It has been over seven years since Jacob Tremblay’s character, Auggie Pullman, reminded everyone about the importance of kindness in the movie Wonder. Auggie is a young boy who has facial features that make him different. Because of this, he becomes a target for bullying at school.
His bully, Julian, played by Bryce Gheisar, faces the consequences of his actions and gets suspended by the end of the film. Many would expect this punishment to change Julian’s behavior, but the new film White Bird shows a different story.
This movie is based on another bestselling book by R.J. Palacio. It takes a fresh direction from Wonder and tells what happens to Julian after he moves to a new school.
White Bird focuses on a powerful cautionary tale that his grandmother, played by Helen Mirren, shares while they drink tea together. As she tells her story, the plot unfolds, and viewers learn about her life during a difficult time in history.
Her story of surviving the Nazi occupation may seem similar to other stories told in war dramas. Still, director Marc Forster’s approach touches the heart through a simple yet meaningful view of humanity’s power.
What Is ‘White Bird’ About?
The movie opens with Julian sitting alone at a cafeteria table. He feels isolated when a popular jock approaches him. The jock tells Julian that he is sitting at the “loser table.” Then, the jock offers Julian a chance to join him and his friends for lunch the next day.
Julian thinks about this offer as he heads home. When he arrives, he is surprised when his grandmother, Sara (Mirren), shares a personal story from her past in France during World War II.
As she begins to tell her life story, the plot develops, and viewers are introduced to Sara’s younger self, played by Ariella Glaser. This younger version of Sara experiences fear and uncertainty as a Jewish girl during a time of great danger.
At first, she feels safe in her small town, but as hostility begins to grow, she starts to worry about her safety and that of her parents. This worry becomes real when her teacher escorts her and other Jewish students out of school. At this moment, Sara truly understands the hatred that Nazi soldiers have against her people.
Sara is the only student who escapes capture by the authorities. With the help of Julien (Orlando Schwerdt), a classmate with a limp whom she used to make fun of, she finds refuge.
Julien and his parents take Sara into their home, providing her with food, clean clothes, and a safe place to hide until the war comes to an end. This act of kindness is crucial, as it allows Sara to survive the chaos surrounding them.
As the war continues, Sara and Julien’s relationship develops. They grow closer together and use their imagination to dream of a world without conflict.
They laugh, share stories, and create a bond that helps them escape the harsh realities of their situation. Their connection provides both characters with a sense of hope during dark times.
Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt Shine in WWII Teen Romance
Although White Bird features Helen Mirren as a key character, her role is mostly limited to narration. The true stars of the film are Glaser and Schwerdt, who portray the young couple at the heart of this narrative. Their performances create a beautiful and touching portrayal of young love during a difficult period in history.
Throughout the film, Sara and Julien share many joyful moments. They laugh together over Charlie Chaplin reenactments and dream about visiting Paris while pretending to sightsee from a dusty car parked inside the barn where Sara is hiding.
The actors fill their scenes with sensitivity and care, allowing viewers to see the innocence of youth amidst the horrors of war. Their playful moments inside the barn contrast sharply with the growing darkness outside, highlighting the importance of their relationship in such challenging times.
As their bond deepens, the film’s main message becomes clearer. The leads remind viewers of the characters in The Book Thief, another young adult adaptation set during the Holocaust. Their experiences resonate deeply, as both couples strive to find joy and hope while facing adversity.
Still from White Bird (Credit: Lionsgate)
While the main characters are central to the story, the supporting cast also deserves recognition. Gillian Anderson stands out as Julien’s mother, providing a comforting presence throughout the film. In a powerful scene towards the end, Anderson shows her talent, portraying her character in a vulnerable moment that adds depth to the story.
‘White Bird’ Doesn’t Reinvent the Wheel, But It Has an Endearing Message
The plot of White Bird is not groundbreaking, but it carries a well-meaning and timely message. In today’s world, where political conflicts and wars affect many lives, White Bird serves as a reminder to help others rather than adding to the chaos. The film highlights the importance of compassion and understanding in times of hardship.
Even though the film faced many delays before its release, Forster’s work has not lost its sense of purpose. As the elder Sara shares her experiences with her grandson, he begins to question his actions and reflect on how he can become a better person.
This moment is crucial for Julian, as it leads him to understand the importance of kindness and compassion. His grandmother’s story reminds him that even in the darkest times, there is always a chance to choose a better path.
In a similar way to how Forster’s film Finding Neverland shows imagination and the importance of play, White Bird also goes into these themes through the bond between Sara and Julien.
They focus on light-hearted activities, which makes their relationship even more special because it stands out against the backdrop of hate and violence in their world. Their ability to dream and imagine a brighter future is a powerful testament to the human spirit.
The sensitive portrayals by Glaser and Schwerdt create a heartfelt experience for viewers, while Anderson’s performance adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Through their interactions, the film once again proves that kindness is a remedy for evil, and it is never too late to choose the right path. The story encourages viewers to reflect on their own actions and consider how they can spread kindness in their own lives.
