Only love can save the world...

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2017)

Love creates the hero in awesome "Wonder Woman". In the touching moment of the climactic battle Gal Gadot's Diana sources power from her memories of those she loves, and those who love her. Her bold strong Aunt Antiope played by Robin Wright, who taught her to be the fiercest Amazon Warrior, implores her, "You are stronger than this!" Upon leaving her home to save the world her Mother Hippolyta, played by sublime Connie Nielsen, hugs Diana, "You have been my greatest love. Today, you are my greatest sorrow" Steve played by Chris Pine, who loves Diana, says, "I can save the day. You can save the world."
Greatness emerges out of those who love and believe in you. In Director Patty Jenkins and Screenwriter Allan Heinberg's "Wonder Woman" hero emerges as bravery for those you love and believe in. For Jenkins and Heinberg, love creates Hero. Gal Gadot is a star. She is stunningly beautiful. She amazes with her physical gifts and martial arts skills in battle. She eloquently captures the innocence of the child, who believes in her heart that good will always conquer evil, although the world can be gray—neither light or dark. The hero is in Gadot's gaze, her words, and her calm stillness. As Diana, she inspires us to use our powers for good. "Wonder Woman" too is inspired. A great movie.
"Wonder Woman" is the origins story of Diana, who becomes the superhero of the comic book, reset in World War I. The movie bogs down some in the middle as the narrative shifts focus to the War with Germany. The deadly gas weapon of mass destruction created by disfigured Dr. Maru, played by mysterious Elena Anaya, is coveted by General Ludendorff, malevolently played by Danny Huston. Yet, the hero story truly mesmerizes.
Jenkins brilliantly creates homage to Greek Mythology as Amazon Queen Hippolyta (Nielsen) narrates the fable. God Zeus created Mankind on earth. Zeus loved Man as his own children. Outraged with jealousy his son Ares, God of War, gave Man fear, anger, and war. To save Man, Zeus created the Amazon women warriors. The Amazon live and train on the island of Themyscira, shrouded from the rest of civilization and Ares himself. Matthew Jensen's cinematography captures the life and light of idyllic Themyscira. The land possesses the beauty and strength of the women, who reside there.
Hippolyta and her sister Antiope (Wright) battle over young Diana's destiny. Diana's benevolent Mother Hippolyta wishes to spare her daughter of the warrior's sacrifice, her own past. Aunt Antiope knows Diana is the chosen one, and secretly trains her niece. Hippolyta refuses to reveal to Diana her secret destiny, instead having Antiope train Diana as the Amazon's fiercest warrior. The grown Diana (Gadot) becomes the valiant idealist and protector, fulfilling that part of her destiny. Also the bracelets she wears in battle reveal invincible power.
The War shapes Diana's destiny. British Captain Steve Trevor, played by charismatic Chris Pine, crashes his plane in the waters off Themyscira. He has the plans for the deadly German nerve gas. Diana saves his life. However, the Germans pursue Steve as well. The Amazons along with Steve defeat the German soldiers, but with tragic loss.
Realizing the world is in peril with "the war to end all wars", Diana disobeys her Mother's wishes, and sails with Steve back to London. Diana believes that to save Mankind she must slay Ares, God of War. Steve is sympathetic to idealist Diana; he only wants the War to end. Knowing Diana's destiny, her Mother lets her go. Diana takes along with her on the journey, the Amazon shield, and the sacred "God Killer" sword to defeat Ares.
Gadot commands "Wonder Woman" and is the bright new star. She is amazing in all the screen battles. Her brave idealism and soul truly inspires. She tells British leader Sir Patrick, played by Danny Thewlis, "You should be ashamed!"—that his generals don't fight with their men on the battlefield. The hero arises from those who love her. Nielsen, Wright, and Pine are amazing. Nielsen is touching as Hippolyta the stoic Mother, who loves Diana with all her heart. Wright is ruthless compassion as the warrior, who sees the greatness within her. Pine is surprisingly poignant as the man, who loves Diana, giving her purpose.
With Jenkins and Gadot, hero is about love. Hero always is. Perhaps, "Wonder Woman" can inspire other movie heroes to declare the same. Now that would be the grand legacy of "Wonder Woman".