Its been a long time I wrote a blog post and even longer I wrote about a movie/ series I watched. I guess its simply because nothing (or no one:)) can win me over easily. For a movie, especially an animated one to really leave a lasting impression on me, it has to have some strong messages that defy the stereotypes we have been fed since ages, a deep sense of self love, seeing a character transform bit by bit and focus on relationships that are the cornerstone of how much we evolve as a person
Elemental – a Disney Pixar production with loveable characters, catchy songs (especially “Steal the show) is a treat to watch in so many ways. Its been a long time since a tear trickled down my eye while watching a movie.
Without any spoilers, “Elemental”is the story of a young girl Ember who is a doting daughter of her parents Bernie and Cinder (They are fire elements) , whose ambition in life is taking over the convenience store her father runs as its his “dream” that his daughter inherits his business when she is “ready”. She has her temper issues, a chance encounter with a guy (Wade Riley) brings out a previously well guarded and hidden side of her to the forefront.
The top 3 reasons why this movie left a profound impact on me and got me pondering (and perhaps will for days to come) are:
- The choices we make in life should be truly ours. Very often, sub consciously especially in our younger days we choose careers, friends, even partners at times based on the wishes of our parents. It just feels like the most natural thing to do, they would certainly want the best for us. In our eyes they are worldly wise and there is always that guilt of the “sacrifices” they have made while raising us which we must repay else we are a bad daughter/ son. At times its the parents who knowingly/ unknowingly put this pressure on us (or we put them on our kids), but as a good friend once told me “This is your life, dont hold back, go after what makes you happy, the other things will find a way to work out”. Ember believes its her destiny to inherit and run her father’s convenience store , thats a given but when she realises she is gifted with her unique fire abilities and can do so much more , her heart wants to go after her dreams but somewhere there is a unseen shackle binding her. When she finally summons the courage to speak the truth in front of her father, she realises the store wasn’t his “dream”, she was always the “dream”
- An unconventional love story in so many ways. Ember meets Wade – a disaster prone, awkward , sort of sluggish boy ( element – Water) who is not at all the typical hero you would expect. Anger gradually turns to affection and love as she realises he can inspire people just by speaking whats in his heart, the way he stands up for her each time and her fears of a Water and Fire Elements developing any kind of contact which would certainly result in a catastrophe of the worst kind are calmed by him . It makes you realise love can meet you in the most unexpected of places, with the least expected person , we all have our fears and inhibitions especially if the person is so different than us , but all we need for a true love story is someone who would stick by your side fiercely come what may and if he can make you laugh, nothing like it.
- Wade Riley- I had to dedicate this one to him who totally blew me over , seeing this character metamorph from this careless, out of place, perpetually confused guy into this kind, loveable cheerleader is such a delight. 2 scenes are particularly remarkable- one when Ember and he make contact for the first time by touching their fingertips and slowly their hands and finally break out into a dance when they realise Fire and Water can converge to create something very beautiful. The second scene that had me teary was when Ember and he are trapped in a shed in her home and she has to use her fire powers to stop Water entering the room to protect a “Holy fire” , thats when Wade starts to evaporate (remember he is a Water element) . He then happily makes the ultimate sacrifice for the girl he loves (dont worry its not a sad love story!). And to end Wade’s story on a cheerful note , his eccentric family who meet Ember and plays the “Do not cry” game and the airport send off his family gives him will have you in splits.
- All in all a wonderful movie that kids and adults will enjoy while leaving one with many things to ponder upon. Grab that tub of popcorn and revel in this delightful treat. Let me know what you thought of it.
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