Rating of
4/4
A Movie with Beautiful Themes
Amoeba Johnny - wrote on 02/08/22
I honestly came into this movie with low expectations. It’s a Disney movie and I figured it would be a nice ride. With Lin-Manuel Miranda helming the music, I knew at least that would be good. All of this having been said, I haven’t had a chance to see a Disney animated movie since Frozen (no real aversion, I just haven’t sat down and watched any). What followed was a great, thoughtful study in… life. What that translates to depends on the viewer.
I’ve seen a lot of talk about this movie online, which honestly is what sparked my interest. I’ve seen comparisons run the gamut of themes like transsexual transition, family trauma, autism, and so on. And as varied as these topics are, I completely see the comparisons. I think another good element of a movie is the ability to create one’s interpretation(s) of its theme(s).
These interpretations are accomplished by the ability to easily project ourselves onto the characters. Who hasn’t felt like Luisa? Always expected to be strong for the sake of others, but desperately wanting to have a moment of release to cry? Or like Abuela Alma, so terrified to prevent a tragedy that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy? Hell, even the house itself in its destruction and rebuilding? I could go on with all the characters. Admittedly, I have been all the characters at one point in my life. Some I still am. And I imagine a lot of people have/are as well.
Somehow all of these themes work together blended up. Even if you aren’t a fan of Disney movies, it’s a fascinating look at family dynamics and the beauty of life and rebirth.
