“Wonder Woman” is an amazing hit all over the world! Respect and homage to Superman, the origin of hero movies

What is the homage to "Superman" hidden in the main story?

The memorable `` Superman '' (1978) was directed by Richard Donner, also known for ``The The Goonies ,'' and starred Christopher Reeve in the title role. Although the quality and reputation of the second and subsequent films were mixed, even when I look back on it now, it is an excellent work that is on par with other hero films.

There is a reason why I am quoting this movie now. In fact, ``Wonder Woman'' director Patty Jenkins has testified that she was deeply moved by ``Superman'' comics and movies when she was a child. And of course, the existence of this original hero influenced him in many ways when drawing this movie.

First of all, Superman and Wonder Woman have something in common. It is extremely noticeable that both of them come from planets and worlds that are completely different from the general society. Therefore, when they step into everyday life, a gap naturally arises between them and the rest of the world, and such depictions can sometimes sound comical, or even create room for social satire that looks at social norms from a different perspective.

They are also mentally and physically superior to humans. Furthermore, he is fundamentally different from heroes like Batman, who were born out of ``trauma'' or ``tragedy.'' They were not born out of dark impulses, but in a sense, they could be said to be people who strive to fulfill justice and goodness with the pure gaze of a newborn baby.

Perhaps out of respect for these aspects, director Jenkins deliberately set up scenes in the film that could be considered homages to the 1978 version of ``Superman.'' This is the scene where Wonder Woman first walks through the streets of London. He performs comical maneuvers around revolving doors, wears glasses to hide his fearless face, and even instantly turns around to protect his partner as soon as he is attacked by a thug in a narrow alley...all of these things. This scene is similar to the scene in ``Superman'' where Clark Kent is confused by the unfamiliar city life. If you're a fan of heroic movies, this will definitely make you grin.

Perhaps director Jenkins wanted to go back to his early childhood feelings of simply admiring heroes when launching his long-awaited project, Wonder Woman. And as complex hero movies were starting to emerge one after another, I believe that by using ``Superman'' as a reference, he desperately wanted to make this work into a powerful ``classic work''.

It can be said that the attempt was successful. This work is truly straightforward, dignified, not condescending, and pleasantly cheerful. Just as Jenkins was once captivated by Superman, I hear that many audiences around the world, including an unprecedented number of women, are now attending theaters fascinated by Wonder Woman. .

The worldwide box office revenue has already exceeded $800 million. Three months after its release in the United States, the curtain has finally been lifted on this masterpiece that will make you sweat in Japan. How do you view this time-honored new hero? Now, the adventure begins. I want you to identify yourself with the most powerful protagonist ever and experience the exciting 141 minutes to your heart's content.

Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU

Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.

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*Information as of September 2017 article publication.