Last Wednesday, my friends and I went to Chiayi city to see the movie “Wanka”. “Wanka” is mainly about Willy Wonka, a versatile magician, inventor, and chocolatier, who arrives in Europe to establish his chocolate shop at the Galeries Gourmet. Facing financial problems , he is forced to stay at Mrs. Scrubitt's boarding house, signing a suspicious contract. To pay off his debts, Wonka introduces "hoverchocs" at Galeries Gourmet, leading to conflict with rival chocolatiers and legal trouble. Captured and forced to work for Mrs. Scrubitt, Wonka discovers a plot by a "Chocolate Cartel" and cleverly arranges his escape with the help of a fellow captive, Noodle.
To confront that Cartel's is stealing his chocolates, Wonka embarks on a journey with Noodle and other captives, ultimately unmasking the criminal, an Oompa Loompa named Lofty. Using funds raised from selling chocolates, they open Wonka's dream chocolate store, but face challenges from Scrubitt and the Cartel. Forced to leave town, Wonka discovers Noodle's tragic past and her connection to the Cartel. Determined to expose the Cartel's misdeeds, Wonka and Noodle get into their base, discovering their wrongdoings to the authorities and the public.
In a climactic confrontation, the Cartel faces downfall, and the crowd enjoys Wonka's unique chocolate fountain. Wonka shares his mother's chocolate bar, discovering a Golden Ticket with a message about the joy of sharing. With the help of friends, Noodle reunites with her mother, and Wonka, along with Lofty, starts anew by acquiring an abandoned castle for a new factory.
In the end, justice is served as Mrs. Scrubitt and Bleacher are arrested for their attempts to sabotage Wonka's shop, leading to their disfigurement.
The thing I love the most in Wonka is the music. Wonka takes inspiration from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory by incorporating music to enhance its storytelling. The prequel features a total of eleven songs, with one playing during the credits, and notably includes "Pure Imagination," a song from the original 1971 film that gained increased popularity over the decades.
Ever since I was little, I have cherished the enchanting story of Willy Wonka. His chocolate factory is a realm of magic and surprises, where creativity knows no bounds and conformity to societal norms is disregarded. As I entered the theater, I couldn't help but wonder if Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Wonka would surpass the memorable performance of Johnny Depp. To my delight, Chalamet's contribution, especially his singing talents, breathed new life into each song, adding a profoundly heartfelt dimension to the entire film.
Despite my initial concerns, I was thoroughly moved throughout the entire movie. Wonka, as brought to life by Chalamet, transported me back to the innocence and wonder of my childhood. The film not only pays homage to its predecessor but also manages to carve out its own space in the hearts of audiences, seamlessly blending nostalgia with fresh and captivating storytelling. The magic of Wonka's world, coupled with the mesmerizing music, truly made this cinematic experience a journey filled with joy and reminiscent of the timeless charm that has captivated audiences for generations.