An understanding study of a fish with a mental condition

Rating: 7/10 (3 February 2017)

This is a sequel for one of Pixar's beloved classics, focusing on Dory the forgetful fish, who appear as a minor character in 'Finding Nemo'. Nemo and his father appear in 'Finding Dory' but are out of the spotlight so it's not really a direct sequel.
Dory is an adorable character. She inspires pity and sympathy, as even the easiest tasks are very difficult for her and she is painfully aware of her own shortcomings. None of the problems that she creates are her own fault: she is intelligent and has a kind heart, she merely has a condition that makes her life difficult.
I have known several elderly people with memory problems, and it is always heartbreaking to see. Even more so when the condition plagues someone young. We get glimpses of Dory's childhood and see how her parents do their best to give her a safe environment to play around and teach her to deal with the problems that could possibly arise in the future. And they taught her well, as we see Dory overcome the obstacles that chance throws at her.
So it's a humane story about dealing with a condition. But it's also an animated adventure movie. There are sidekicks and twists and turns, beautiful locations and physical comedy. The CGI looks pretty much flawless. The water and lighting especially are gorgeous, and the schools of fish are colorful, and the way the octopus moves is a delight.