Besides entertaining the audience, these films are focussing on relevant topics ranging from bullying to gender equality
While animated flicks have always known to be a sure shot hit with the kids, they are increasingly focussing on socially-relevant topics. From gender equality and prison reform to Brexit and awareness against bullying, every topic has been touched upon. This year, animation flicks have not only entertained, but have also been a great medium of education.
INCREDIBLES 2
UNDERLINED THEME: GENDER EQUALITY
This animated superhero movie regaled kids and adults with the adventures of Mr Incredible, Elastigirl and their children with superpowers — Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack. And while that is the basic premise, the sequel to Incredibles also makes a case for gender equality. A change in circumstances sees Mr Incredible having to fill in for Elastigirl as she steps out to save the world. He is torn between wanting to support her and being envious of missing out on all the action outside. However, he does manage to keep it together realising she needs him to be an equal partner, who shares a load of responsibilities off her back by pitching in for her in her absence. And in the end, he does manage to save the day and Elastigirl with his family firmly on his side.
PADDINGTON 2
UNDERLINED THEMES: BREXIT AND PRISON REFORM
The film tells the tale of the titular bear, who was found at Paddington Station in London after having spent his early years in ‘darkest Peru’. Adopted by the Brown family, he looks at the world with curiosity. Paddington chooses to see the good in people around him and wins hearts. While the focus may not have been to dwell deeper, it does touch upon topics like politics and social justice. Its anti-colonial tone has got people claiming it’s an anti-Brexit movie, while the depiction of Paddington’s fellow inmates appears to be a critical statement of society’s dehumanisation of prisoners. Almost making a case for prison reform and a better society based on social justice.
PETER RABBIT
UNDERLINED THEME: ALLERGY BULLYING
One of the most controversial animated flicks of 2018, Peter Rabbit follows the antics of a naughty rabbit by the same name, who has to keep his wits when a new entrant challenges him. He has to battle for his home on an old farmer’s vegetable garden. The movie received a lot of flak for a scene that focused on two characters throwing blackberries at Tom McGregor (heir of Mr McGregor owner of the garden), knowing that he’s allergic to them. And while many were right in pointing out that making light of a serious incident of bullying cannot be looked as a joke, it also went on to rectify that when they show Peter feeling guilty for being part of the whole incident does highlighting that allergy bullying is wrong and not acceptable under any circumstances.
ISLE OF DOGS
UNDERLINED THEME: MISUSE OF PROPAGANDA
The film is about a boy and his dog, and explores the love and loyalty they share for each other. However, as you dig deeper you realise that the film is also making a political comment on how things stand to underline the tale of the underdogs in society. Given the current global scenario, the movie seems to echo what’s happening around the world. The film’s island of exile is a place for those condemned and who have fallen victim to targeted propaganda. Isle Of Dogs turns away from this man-made atmosphere of intolerance, encouraging a more humane approach while dealing with complex problems.
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: SUMMER VACATION
UNDERLINED THEME: ACCEPTANCE OF DIFFERENCES TO CURB HATE CRIMES
Drac’s Pack embarks on a vacation on a monster cruise ship so that he can take a summer break from running the hotel. Things don’t go as planned as Drac falls in love with the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka. Like its prequels, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation also plays ball with the topic of acceptance, which is a commentary on the times we live in. The monsters on board are a reflection of how we perceive ‘others’ to be, thereby magnifying our fears and prejudices and visualising others in that light. The biggest takeaway here is accepting people for who they are, respecting differences and not judging a book by its cover.
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