This is easily one of the best movies I have seen all year. The film stayed true to the story of Winnie the Pooh but also added some great adaptations of its own. It is a truly heartwarming film for people of all ages. It made me cry at several points because it was so touching. For me the movie had an emotional connection to my childhood, as my mother used to read me the Winnie the Pooh stories and I loved the characters. I really liked that the movie drew me back to my childhood, and I think that was the purpose of the story. One of the best parts of the movie was how relatable the characters were. I could see parts of myself in each one of them. Christopher Robin (portrayed by Ewan McGregor) has grown up and taken on many responsibilities, as we all do as we get older. He is facing a lot of stress from work and his priorities are out of line. All of a sudden the characters from his childhood step back into his life at a time when it seems like that is the last thing he needs. These friends take him on a journey back to his childhood. He laughs and has fun for the first time in years, and is reminded of the joy of being a carefree child seeking adventure and making up stories. Through this he recognizes what is truly important in his life and that he needs to reconnect with both himself and his family. I am often stressed with school and life in general, just as Christopher is, and my priorities are always in the right order because of it. At one point Christopher tells Pooh that he is lost, to which Pooh replies "You need to remember who you are." Sometimes it is parts of our childhood that bring us back to where we need to be. When we start to lose ourselves, the happy memories and stories from our earlier years are just what we need to ground us again. Pooh is definitely my favorite character in the film. He is so innocent and precious, yet at the same time he is very intelligent and many of the things he says are very important life lessons. Pooh never gives up hope that Christopher will come back to the Hundred Acre Wood, and his hope and optimism reminded me that that is the outlook I should have in life. Pooh also lives in the moment. At one point when he and Christopher are discussing "today" Pooh says "Yesterday, when it was tomorrow, it was too exciting a day for me.” This is a good reminder that we need to live in the moment and not worry about what the next day will bring. This is something I think we as people struggle with. We have projects to do and deadlines to meet. However sometimes we need to take a step back and refocus on the present day as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Another lesson of Pooh's comes from when he says “I always get to where I am going by walking away from where I have been," which taught me that I need to keep moving forward if I want to get anywhere, and that I won't get there by dwelling on mistakes I've made in the past and living a life of regret. This is not to say that I don't need to better myself, but only that if I focus on past choices and actions, I will never be able to move forward and enjoy my life. Yet the most important lesson Pooh taught me was to find happiness in the little things in life. Slight Spoiler: At the train station, Pooh asks Christopher to get him a red balloon because it would make him very happy. Pooh greatly values the balloon, and knows that it will not only make him happy, but will make others happy. This also taught me that I need to consider what I place value on. In modern American society, value is placed on big houses, fancy cars, nice clothes, etc. However small, simple items can bring just as much, if not more, happiness to our lives, and Pooh reminded me of that. Pooh says he is "a bear of little brain," but in actuality he is the wisest character of them all. Moving on to Tigger, who also reminded me of a couple of things. First off, Tigger is a very adventurous character who isn't afraid of a whole lot. This reminded me to always have a sense of adventure and to be spontaneous and open to going where life takes me. Secondly, at one point Tigger is singing his famous song, in which he mentions that "the most wonderful thing about Tiggers is I'm the only one." This reminded me that each one of us is unique, and we should be proud of that. One of the best parts about us as individuals is that one of the most wonderful things about us is there is only one of each of us. Tigger also says "We just need a leap of faith," which reminded me that my future, despite how much I plan it, is unknown. Sometimes I will have to make difficult decisions, but I need to take a leap of faith every once in awhile. Adding to this, Tigger tells Piglet that he worries too much. This again reminded me that I often worry too much, and like Tigger and Pooh i need to focus on today. As a child, I always thought Eeyore was too sad and I didn't like that about him. Yet as I've gotten older I see more of Eeyore's characteristics in myself. Life has a tendency to wear us down, just as it has to him. Similar to Eeyore, we all feel depressed, humiliated, and hopeless. It is important to remember that when we feel like Eeyore, we also have friends like Christopher Robin to pull us out of the water (see clip below). Piglet, in all his fear, also taught me something. Throughout the story, Piglet displays his most famous attributes, worry and fear. Piglet often lets his fear control him, which is something I have a tendency to do as well. Needless to say, neither of us likes to step out of our comfort zone. It taught me that if I overcome my fears, just as Piglet does at some points in the film, I will be better and experience more because I made that decision.
Overall, this is one of my top 10 favorite films and although it goes without saying, it is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It is definitely my favorite Disney movie, and I highly recommend it to people of all ages. The sets were beautiful, and looked like they did in the books. The storyline stayed true to the original characters and portrayed them perfectly. Pooh's character melted my heart on multiple occasions, and each character has their own sense of humor which adds even more to the story. I think of the best parts was how relatable each character was. It took me back to my childhood and reminded me of those years in my life that I often do not have time to reflect upon. I felt a bit like a child again just watching it. I would definitely see it again and give it 5 stars. *Credit to Walt Disney Studios and Movie Clips Trailers for the movie scenes used above
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AuthorHello fellow film lovers! Just a little bit about me: I love movies from the Old Hollywood era, especially musicals. In general, my movie taste is a bit all over the place. I don't really stick to one genre, as I just watch whatever looks interesting! I look forward to broadening my horizons in terms of film and reviewing them to the best of my ability in an honest way. Reading another passion of mine, and I'm frequently told I have an old soul, so expect to see a lot of older films being reviewed. I hope you can find what you need here! Archives
May 2019
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