'Wonka' is a prequel to 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', depicting Willy Wonka's chocolate factory establishment process. It portrays the exciting battle against the Chocolate Cartel in a musical format.
Despite being a perfect fit for the Christmas season, the film was released during the Lunar New Year holiday. This leaves a lingering feeling of disappointment that it could have delivered even greater emotional impact if it had been released during Christmas.
The film shines with the charming appearances of various supporting characters and its musical elements. Notably, the Oompa Loompas and the Chocolate Cartel leave an unforgettable impression.
Released in December 2023 and grossing over $500 million, the movie 'Wonka' premiered in Korea on January 31st. Personally, I've been looking forward to this movie for a long time because I enjoyed 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' as a child.
This film is a prequel to 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. While the original movie focused on Willy Wonka's search for a successor, this movie depicts Wonka's journey in establishing his chocolate factory.
Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet), after traveling the seven seas, arrives in a 'city' resembling Milan, Italy, and is thrilled about opening his own chocolate shop. However, the 'Chocolate Cartel,' which has long monopolized the chocolate business, recognizes his potential and tries to sabotage his plans.
Wonka Still. The three members of the Chocolate Cartel are bribing police officers with chocolate.
In this movie, chocolate is essentially currency. Everyone is obsessed with chocolate, but it's expensive and not readily accessible. The Chocolate Cartel even bribes police officers and clergy with chocolate, highlighting their addiction. Even the most upright police officer is powerless against chocolate. Willy Wonka, in opposition, pursues his dream with his newfound friends in the city. And the 'Oompa Loompas,' who were stealing his chocolate every night, become unexpected allies.
Oompa Loompa Still
This movie is the perfect Christmas film. It portrays family bonds and friendships through a beautiful musical. Notably, it feels like you're watching a real musical rather than just a musical movie. As a result, even after the movie ended, the audience remained in the theater to watch the end credits. (At least in Korea, there's no culture of watching the end credits until the very end.)
Wonka 'Slugworth' Character Poster
Besides the successful musical elements, various supporting characters harmoniously fit into the narrative. The 'Oompa Loompas' in the 1960s version are undoubtedly the best supporting characters, and the members of the Chocolate Cartel, despite being villains, possess a charmingly endearing quality. They are stereotypical villains, but they use chocolate instead of money to bribe police officers, turning them into adorable, reactionary figures in the musical.
I'd love to see a sequel to Wonka focused on the Chocolate Cartel.
One truly regrettable aspect is that the movie was released not during Christmas but before the Lunar New Year holiday. 'Wonka' is a Christmas-themed film, and I believe it would have been even more impactful if viewed during that season.
Korea's release was delayed by not just a month, but a full two months compared to the US. I'd already seen discussions about the movie on various English-speaking media outlets, and my anticipation had somewhat diminished by the time I finally saw it in theaters. It makes me wonder how different the experience would have been if I'd seen it in mid-December, and I can't help but feel a pang of regret.