White Bird is more than just a film; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and humanity.
Still from White Bird (Credit: Lionsgate)
The adaptation beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of its characters while offering a meaningful message for audiences today. As viewers watch Sara and Julien face their difficult world, they are reminded that love and kindness can prevail, even in the darkest of times.
White Bird is a heartfelt film that follows Julian, a teenager who learns about kindness and compassion from his grandmother, Sara, while she shares her harrowing story of survival during World War II.
As a Jewish girl, Sara faces the dangers of Nazi persecution and finds refuge with a classmate named Julien, who helps her escape. Their bond blossoms amid the chaos, showing the power of humanity and the importance of choosing kindness even in the darkest times.
The finale of City of God: The Fight Rages On Season 1 is truly unforgettable. This series is a follow-up to the 2002 Brazilian classic movie. It takes viewers back to the City of God community located in Rio de Janeiro. The show shows the struggles within the slums and the new threats they face from militias.
Throughout the season, we see the impact of violence and crime on the lives of the residents. The community feels the loss of leader Stringy (Edson Oliveira) after he dies in a battle between Bradock (Thiago Martins) and Reginaldo (Kiko Marques).
Stringy’s death resonates deeply within the community as he was not only a friend to many but also a trusted protector. The finale leaves fans wondering what this means for the future of the City of God and its residents.
Rocket and Lígia Discover a Bigger Threat Facing the Community
Life is tough in the City of God, and it is about to become even tougher. Since Lígia (Eli Pereira) arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues) has done more than report on the violence in the community.
He has started to focus on the state government, particularly on Secretary of Public Security Reginaldo (Kiko Marques). This shift in focus is crucial because it highlights the broader issues of systemic corruption and power struggles that affect the community.
As Rocket turns his camera away from just the violence in the neighborhood, he captures the actions of the government and the police. He sheds light on their involvement in the violence that plagues the City of God. Lígia investigates the Mining Police, which is part of the militias causing problems in Rio.
This investigation leads them to uncover that Reginaldo has been secretly providing guns to various factions in the City of God since the 1970s. This shocking revelation shows how deeply embedded corruption is within the state apparatus and how it has contributed to the ongoing violence in the community.
Reginaldo’s plan is to let the different gangs fight amongst themselves until they weaken each other, making it easier for the militias to take control. This manipulative tactic highlights the lengths to which those in power will go to maintain control and profit from chaos.
Bradock had already killed the previous faction leader, Curió (Marcos Palmeira), and now he finds himself battling the state police, which has hurt his forces. The dynamics within the City of God continue to shift as public support for Reginaldo grows, especially with his son, Israel (Rafael Lozano), seeking a seat on the City Council.
However, Rocket and Lígia’s investigation exposes Reginaldo’s plan and the true purpose of the state police’s actions in the City of God. They reveal that Reginaldo has been involved with the militia all along. One of his men, Touro (Otávio Linhares), is the militia leader in Gardênia Azul.
Following Reginaldo’s orders, Touro shoots at Rocket’s car while he is driving Lígia to the airport. Touro kills Lígia, but Rocket survives. This tragic turn of events raises questions about whether Rocket will be more careful or more determined to fight back against the militia in Season 3.
His survival may drive him to become more actively involved in exposing the corruption within the police and the state, especially now that he has lost someone he cared about.
Jerusa is Key to the Chaos in the City of God
Rocket and Lígia’s investigation leads them to discover Jerusa (Andreia Horta). She has been playing both the state police and Bradock’s faction throughout the season. Her true loyalty has been unclear, but her motivation is revenge.
Jerusa’s backstory adds depth to her character, showing that she is not just a player in the conflict but someone with personal stakes in the outcomes of the ongoing struggles.
Her father was once a mule for Curió, bringing drugs from Paraguay to Rio. When the police caught him, Curió chose to let him be arrested instead of helping him.
This betrayal shapes Jerusa’s desire for revenge against Curió and his gang, as well as her quest for power in a community dominated by violence and corruption. Her connections to Reginaldo and her relationship with Israel serve as part of her larger scheme to exact revenge.
Jerusa has been hiding in plain sight. From the beginning, she has been using Reginaldo and Israel for her own purposes. The three of them worked together to help Bradock escape from prison early in the series.
They knew that Bradock would be upset to learn he lost his position to Curió’s son, Geninho (Victor Andrade), which would lead to a split in the community. This strategic thinking shows that Jerusa is not only seeking revenge but also trying to manipulate the power dynamics within the City of God for her own advantage.
Bradock grew up as a surrogate son to Curió, but after killing Curió, he took control of crime in the City of God. Now, weakened from conflict, Bradock becomes easy prey for Reginaldo and the state police, who want to destroy the factions to help the militias take over.
