Humanistic Approach to the Film

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2011)

I love to watch animated movies. I find them so entertaining, even though most people would say that those types of movies were meant for little kids I don't think that I will ever out grow them. Finding Nemo (2003) directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich is in my opinion one of the best movies. Little kids love to watch these animated pictures, they teach kids and help them form an understanding of the world. Most of Pixar films, if not all of Pixar's films have a message in them, something the creator wants us to get out of the film besides watching it for merely our entertainment. Compared to a Disney movie, Pixar pictures have no magic; problems in the movie can't be solved by a wave of a wand or by a fairy godmother. Furthermore, humans are rarely the main characters and most of the films the protagonist is a non human character. In Finding Nemo there are humans in the story however, they play a small role in the film. We also see that in this picture the villain or the antagonist is human for example, Darla, they don't play a big role in the film but they sometimes support the antagonist. In Finding Nemo we see a clown fish, Marlin who is very protective of his only son, Nemo. And with this, already a lot of people can relate. Many parents are overprotective for their child and do not want them to venture out on their own because of the possibility of them getting hurt. Parents are so scared of letting go and letting them explore the world on their own. While watching the film we also see Marlin overcome his fear of the ocean as he travels with Dorothy to find his son. This is probably the most relatable message in the movie with both kids and adults. We all have fears and overcoming them can be really hard but sooner or later we realize that there was nothing to be afraid of. When we see Nemo is stuck in a fish tank at a dentist office Nemo and his new found fish friends try to help him escape. However, it all goes wrong and everyone gave up on the idea because it was dangerous and could've hurt Nemo. But Nemo does not give up he goes and tries again this time succeeding in stopping the water filter. The film attempts to change our lives for the better. For parents its saying that there's a time where you have to let go of your kids being overprotective can be a bad thing and it can lead to your kids getting annoyed/frustrated and refusing to listen to you. For kids, it's to tell them that your parents care and they want to protect you. Also to never give up in anything they do. These messages are universal they apply to everyone around the world. The theme in this film I think is relevant to any parent watching it. Scared of letting go of their kids, being very overprotective, the fear of losing their kids almost every parent can relate to this.