# Wonder

> 2017 film directed by Stephen Chbosky

**Wikidata**: [Q27958394](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27958394)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonder_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wonder

## Summary
Wonder is a 2017 American drama film directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on the 2012 novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio. The film tells the story of August "Auggie" Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.

## Key Facts
- Directed by Stephen Chbosky, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Steve Conrad and Jack Thorne
- Based on the 2012 novel "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
- Released on November 17, 2017, in the United States
- Produced by Lionsgate, Participant Media, Walden Media, and Mandeville Films
- Distributed by Lionsgate
- Stars Jacob Tremblay as August "Auggie" Pullman, with Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson as his parents
- Budget of $20 million, grossing over $305.9 million worldwide
- Runtime of 113 minutes
- Rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements including bullying, and some mild language
- Filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Received positive reviews from critics, with praise for the performances and emotional impact
- Won the National Board of Review Award for Top Ten Films of 2017

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Wonder?**
Wonder follows August "Auggie" Pullman, a 10-year-old boy born with facial differences who has been homeschooled his whole life. When he enters fifth grade at Beecher Prep, a mainstream elementary school, he must navigate the challenges of being the new kid while dealing with his appearance. The film explores themes of acceptance, kindness, and the impact of bullying.

**Who are the main cast members?**
The film stars Jacob Tremblay as August "Auggie" Pullman, Julia Roberts as Isabel Pullman (Auggie's mother), Owen Wilson as Nate Pullman (Auggie's father), Izabela Vidovic as Via Pullman (Auggie's sister), and Mandy Patinkin as Mr. Tushman (the school principal).

**What awards and recognition did Wonder receive?**
Wonder was named one of the Top Ten Films of 2017 by the National Board of Review. It received numerous nominations and awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The film was also recognized for its positive message and impact on audiences.

**Is Wonder based on a true story?**
While Wonder is not based on a specific true story, it was inspired by a real-life incident. Author R.J. Palacio was inspired to write the novel after her son reacted negatively to seeing a girl with a facial difference. The story, while fictional, addresses real issues of acceptance, bullying, and kindness that many children and families face.

**Are there any sequels or related works?**
A spin-off film titled "White Bird: A Wonder Story" was released in 2023, focusing on the character Julian Albans and his grandmother's experiences during World War II. The film is directed by Marc Forster and is based on the graphic novel "White Bird" by R.J. Palacio.

## Why It Matters
Wonder matters because it addresses universal themes of acceptance, kindness, and the challenges of being different in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. The film brings attention to the experiences of individuals with facial differences and the importance of empathy and understanding in our society. By presenting these themes through the lens of a family and school setting, Wonder makes complex social issues accessible and relatable to a wide audience. The film's success and positive reception demonstrate the public's appetite for stories that promote compassion and challenge societal norms about beauty and acceptance. Additionally, Wonder has sparked important conversations about bullying, inclusion, and the power of kindness in schools and communities, potentially influencing attitudes and behaviors in real-world settings.

## Notable For
- Adapted from a bestselling novel that spent over five years on the New York Times bestseller list
- Features groundbreaking makeup and prosthetics to transform Jacob Tremblay's appearance
- Received praise for its authentic portrayal of a child with facial differences
- Sparked the "Choose Kind" movement, encouraging acts of kindness in schools and communities
- Achieved significant box office success relative to its modest $20 million budget
- Featured a diverse cast and explored multiple perspectives through its narrative structure
- Addressed complex themes of bullying, acceptance, and family dynamics in an accessible manner
- Received endorsements from various organizations supporting individuals with facial differences
- Inspired educational programs and classroom discussions about empathy and inclusion
- Demonstrated the commercial viability of family-oriented dramas with positive social messages

## Body
### Production and Development
Wonder was produced by Lionsgate, Participant Media, Walden Media, and Mandeville Films, with a budget of $20 million. The film was directed by Stephen Chbosky, who co-wrote the screenplay with Steve Conrad and Jack Thorne. Chbosky, known for his work on "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," was drawn to the project because of its universal themes and positive message. The film's production took place primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with filming beginning in July 2016 and concluding in October of the same year.

