Monsters, Inc.
Jumping six years ahead to 2001, Pixar released the animated film Monsters, Inc. on November 2. Although not technically a Disney film at the time of its release, Disney bought Pixar in 2006 resulting in the film transferring under Disney ownership. The film is about a 
monster world completely powered by children’s screams. John P. Sullivan, or Sully, is one of the leading scarers and is responsible for a lot of the power that keeps his world running. One night a child sneaks into this world of monsters and Sully and his sidekick Mike work together to try to get her back home safely. Meanwhile, more and more human children are beginning to become less scared of monsters, threatening the well being of the monsters’ world. Randall, Sully and Mike’s rival and coworker, is in the process of creating a machine that forces screams out of children. Sully and Mike, despite overcoming many obstacles, eventually destroy this machine and discover laughter to be a more effective form of power.
This film was released less than two months after the 9/11 attacks. At this time, gas prices were rising and many people were worried America’s oil connections were going to be cut off. The film compares Monsters Incorporated’s reliance on children’s screams with America’s dependence on diminishing natural resources. In the film, the monsters were attempting to use technology to solve their problem. Similarly, in America at this time, people were inventing new technologies to reach resources that had not been retrievable before. However, the film argues that these resources are still going to eventually be in a shortage. Sully and Mike discover laughter as a new way to fuel society, sending the message that the United States needs to also start exploring new ways to fuel the country. In addition to the reflection on the lack of resources, the film also transforms monsters into nice, friendly creatures. Typically viewed as scary and grotesque, the monsters seen in Monsters, Inc. are furry and affable. Due to the attacks that had occurred just two months prior to the release of this film, many people were quick to judge and make assumptions on people based off of how they looked or what they believed. Monsters, Inc. showed America that our assumptions about things are not always true.
The film is a creative reflection on the climate of America at the time but is also full of important lessons for kids and adults alike. The film emphasizes the importance of relationships and friendships. Sully and Mike are best friends, roommates, and partners at 
work. Throughout the movie they prove that they work better together than apart, proving that teamwork does in fact make the dream work. Similar to this idea, the movie sends the message that there are more important things in life than work. When Mike and Sully’s friendship becomes threatened, Sully soon realizes that there are more important things than scaring. Sully and Mike also sacrifice their work to help get Boo home, showing that at times it is necessary to prioritize things over work. Finally, the most obvious lesson in the film is the importance of laughter and humor. Laughter is ten times stronger than screams in the film, expressing the power humor can have on an entire society. Despite the immense fear and tension that had engulfed America at this time, with laughter and happiness our community could keep itself from drowning in these dark sentiments.
Monsters, Inc. is a modern childhood movie classic. Through fun, lovable monsters, the film attempts to address serious events happening in society at the time of release as well as create a light, memorable movie for children across the globe. Monsters, Inc. is a prime example of what movies can achieve and the lessons they can teach through their characters and masterful storytelling.
brother and Simba’s uncle, is unhappy with where he stands in relation to the throne and as a result causes Mufasa’s death. He leads Simba to believe that he was responsible for his father’s death and advises Simba to leave, telling him his family will never forgive him for the tragedy he caused. Scar notifies the kingdom that both Mufasa and Simba have died and claims the right to the throne. Later, once Simba has grown and matured, he returns to his family to defend his kingdom and reveal Scar’s lies and evil intentions.
Disney, although not as political as some of the films produced prior, makes a statement by reflecting on the beauty and essence of a country that had been plagued by racism and segregation for decades. In addition to the focus on South African culture, The Lion King is recognized for its Biblical and Shakespearean influences, being the first Disney film that was based on an original story. Recalling the well-known biblical story of Moses, Moses is sent down a river by his mother when all newborn males are ordered to be killed. He is then taken in by the Pharaoh’s daughter and leads a comfortable life until he realizes the injustices being cast down in his people. Similarly, Simba finds shelter with Timon and Pumba, who work together to raise Simba. Simba then returns from his life away from his kingdom when he is made aware of the havoc Scar has caused. Shakespeare’s famous play, Hamlet, is also noted as having many things in common with The Lion King. Like the play, in The Lion King Simba, the main protagonist, is faced with the loss of his father who was killed by his power-obsessed uncle. Simba is then forced to battle his uncle for control over their kingdom, just as Hamlet does.
