“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage”
– British author, Roald Dahl
WATCHING the new movie Wonka was not just a cinematic experience, it was a delightful journey down memory lane – a nostalgic expedition that rekindled the magic of childhood.
Growing up, I spent many hours reading Roald Dahl’s books such as Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and Witches.
Back when I was a little girl living in the United Kingdom, I remember the excitement of waiting for the weekend car boot sales.
My parents would bring my sister and I, and we were given £5 each to spend.
It was at these car boot sales that I would wander around and look for pre-loved books especially those by Dahl.
Personally, I love preloved books for the history embedded in their pages, the unique character gained from previous readers, and the sense of connection to others who have enjoyed the same story.
Somehow, I am drawn to the special allure in holding a book that has been part of someone else’s literary adventure.
It is difficult to pick a favourite, but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory holds a special place in my heart.
As the opening credits rolled and the familiar tunes of “Pure Imagination” echoed through the theatre, a flood of memories from the past swept over me, transporting me back to the days when I first encountered the whimsical world of Willy Wonka.
The film’s vivid and enchanting production design played a significant role in triggering those cherished memories.
While the movie brought audiences to witness the life of Wonka before he became the infamous chocolatier, it also featured the kaleidoscope of colours and fantastical architecture of his first shop at Galeries Gourmet.
Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Wonka added a fresh layer to my nostalgic journey.
While Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp’s iconic performance will forever hold a special place in my heart, Chalamet’s take on the character brought a contemporary charm and complexity that resonated with the grown-up version of myself.
Seeing Wonka on screen once again, with his eccentricities and peculiarities, was like reuniting with an old friend after years apart.
The storyline, which delved into Wonka’s past and provided a more comprehensive understanding of the character, triggered memories of the countless hours spent imagining the untold stories behind the chocolatier’s enigmatic facade.
As a child, I often wondered about the origins of Wonka’s factory, the mysteries that lay within its walls and the experiences that shaped the man behind the chocolate magic.
The film’s exploration of these aspects tapped into the curiosity and imagination that defined my childhood ponderings.
The musical score, a blend of nostalgic classics and new compositions, acted as a powerful catalyst for memory recall.
Each note of ‘Flying Chocolatiers’, ‘You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This’ and ‘Death by Chocolate’ echoed the days when I hummed along to these tunes, unaware of the passage of time.
The familiarity of the melodies, coupled with the freshness of the reimagined soundtrack, created a harmonious blend that resonated with both the child and the adult within me.
As the narrative unfolded, moments that mirrored the original story triggered vivid flashbacks of reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as I eagerly turned pages to discover the fate of Charlie Bucket and his golden ticket.
The film’s ability to capture the essence of Dahl’s narrative while offering a contemporary twist made it a bridge between my past and present, connecting the dots between the child who first discovered Wonka’s world and the adult who revisited it with a renewed sense of appreciation.
In essence, watching Wonka was not just about the film itself.
It was about revisiting the dreams, the imagination and the innocent joy that defined my childhood.
It was a cinematic reunion with a beloved story that shaped my early years.
At the same time, it served as a reminder that, no matter how much time passes, the magic of childhood remains eternally woven into the fabric of our lives.
As the credits rolled and the lights in the theatre brightened, I left with a heart full of gratitude for the filmmakers who resurrected Wonka’s world and a suitcase of memories that will forever sweeten the taste of chocolate and nostalgia.
It is definitely my favourite Christmas movie for this year which I recommend everyone to watch with their family.
