Disney movies & no moms

[Silly Little Pixie]

Yeppers!

Trust me, I had some serious issues with this, until I finally realized the fairy tale connection.

After my own mom died, and I went on my adventure of healing and growth from that, I had to avoid the movies completely (I wasn't a big fan before, though, so this was not a big deal).

It's been 8 years now, and I can definitely tell you that the death, especially the early one, of a beloved parent, and all the healing and growth you go through after it, trying to find your place in the world without the one who has known you longest, changes you completely.

Therefore, there's no more powerful event in a story, to cause growth and change in the protagonist, than the death of a parent.

I think the fairy tale authors had more issues with fathers, considering how WEAK they all seem to be, marrying rotten second wives who tormented the daughters...


Watching Nemo for the first time with my son was pretty powerful, it was really hard...you almost see his mom's death and that's rough.

Oh man, I cried and cried in the movie theater when Nemo's mom died. As a mother I can't fathom my child growing up motherless. Yes, the literary device works like a charm to make the protagonist be not only sympathetic, but courageous and strong. It makes a compelling story. Look at Bambi!

I can't imagine watching that Nemo scene with your little boy, Molly! Wow. I admire your strength. I don't think you ever get over the loss of a parent. I am fortunate enough to have mine still. I'm glad you were able to turn a loss into a growth experience. It still must be so hard, especially now that you're a mom yourself.

 

[flyinshirer]

Interesting takes on this. Thanks for all the input.
I'm going to have to forward this link to my mother so that she can get all the responses.

 

[lilpixie]

Honestly, when the Incredibles came out -- it was one of the first movies in a long time where they portrayed a mother and father together with the family. I know that today there are all types of families and we should never discount that. But at the same time, I'm glad that they did a movie like Incredibles, too

 

[tofubeast]

Wasn't there a mom and dad in Pete's Dragon? I forget... it has been a LONG time.

 

[grizbuzz]

Ah yes, the Incredibles...I love that movie!

A wonderful exception to the rule.

 

[crashbb]

Wasn't there a mom and dad in Pete's Dragon? I forget... it has been a LONG time.

Pete was an orphan - so no parents. He was adopted (not sure it was ever official) by the nice lady (whose name I forget) and her dad (played by Mickey Rooney).

Actually - his original adoptive parents (at the beginning of the movie) did have a mother and a father (but were mean and abusive).

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Honestly, when the Incredibles came out -- it was one of the first movies in a long time where they portrayed a mother and father together with the family. I know that today there are all types of families and we should never discount that. But at the same time, I'm glad that they did a movie like Incredibles, too

I thought so, too! I also loved that while they were "supers"- they were oh so human too.

That was a good one!