This vivid and inventive spectacle introduces new audiences to a young, hardworking Willy Wonka as he becomes the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate maker.
Roald Dahl’s vivid imagination brought to life the whimsical and fantastical world of Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory. From chocolate rivers to edible landscapes, the sheer creativity of the setting has been captivating audiences of all ages since the release of the book in 1964.
The latest iteration of the timeless story is the musical film Wonka released in cinemas in 2023. Directed by Paul King and starring Timothée Chalamet, Wonka is now available locally through HBO GO powered by PLDT Home.
This is Willy Wonka’s origin story, tracing the billionaire chocolate maker’s beginnings. Chalamet plays the aspiring inventor, magician, and chocolatier newly arrived in Europe after traveling the world for seven years.
Here are a few life and business lessons that the world’s most popular chocolatier teaches us.
Work hard, persist, differentiate yourself
Every entrepreneur or employee faces logistical challenges and fierce competition. Sometimes, it seems impossible to overcome obstacles, but there is always a way. Much like in Wonka, where do you start? “You can’t get a shop without selling chocolate, and you can’t sell chocolate without a shop,” Wonka is told. That’s indeed a conundrum yet Wonka persists in making his chocolate—leveraging his skills as a magician, inventor and showman.
Pay attention to details
Wonka learns this lesson the hard way when he doesn’t read the fine print in Mrs. Scrubitt’s contract and he gets stuck working for her to pay off his debt. In real life, whether it’s a side hustle contract or your rental agreement, remember to always read the fine print. It’s literally fine print because it sometimes stipulates conditions you may not agree to had it been front and center.
Be creative, be imaginative
When people say use your imagination, they usually mean it sarcastically. Well, Wonka does use his imagination—and it pays off handsomely, getting his chocolate to the masses and gaining popularity. Wonka invents “hoverchocs” or chocolates that make people fly for 20 minutes. He also invents Big Night Out chocolate, which allows the eater to feel like he’s on a night out, making him sing and dance. Wonka’s Broadway Choc has the same effect—but with better choreography as if you were on a Broadway show. They sure got everyone’s attention—and you can do the same with the product or service you’re offering. But maybe in a less flamboyant fashion.
Find your inspiration
Wonka’s inspiration is his mother’s love. “Hold on to your dreams,” his mother told him when he was a young boy. Throughout his difficulties Wonka held on to these words like a lifeline. Whatever it is that inspires you to get up earlier in the morning or work later in the night, use it.
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