Wonder Woman Review: Saving The World Through Power and Love

“Only love can save the world.” Diana (Gal Gadot) utters in the last moments of “Wonder Woman,” just as she was reminded of her exploits that helped stop World War I and chemical annihilation. She’s been through hell and gunfire with powers blazing, and just as the movie closes, we finally see how important “Wonder Woman” is for humanity.

We all didn’t deserve her, but she chose humanity. Call us overly emotional, but one cannot simply deny the fact that in a world full of hate and understanding and violence, the only saving grace we can turn to is a symbol that boosts our drive to strive for peace—and more poignantly, love.

Wonder Woman: Waving The Banner of the Modern Woman

“As magnificent as you are, you are still no match for me,” says General Ludendorff (Danny Huston) to Diana when she went to confront him about his plans of a chemical attack. She has just punched her way to a huge watchtower to get to him.

Photo via Clay Enos (Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Ratpac-Dune Entertainment LLC)

Ludendorff is right about one thing. Diana, Princess of Themyscira, Daughter of Queen Hippolyta, is a magnificent demigod. “Wonder Woman” is a film that’s downright powerful and graceful. I know, superhero movies are for everyone but as a pro-feminist, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of pride over the first female-led superhero film since the unfortunate “Catwoman” in 2004. It’s also impossible to not feel a sense of empowerment as she comes as a glorious badass who executes her femininity with pride and poise.

Diana not only exceeds expectations from her co-war heroes, she rallies them up and boosts their morale. I’ve never felt so much power in “Wonder Woman” since her animated “Justice League” series in 2001.

An origin story like no other, director Patty Jenkins gave more than justice to “Wonder Woman,” as it celebrates Diana’s feminine traits. Her secret weapon is not the Bracelets of Victory; not the mystical sword; not the Lasso of Truth; and not even her as the “God-killer.” It’s her empathy and love for mankind.

The DCEU Redeemed

It’s fitting to say that the staggering DC Extended Universe is now back on its heels thanks to “Wonder Woman.” She is a tremendous win for the franchise who is currently reeling from an attack from “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Suicide Squad.”

Diana saved mankind from total damnation and chemical destruction, but in reality she also saved DCEU from utter ruin. “Wonder Woman” focuses on the horrific elements of a war, the positive vibes of friendship, and old-fashioned superhero prowess. It’s a relief for all of us, as Ben Affleck’s “Batman” is a criminal-torturing, “Superman” killer while Supes himself is a problematic character conflicted with his powers, accidentally destroys cities and is forced to kill. Diana simply just wants to save the world, save lives and stop the war; proving that the simple superhero narrative is still the best way to go.

Photo via Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Ratpac-Dune Entertainment LLC

Overall, “Wonder Woman” is a superhero film that takes us back to the basics and makes us fall in love with her all over again. It’s a film with inevitable but minimal faults, crisp and thrilling action, and an authentic superhero backstory. It’s a timely and meaningful iteration of an iconic character that has been around since the war period. She tops all the other superheroes in terms of courage and certainty. She represents the perfect track that her cinematic movie companions should be taking. She is straightforward and does not give in to internal conflict.

“Wonder Woman” is a shining beacon of hope, saving the world through power and love.