As part of this plan, Jerusa poses as Bradock’s girlfriend, encouraging him to fight Curió. She successfully contributes to Curió’s downfall, but Rocket and Lígia’s article exposing Reginaldo disrupts Jerusa’s plans.
Still from City of God The Fight Rages On (Credit: HBO)
The exposure of her relationship with Israel puts Jerusa in a precarious position. If Bradock remains alive, she knows she will be at risk, so she must take action to protect herself. Reginaldo and Israel abandon her, leaving her vulnerable.
Like her father, she is left for dead, but she still has moves to make. Jerusa tells Israel they are on their own. Before confronting Bradock, she seeks help from Geninho, who has been absent since Curió’s execution. Together, they kill Bradock, creating a new power struggle in the City of God.
This shift in power dynamics opens the door for new conflicts and alliances in Season 2. With Jerusa and Geninho now in control, the community faces the possibility of a new leadership style, one that may continue the cycle of violence or strive for something different. The question remains whether they will prioritize their own interests or the well-being of the community.
Changes Ahead in ‘City of God: The Fight Rages On’ Season 2
The community feels Stringy’s death in Episode 5. He was Rocket’s childhood friend and a reliable leader for everyone in the City of God.
His death leaves a significant void, but Berenice (Roberta Rodrigues) steps up to fill his role in the upcoming elections. With only two weeks to prepare, she works hard and manages to get elected to City Council as the ninth candidate with the most votes.
Berenice’s rise to leadership signifies hope for the community. She embodies the strength and resilience of the residents, and her election brings a fresh perspective to the struggles they face. In her final campaign speech, Berenice says, “Slums means strength” (“Favela é potência” in Portuguese).
Although the show is set in 2004, this saying became popular in the 2010s when the federal government intervened in Rio’s slums, claiming to promote safety. This outdated approach harmed community residents, who started using this phrase to highlight the potential in slums that officials often ignore.
Still from City of God The Fight Rages On (Credit: HBO)
Berenice’s successful campaign focuses on this idea, bringing attention to the resilience and potential within the City of God. Her words inspire hope and motivate the community to rise above their challenges. However, while she celebrates her victory, she is unaware of Lígia’s tragic death at the hands of Touro in Rocket’s car.
This juxtaposition of Berenice’s success and Lígia’s loss emphasizes the harsh realities of life in the City of God.
Meanwhile, Israel is celebrating his new position as a city councilman. However, Reginaldo watches with jealousy, knowing about the violence and bloodshed that have taken place in the City of God at that moment.
Bradock’s death and Reginaldo’s downfall create a new power struggle that Season 2 will need to show. Jerusa and Geninho are likely to rise in power, but Reginaldo and the militias are not going to back down easily.
As a new councilwoman, Berenice will face significant challenges. She will need to show the new crime leadership while also dealing with the militia’s attempts to infiltrate the community again. Her role as a leader will be crucial in determining the future of the City of God.
However, she is capable of handling both threats. As she states early in the finale, “hustlers don’t stop” (“malandro não para” in Portuguese). This phrase captures the spirit of the residents, showcasing their determination to persevere despite the odds stacked against them.
The ending of Season 1 leaves viewers eager to see how the characters will evolve and how the community will respond to the changing dynamics.
The stakes are higher than ever, and the future of the City of God hangs in the balance. As new threats emerge, old alliances may shift, and characters must confront their pasts while striving for a better future.
Still from City of God The Fight Rages On (Credit: HBO)
The first season of City of God: The Fight Rages On is a powerful scheme of life in the slums, highlighting the struggles, complexities, and resilience of its characters.
The intricate relationships and shifting power dynamics keep viewers engaged and invested in the story. Season 2 promises to goes deeper into these themes, bringing new challenges and developments that will shape the future of the City of God.
The show captures the essence of life in the favelas, showcasing the strength of its characters and their ability to show a world filled with danger and uncertainty.
As the story unfolds, viewers will continue to witness the impacts of violence, betrayal, and hope within the City of God. The journey is far from over, and fans can expect even more twists and turns in the upcoming season.
Season 1 of City of God: The Fight Rages On is available to stream exclusively on Max, providing an immersive experience into the lives of its characters. The gripping narrative, compelling performances, and poignant themes resonate deeply with audiences, making it a must-watch series.
Still from City of God The Fight Rages On (Credit: HBO)
With the groundwork laid in Season 1, the anticipation for what lies ahead in Season 2 is palpable. Will the residents of the City of God find a way to unite against their common enemies, or will they continue to be divided by greed and violence? Only time will tell.
City of God: The Fight Rages On Season 1 concludes with significant upheaval in the City of God community. Rocket and Lígia uncover Reginaldo’s corruption, revealing his role in fueling gang violence. The season also highlights Jerusa’s dual loyalties and quest for revenge, culminating in Bradock’s death.
As Berenice rises to leadership following Stringy’s tragic loss, the community faces new challenges from emerging power struggles and militias. The season ends with high stakes and anticipation for Season 2’s developments.