### Cast and Characters
The film features a talented ensemble cast led by Jacob Tremblay as August "Auggie" Pullman. Tremblay's performance required extensive makeup and prosthetics to create Auggie's facial differences, a process that took about an hour each day. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play Auggie's parents, Isabel and Nate Pullman, bringing warmth and depth to their roles as supportive parents navigating their son's challenges. Izabela Vidovic portrays Via Pullman, Auggie's older sister, whose storyline explores the complexities of being the sibling of a child with special needs. The supporting cast includes Mandy Patinkin as Mr. Tushman, the school principal, and Daveed Diggs as Mr. Browne, Auggie's teacher.

### Critical Reception and Impact
Upon its release, Wonder received positive reviews from critics, who praised its performances, emotional depth, and positive message. The film holds a 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 197 reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10. Critics particularly lauded Jacob Tremblay's performance and the film's ability to tackle sensitive subjects with grace and authenticity. The movie's success at the box office, grossing over $305.9 million worldwide, demonstrated the audience's appetite for family-oriented dramas with meaningful themes.

### Themes and Social Impact
Wonder explores several important themes, including acceptance, kindness, bullying, and the challenges of being different. The film's central message of "Choose Kind" resonated strongly with audiences and sparked a wider movement encouraging acts of kindness in schools and communities. The story's multi-perspective narrative structure allows viewers to understand the experiences of various characters, promoting empathy and understanding. The film has been praised for its authentic portrayal of a child with facial differences and has been endorsed by various organizations supporting individuals with similar conditions.

### Cultural Significance and Legacy
The success of Wonder has had a lasting impact on popular culture and education. The film has inspired classroom discussions and educational programs focused on empathy, inclusion, and anti-bullying initiatives. Schools across the United States and other countries have incorporated the book and film into their curricula to promote discussions about kindness and acceptance. The "Choose Kind" movement, which originated from the book and was amplified by the film, has become a rallying cry for promoting positive behavior and combating bullying in schools and communities.

### Related Works and Adaptations
Wonder is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio, which has become a modern classic in children's literature. The book's success led to several companion novels and spin-offs, including "Auggie & Me," which tells the story from the perspectives of Julian, Christopher, and Charlotte. In 2023, a spin-off film titled "White Bird: A Wonder Story" was released, focusing on Julian Albans' grandmother's experiences during World War II. This film, directed by Marc Forster, is based on Palacio's graphic novel "White Bird" and expands the Wonder universe while exploring themes of courage and kindness in a different historical context.

### Technical Aspects
The film's technical achievements include the groundbreaking makeup and prosthetics used to transform Jacob Tremblay into Auggie. The makeup team, led by Arjen Tuiten, spent a year developing the look, which required applying silicone prosthetics, a wig, and contact lenses to Tremblay each day. The result was a realistic and sensitive portrayal of a child with facial differences. The film's cinematography, by Don Burgess, captures both the intimate family moments and the broader school environment, creating a visual narrative that complements the story's emotional depth.

### Distribution and Release
Wonder was released in the United States on November 17, 2017, by Lionsgate. The film's release strategy included a wide theatrical release followed by home media distribution. It was made available on digital platforms in February 2018 and was released on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD in March 2018. The film's home media release included bonus features such as behind-the-scenes featurettes, interviews with the cast and crew, and a music video for the song "Brand New Eyes" by Bea Miller, which was featured in the film's soundtrack.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. IMDb
4. Rotten Tomatoes
5. Wonder. Rotten Tomatoes
6. [Source](https://www.jpbox-office.com/fichfilm.php?id=17510&view=23)
7. [Source](http://nmhh.hu/dokumentum/198182/terjesztett_filmalkotasok_art_filmek_nyilvantartasa.xlsx)
8. AlloCiné
9. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543472/releaseinfo)
10. BBC Things
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12. [Source](https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/wonder-2017)
13. Entertainment Identifier Registry
14. Kinopoisk
15. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=285931)
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19. [Source](http://justica.gov.br/noticias/classificacao-indicativa-divulga-a-lista-de-filmes-que-entram-em-cartaz-nos-cinemas.2)
20. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
21. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/webicaa/Ficheros/114017/34/114017/1/209.pdf)
22. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=15705)
23. [Source](http://www.rtc.gob.mx/NuevoSitio/cine_clasif_35mm.php?cd=408)
24. Bechdel Test Movie List
25. Danish Film Database
26. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech.asp?intNoFilm=406543)
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