Jasmine, who needs to choose a prince to marry in a matter of days. Jafar, an evil sultan, takes on the antagonist role in the film, threatening Aladdin’s love for Jasmine and the throne of Aghrabah. Aladdin overtakes Jafar by trapping him in the lamp to live out the rest his life as a servant to any person who holds the lamp. The film follows the classic rich boy/poor girl or poor boy/rich girl storyline that was characteristic during the 1980s and 1990s, also seen in movies such as Pretty in Pink, Pretty Women, and Some Kind of Wonderful. Aladdin, in addition to this theme, sends important messages to children regarding self-worth and dignity.
does not completely fall in love with Aladdin until the truth about his character is revealed. Aladdin teaches it’s audience to be yourself, and that you should not feel the need to change for anyone. Aladdin’s character also shares some characteristics with some of Disney’s previous leading ladies. Like Ariel and Belle, Aladdin is not happy with his current situation in life and is determined to find more. Jasmine, similarly, feels trapped in the role as a princess, always doing what is best for her people rather than what she wants. Disney, through these films, are starting to take a more progressive look on society, sending the message that anyone can better their life regardless of their gender or starting status.
eventually finds this love with an unknowing headstrong village girl, Belle, who he originally takes as his prisoner. The film, released November 22, 1991, addresses important life lessons and morals, but does not fail to raise some eyebrows in the process. The film idea was originally proposed in the 1930s and 1950s, but failed due to lack of ability and creativity from the story teams at the time. The film finally found success, at both the production and reception levels during the late 20th century.
outward appearance of the Beast is indicative of his inward intentions and actions. Through Beast’s character, the lesson of inner beauty truly shines; however, the character of Belle also lends to an important message. Belle is a stubborn young woman, determined to do more with her life than to simply end up in a marriage where her duty is strictly housework. She wants an education and to see more of the world than just her small, provincial village. In most Disney films leading up to The Beauty and the Beast, the female characters were not portrayed as Belle is; that is having dreams and desires of which do not include a man. The Beauty and the Beast show young viewers, particularly girls, the importance of having your own ambitions and that these dreams are not limited by gender.
Disney released The Little Mermaid the reception regarding the main protagonist, Ariel, was much more positive than in the past due to her drive and want for independence. The film is about a young mermaid who desperately wants to be freed from her overbearing father. She finds this freedom as well as true love on land, away from her life in the sea. Despite being released in 1989, the film originally began production as a short during the 1930s but was interrupted by the United States’ involvement in WWII. The story was not revisited until the idea was pitched again the 1980s.
Tod, the fox. The heartbreaking film shows strains of this relationship and the effects society can have on our perception of others. Production of this film began in 1977, only a few years following the war in Vietnam, and stretched throughout the conflict in Iran. The film is a statement against war, questioning soldiers’ willingness to blindly fight and develop a hatred towards groups of people just because they are ordered to.
ignores the friendship he had built and instead falls into the role society has laid out for him. Society ultimately makes the two friends enemies. By the end of the film, Copper protects Tod against his owner, defying the demands of his owner; however, they do not revert back to being friends. They share an acceptance that this is the way things have to be. There will never be a circumstance in their society where they can be companions due to the rigid roles they have been born into. The lack of friendship at the conclusion of the film also reflects on the natural drifting apart of friends over time and the barrier society can play in any relationship. The film, although heartbreaking, sends the important message that the lessons of kindness and tolerance we are taught as children can be easily forgotten as we grow into adults.
originally written by Charles Perrault about the fate of a young girl, Aurora, born to royalty who, upon birth, is cast under a spell by the tale’s antagonist, Maleficent. Maleficent announces that Aurora will die on her 16th birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel; however, one of the fairies that raise Aurora out of sight an harm of Maleficent alter this spell to instead put her to sleep. Prince Phillip, believed to be named after Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, a name most Americans at this time would be very familiar with, ultimately saves Aurora, defeating Maleficent and awakening her with true love’s kiss. The film, despite being produced over half a century ago, still remains a favorite of many.
fate and the two main woman figures of the film are given much less respectability. Aurora has less than 15 lines the entire film, making her more of an idea than an actual character. Maleficent is a woman of power, yet she is shown as ugly, evil, and destructive. Is this really what we want kids to think of women with authority? Additionally, there is an emphasis on the idea of love at first sight. Aurora and Prince Phillip meet once for a brief moment in the forest and immediately following this encounter Prince Phillip announces his intent to marry her, falsifying the reality and evolution of love.
