect
siblings from abuse in previous homes.
Recommendations
Wonder Woman is one of the best films I’ve seen this year.
The violence in the film pushes it out of range for some younger viewers, and I
didn’t like Queen Hippolyta’s intention to keep Diana’s origin a secret from
her, but Diana does learn her origin, and she uses her origin to move the world
closer to peace. Unfortunately, to do so, she must kill her half-brother. I
could see the film possibly brushing up against some conflicted feelings some
adoptees and foster children have towards their birth family, but overall, this
one looks likely to be good for preteens and teens ages 12 and up. I appreciate
the courage and bravery shown by Diana, her family, and her friends.
Questions for
Discussion
Why did Diana’s mother want to keep Diana’s identity and
origins secret from her? Was she right or wrong to want to do that?
If you had a lasso of truth, what would you try to find out?
If every person has within themselves the choice for or
against darkness, how do we make sure we chose against darkness?
What is your mission? What is the mission of our family?
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