10. 'Moana' (2016)
I won't go into much detail about this one, because I've already talked about it in regards to the heroic title lead. 'Moana' is one of Disney's most diverse films. It is especially heartening to see an all-POC cast in one of their recent entries in their canon. It is also magical, brilliantly animated, of course, its songs by 'Hamilton''s Lin-Manuel Miranda are memorable hits, and its story layers out the message of peace and self- love and determination throughout, towards its powerful end. A hero's journey with a proactive, flawed and sprightly young woman of colour destined to lead her people, 'Moana' is another milestone for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Rewatchable, fun, touching and poignant. A ray (like the fish, as well) of hope to end a shit year on.
9. 'Laputa: Castle in the Sky' (1986)
A Miyazaki classic. 'Castle in the Sky' is one of the most adventurous and exciting films I've seen, animated or not. Everything about it works: the characters - wow the characters!, the plot, the worldbuilding, the fantastic suspense and tension. You rarely see a children's film so daring and dangerous, yet fun (I know I use this word a lot on this list, but here it especially applies) anymore. There's the plucky and fearless young male lead; the female lead who isn't such a damsel in distress, and is as practical as her partner (though I wonder what accent she's supposed to have in the English dub); an older female antagonist, also a family woman, turned ally and anti-heroine; the sinister and greedy military villain; buff men, thin men, takes-no-crap ladies: Every one of the them is spontaneous, surprising, cunning, and brave. How many times do they nearly die! It all just adds up to such good time viewing! There are also robots, pirates, flying machines (from Miyazaki, no, really?!), mine carts, skies, and new worlds and cultures. It's like a sophisticated video game!
If you haven't yet, go see 'Castle in the Sky'. It is two hours long but the time whizzes by, like a small plane. It is unquestionably one of Studio Ghibli's best.
8. 'Hairspray' (2007)
In the ranks of showcasing how great musicals are is 'Hairspray'. Like a 'Chicago' that the whole family can watch, and also like 'Chicago', it is one of those films that you can watch and forget that what you are seeing is a piece of celluloid. I love the songs, the characters, the sets, the colours, the energy, the passion present in every scene, every detail of mise-en-scène, and the theme of prejudice and people coming together to overcome it. 'Hairspray' is one of the most energetic and feel-good movies I have ever seen. The all-star cast is fantastic. Who would have thunk it that a post-'Battlefield Earth' John Travolta in drag would have turned out so well? Throughout the journey of a fat girl protagonist wanting to be a famous dancer allying for the rights and liberation of black people in segregated America in the sixties, comes a wonderful, emotional and triumphant and perfect climax. Why racial and weight discrimination - dancing and singing with everyone in all the colours of the rainbow is much more fun! Add in a mixed-race romance and the drop of rainbow honey is in the pot, with the lid firmly on. Way to put an optimistic bounce to things!
How I adore 'Hairspray'. It will never get old. It will never not be relevant.
7. 'Tully' (2018)
Another, most recent film. 'Tully' has one of the best depictions of motherhood and postpartum depression ever put on film. In 2018. That is really telling of how little Hollywood cares about women and their pain and suffering. The white men in power prefer women to keep quiet and pretty and thin, and be the perfect, smiley, clean picture of motherhood; no mess, no fuss, no stress. Yeah, the reality of parenthood is naturally more complex. And writer Diablo Cody (who has matured exceptionally since 'Juno') wanted to highlight this. Charlize Theron is amazing, as is to be expected, as an American woman coping with a new, unplanned baby in the family. She has three kids to look after now, and hardly gets any sleep. She is exhausted all the time. A night nanny recommended to her by her brother might be what the doctor ordered, and her life seemingly changes overnight, making her happy, making her feel young again with no worries about the future. Is it too good to be true, however? 'Tully' is about womanhood. Honest, realistic womanhood. It isn't pleasant, but joy and charm can be found, thanks to support (her husband is like her best friend, but even he is flawed, and he does try to improve himself) and self-care. Time to oneself is important once in a while. Mental illness is also a theme, represented sensitively but in a harsh light in understandable, realistic circumstances.
'Tully' - the power of women, and their humanity and vulnerability, put into focus without shame and stigma. A shocking and emotional journey that I am glad to experience and understand over and over again.
6. 'Chicken Run' (2000)
One of my favourite animated films, and a big feature in my childhood. Solid and almost flawless, it is just brilliant. It is a stop motion comedy drama caper about farm chickens rebelling by escaping confinement - fighting for a free-range life, one that does not involve slaughter, forced reproduction, and child snatching and death. The majority of the cast is female, for they are chickens. This film can easily nowadays be interpreted as a metaphor for how women are treated by the patriarchy, and would be treated in Margaret Atwood's apocalyptic, dystopic nightmare version of the patriarchy. What makes 'Chicken Run' doubly, triply remarkable is that, with a plot and themes so centered on death and misery, it is actually a very funny, jubilant and hopeful story. The clever writing shines through in every line, every character interaction, every funny set piece, and action sequence. Every joke works, and this was before Aardman Animations tried to appeal to mostly American audiences, with varying results. 'Chicken Run' is a British animated comedy, through and through, and it is glorious. We English are a comedy gold mine. The protagonist, Ginger, is a smart, brave, determined leader of the chickens who is also a dreamer. The villain, Mrs Tweedy, is a woman and one of animation's greatest villains ever. The movie is so good, I can even overlook Mel Gibson being in it.
"The Great Escape with poultry"? No. "This ain't no chick flick"? Fuck off. 'Chicken Run' is a classic. It is mature storytelling that is endearing and accessible. All ages and genders can watch and enjoy the hell out of it.
To be continued in Part 4.
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