Disney and Pixar’s Elemental is an original animated film set in a world where the four elements of fire, water, earth, and air have come to life. The story follows Ember, a fiery young woman who is used to living in a world where fire and water don’t mix. However, when she meets Wade, a fun-loving water guy, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about the world and herself.

Pixar’s Elemental No-Spoiler Review

From the trailer, it seemed like the movie was going to be another cute little rom-com where two characters are not supposed to be together because they’re so different. You get the impression that they are going to have to fight against all odds in order to be together. But the story itself is so much more than that.

This story has to do a lot with family, and finding your own path, while telling a story of the immigration experience. It’s a story that speaks to the diaspora of immigrants and what it is to deal with being in a place that’s not your own.

Ember, Wade and their families

Through the characters of Ember, Wade, and their families we see the obstacles and the bigotry they have to face because they are immigrants. One of the main things that I loved about this movie was how they made Ember, who is the main protagonist, have an internal fight within herself. I loved the way they showed her struggling with the fact that she had to deal with the feelings that she was getting for Wade, but also having to deal with the fact that she didn’t want to disappoint her family.

Ember doesn’t want to disappoint her father and she feels the pressure of having to walk in their shoes and continue their legacy. Now, both the stories, the romantic one and the family one are intertwined. Ember’s family is a little bit more strict about how she’s supposed to do things, and how she’s supposed to act. This is in contrast to Wade’s family who are a little bit more open about things. I think the allegories are there where water is a little bit flowy, in comparison to fire, where fire is passionate, strong, and scary.

But as they allude to in the trailer both of these elements actually can coexist with each other. When they combine, they form something beautiful. And I think that’s a beautiful message.

Visually Pixar always does beautiful work

When it comes to visuals, Pixar always does beautiful work. It’s not anything that’s over the top or brand new or anything, but it’s still beautifully done. The scenery, the way that everything is bright, colorful, and the movements of the elements are stunning. You can tell they took the time to make sure that if water is going to be flowing perfectly and making it look like when the fires roar, it’s going to be intense.

Family relationships take center stage

This is a story about family and having to deal with the pressure of living up to their expectations. This is a point that many first-generation immigrants can completely relate to. Ember’s parents come from a completely different place and they’ve had to work hard to get to where they’re at.

Ember faces continuing like her parents or finding her own path. It’s a lot of pressure to realize the dreams that parents have for their children. Dreams that parents may have had for themselves but because of circumstance. Those dreams they will only see live on in their children.

Overall, the movie was cute, entertaining, and fun. All the comedy bits hit well. And even the serious moments were great to watch. By the end of the movie, I came out crying from that theater.  It was emotional to see the journey Ember took, But also the journey her father took. The way that they were able to connect with each other in the end was a joy. It was amazing. And I really recommend you guys going to watch this movie.

Give it a try. Go with your family. Go with your kids. I’m more than sure that you guys are going to love it.

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