Animated movie recommendation: Elemental (2023)

I came home last night after going out to dinner, and it was early enough to watch a movie. I didn't want any high-stakes drama, so I flipped over to the Disney Channel. I've seen the promos for a newer film, Elemental, and I was already moderately intrigued. I figured, give it a few minutes, and we'll see what it's about. I am so glad I did. 

The plot is not a new one, but it was well done: ethnic divisions, family traditions and expectations, sacrifice, and forbidden love that ultimately gets solved--shall we say, "steamy" but only in the way that a fire-girl falls for a water-fella. If they are careful, and respect each other's actual needs, they will not put each other out. Good lesson. 

The animation was good, the side characters were amusing, and there were the usual more mature side jokes--maybe two?-- embedded. The main female character does, in fact, have a mother (unusual for Disney/Pixar), and the plot gives enough opportunity for the fire-girl Ember to grow as an individual without having to take on a role that is culturally not acceptable or disguised. Nice, for a change. 

What I really liked, besides all of the aforementioned, is that the families are both incredibly supportive of their young adults. And I liked the way that the film did not gloss over the fact that in many cities, there are pockets of ethnic groups, and there is always the danger of being misunderstood or the victim of prejudice. How we handle that with determination and grace, and acknowledging that there is a problem without any singing birds or flowers, is a good move. According to IMDB.com, " The film is based on director Peter Sohn's life with his parents immigrating to the USA from Korea - not speaking English and settling into the Bronx." It's evident that the emotions within the fire-family are real, and that, too, is a good move. 

The film is appropriate for children, but maybe not the littles. I'd suggest that, with some parental discussion, maybe Kindergarten and up. 

And yes, I did get blinky at the end. Ember honors her father, and he returns the blessing. I think you'll know why that hit home.

Have a good day,

C