This print draws its inspiration from the movie The Wonder, which we enjoyed streaming on Netflix in September 2022. It is a period psychological drama film directed by Sebastian Lelio. The story unfolds in the aftermath of the Great Famine and centers around an English nurse dispatched to a remote Irish village. Her mission is to monitor a young 'fasting girl' who appears to possess the inexplicable ability to sustain herself without the need for food.
The motif of a guardian angel has been a recurring theme in cinema since its inception, captivating audiences with tales of divine protectors, unseen forces, and the enduring belief that there are benevolent beings looking out for us in times of need.
One of the earliest examples of the guardian angel motif can be found in the classic film It's a Wonderful Life (1946), directed by Frank Capra. In this heartwarming tale, George Bailey (played by James Stewart) is on the brink of despair when he is shown what life would have been like for his family and community if he had never been born. Clarence, his guardian angel, intervenes to show him the value of his life and the positive impact he has had on others.
Another iconic example is the film City of Angels (1998), a modern-day adaptation of the German Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire (1987). In this romantic fantasy, Nicolas Cage plays an angel who falls in love with a mortal woman, played by Meg Ryan. The film explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the desire to experience the human condition, all under the watchful guidance of celestial beings.
In Michael (1996), John Travolta plays the titular character, an irreverent and unconventional guardian angel who is more interested in earthly pleasures than divine duties. Michael injects humor and irreverence into the guardian angel motif, providing a lighthearted take on the celestial protectors.
The guardian angel motif has also been a central theme in animated cinema. Pixar's The Incredibles (2004) features Edna Mode, a character who provides superhero suits and gadgets to the titular family, effectively acting as their guardian angel. Her role showcases how guardian angels can come in unexpected forms and provide guidance and support in unique ways.
More recently, the 2018 film The Guardian Angel (also titled Murderous Trance) directed by the Danish Arto Halonen explores the true story of a hypnotist who helps a detective solve a series of crimes. The film delves into the idea of an unseen force guiding individuals towards a greater purpose, blurring the lines between science and the supernatural.
The Adjustment Bureau (2011): In this thought-provoking science fiction thriller, Matt Damon plays David Norris, a politician whose life is controlled by a group of mysterious beings known as the Adjustment Bureau. While not traditional angels, these enigmatic figures manipulate human destiny, raising questions about free will and divine intervention.
These films showcase the timeless appeal of guardian angels in cinema, spanning various genres and styles. Whether heartwarming, philosophical, romantic, or humorous, they all share a common thread—the fascination with the idea that there might be celestial beings watching over us, shaping our destinies, and occasionally intervening in the most extraordinary ways. In this vast cinematic landscape, guardian angels continue to inspire wonder and reflection, inviting audiences to contemplate the mysteries of fate, free will, and the unseen forces that may guide our lives.
The print is available on t-shirt, sweatshirt and hoodie.