These films invite to reflect on emotions and growth, beyond the successful Pixar saga.
The success of Intensely 1 and 2 Not only conquered adults and children for their originality, but also for their emotional and educational approach about emotions. However, it is not the only proposal in the world of cinema that gets fully into the feelings of children and adolescents. There are other films that also invite to reflect on emotions and personal growth. We review three.
Three films to explore children’s emotions as intensely 2
One of the most prominent is The Little Prince (2015)based on the classic book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This film combines animation and real action to tell the story of a girl who, under the pressure of her mother to grow fast and be perfect, meets an eccentric old man who tells her about her childhood, love and loss. The film puts the focus on how the rigidity of adults can block emotions and the importance of preserving the tenderness and curiosity of childhood.
Another great option is Wonder (2017)which shows the story of Auggie, a boy who was born with a facial deformity and who, for the first time, faces the school world. The film not only explores its fears and insecurities, but also how the feelings of empathy, acceptance and overcoming impact their family and social environment. Wonder teaches to put himself in the place of the other and to understand that each person crosses their own emotional battles.
Finally, My neighbor Totoro (1988)by Studio Ghibli, it is a jewel that puts children’s emotions in the foreground in difficult situations such as a mother’s disease. Through fantasy and connection with nature, Totoro helps the protagonist sisters to channel their fears and sorrows, turning uncertainty into a magical adventure. The film demonstrates that emotions are not always said with words, but they feel and accompany in silence.
