In every era, there are things used to measure people's social status. Whether it is wealth, fame, or a respectable job, they have become standards for judging one's identity and value. It is not difficult to observe that individuals with lower social status often seek meaning and personal identity in dignity and respect within society.

I will use the work "Wonder" as an example to explore the pursuit of identity by marginalized characters.

The film "Wonder" vividly portrays the characterization of its characters, with particular significance attributed to its cinematography. In a selected scene, the camera zooms in on August at the center of the corridor, effectively magnifying his vulnerability. Surrounded by people in the corridor, he appears helpless, and the various disturbances from both the external world and his internal struggles create a metaphorical cage, emphasizing his isolation. The close-up shots intensify the looming sense of oppression. Following this, the camera angle shifts, transitioning to a wide shot capturing the surrounding environment. Through this clever change in perspective, the author achieves a compelling contrast. The bustling activity around the corridor starkly juxtaposes with August standing alone, thereby vividly presenting August's predicament in front of our eyes.

In addition, these scenes also seem to symbolize a shift in perspective, portraying August through the lens of different characters with distinct visual languages. The unique design not only reveals the director's craftsmanship but also allows us to intimately experience the varying attitudes of those around August. Perhaps, they provided the confidence for August's identity formation, or perhaps, they became obstacles on his journey to self-discovery. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, August persevered with courage and determination, completing his transformation.

The sound design in "Wonder" is also exceptionally crafted. In terms of voice acting, the director must have devoted a great deal of effort. Tension is magnified through silence, where sometimes silence speaks louder than words, intensifying the pressure and challenges. Combined with focused cinematography, these techniques amplify emotions and atmospheres boundlessly. Furthermore, the director contrasts tense sounds with noisy and bustling environmental noises, setting off August's psychological activities. The piercing laughter from the surroundings is particularly impactful, making us keenly feel the setbacks to August's inner confidence and self-esteem. August's journey in seeking identity is destined to be challenging, but this does not hinder him from consistently moving forward.

In contrast to Mingsheng Lai in "Taipei People," August is undoubtedly more proactive in establishing his sense of identity. In this way, the author, through the synergy of visual language and sound effects, takes a further step in shaping the character of August. Unlike the power of words, the performance of characters allows us to immerse ourselves in the environment and empathize with the challenges they face more vividly.

Looking at the film as a whole, its clever choice of characters is noteworthy. It skillfully avoids selecting ordinary individuals or those who have achieved success in their careers, instead focusing the spotlight on a special group. This undoubtedly magnifies the central theme of marginalized characters seeking identity and belonging. The protagonist of the movie, August, is undeniably a unique presence, both in terms of his appearance and his growth experiences. From facing self-doubt to bravely confronting challenges, August undergoes a transformative journey. His distinctive image undoubtedly delivers a greater emotional impact, portraying imperfection, self-doubt, and sensitivity—like a reflection of numerous ordinary individuals. His experiences of discrimination, bullying, and the efforts he makes to grow also provide everyone with a source of uplifting inspiration.

The director, through the skillful use of a "small to big" approach, elevates the process of self-discovery and identity-seeking for ordinary individuals to extraordinary significance. By delving into August's unique experiences, we focus on universal phenomena within society and seek the courage inherent in everyone's quest for identity and belonging.

Finally, the narrative strategy in the movie "Wonder" is also worth our reference and study. The story is told from two narrative perspectives, both within and outside the frame. The "I" within the frame is Via, the sister who serves as both a witness and a participant in the story. This narrative approach allows us to immerse ourselves more authentically and perceive the changes August undergoes in his quest for identity. At the same time, her soliloquies reveal the brief loss of identity that belongs to her.

In her confession, the sister expresses, "In this universe called home, August is the sun, around whom everyone revolves, while I am just an inconspicuous little planet. I only hope that, just once, Mom could see me, even if it's only once." Due to her brother's condition, she often feels neglected by her parents, yet she does not lose herself because of it. Instead, she takes on her responsibilities. The narrative perspective, not explicitly mentioned, provides us with an almost godlike omniscient view, allowing for more subjective contemplation and rational judgment. Simultaneously, it prompts us to reflect on how to navigate the pursuit of identity.

Through the above analysis, we can observe that the establishment of identity is destined to be a lengthy and challenging process. For individuals on the societal margins, facing social injustice, ridicule from others, or the pressures of their surroundings, the search for and establishment of identity become even more arduous. Whether in "Taipei People" or "Wonder," we gain a better understanding of how individuals on the societal fringe navigate the quest for identity and reshape themselves in the face of societal challenges.