Prince Phillip chooses to marry for love rather than wealth or status. The film throughout shows the power of love. Aurora is awoken by the true love’s kiss, showing that even the most awful of evils can be overcome by love. Aurora’s parents at the beginning of the movie have to make the hard decision to send their daughter away to live without them in hiding. They choose to do this to protect her from Maleficent’s interference. It often may seem that films, such as Sleeping Beauty, advocate against values that we today hold in high regard but if one takes just a slightly closer look, it will become clear that these messages go much deeper than the surface.
expected duties. Men were viewed as the providers and women were constrained to domestic responsibilities. This is displayed through the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Darling, the former who is a successful business man and demands respect from both his children and wife and the latter who is most noted for her maternal presence and the care of her children. Additionally, at the time there was conflict between progression and static. Peter Pan represents the static of society, or those who are resistant to change, while the world around him continues to progress. J.M. Barrie’s novel was an obvious reflection on the society surrounding him at the time; however, Peter Pan was still a hit in theaters fifty years following.
Indians. The song “What Made the Red Man Red” is one example of this prejudice, stating “Let’s go back a million years, to the very first Injun prince, he kissed a maid and start to blush, and we’ve all been blushin’ since.” The actions of the tribe, such as yelling and the tribal dancing, as well as their speech show the ignorance against Indians. They are portrayed as less than the white characters, calling Peter Pan “The Great White Father” and the lost boys go as far as to compare them to animals.
important message to our youth of all time periods. The film expresses the essential process of change and growth, no matter how foreign the change may seem. It is important to be accepting of maturity and a growing independence as we move from childhood to adulthood; however, it’s also important to make sure not to grow up too fast and to enjoy the innocence childhood offers before it’s gone. Growing up in the society we live in, kids are pointed towards a future very early in life. Today, test scores and studies have become the center point of many lives, forgetting to enjoy the moments they are in and instead constantly preparing for the moments to come. It is important to hold the future in high regard but also take advantage of the life you are currently in. Look to the past and the present to help point you towards the future, and don’t let your inclination for familiarity keep you from new, exciting experiences.
ballgown completed with glass slippers; however, she will return to her original self at midnight. Once at the ball, she immediately grasps the attention of the Prince and spends the entirety of the night with him until it’s midnight and she is forced to leave without even a mention of her name. She accidentally leaves her glass slipper behind, the only way the Prince has a chance of ever finding her. He searches the entire kingdom for the mystery girl he met at the ball until finally the shoe fits and Cinderella and the Prince are reunited, despite the constant interference from her step mother and step sisters.
standing on a balcony, it is a direct reflection on the recent royal wedding that took place between Princess Elizabeth and officer Philip Mountbatten in 1947. The prince is wearing a military uniform in the scene, giving a nod to veterans and the war. The film, overall, was very representative of the time following WWII, depicting a transformation that many Americans were yearning for to separate themselves from the previous era plagued by hardship.
a time of mass destruction and daily death counts, Bambi challenges the norm of war and conflict by showing the painful aftermath of death and loss. The film unfortunately, due to the amount of attention and work devoted to the war at the time, did not experience much success and ended up losing money until their re-release of the film in 1947. The film was based on a book originally written for adults, which was then modified by Disney to fit a screen for a younger audience; however, the traumatic death scene of Bambi’s mother is still under question today if that scene is too intense for kids of younger ages. There have long been debates about how old a child should be before they are exposed to the tragedy of Bambi’s story.
many lessons that can be drawn from the film that were applicable then and still are applicable today. Bambi, throughout the early stages of life faces many struggles. He is very slow to learn how to walk and how to talk, although he doesn’t give up, showing us, the audience, that success will eventually come no matter how many failures it takes you to get there. Bambi also explores the ability to cope with loss and devastation. Bambi heals with time, showing that the death of his mother might seem like the worst possible thing imaginable in the moment, but life will continue to go on. He copes with help of his friends, Flower and Thumper, and eventually goes on to live a great life, full of love and adventure despite the obstacles and loss he faces early on. And lastly, who can forget the famous words of Bambi’s sidekick Thumper, constantly reminding himself “if you can’t say nothing nice, don’t say nothing at all.”