Is Animation Just For Kids?

Hola Amigos! I'm back. So today, I want to address an issue that is very personal to me. You want to guess? No, it’s not about global warming or gender stereotypes. But hey, you’re smart enough to know from the title.

Alright yes, I’ve an enormous problem with the way animation is looked at and perceived by people. Whenever we look at something that is animated, our brain immediately switches to, "it’s for children". This could be because that's the traditional way to look at cartoons, comics or an illustrated image. This is a huge disservice to animation industry because it’s a beautiful genre of movies that teaches you so many things besides providing just entertainment.

If you’re dismissing the entire genre then that means you’re scrubbing some incredible stories from the archive by saying that it's not worth watching just because of the age factor and that is really sad.

Let's talk about some of the best examples to explain this.

1. Soul

The movie beautifully teaches us about how to live our life.

*SPOILER ALERT* It's more than just 22 (a young soul) trying to go on earth. So, the movie may or may not be for a 10 year old because he or she wouldn't be able to fathom all these insights but a grown up can. But I think the animation production houses try to touch the kids' hearts too and penetrate in their subconscious minds and that's brownie points for them!

The movie made me question the purpose of life. It's so easy to be a lost soul on earth. Most of us are just existing rather than truly living. Seize the day, my friend! Live your life as if it were your last because YOLO (you only live once). Enjoy the little joys of life. It may be enjoying the extra cheese on your pizza, stargazing and appreciating the silence of the night or simply hugging your close friend.

2. Inside-out

Inside out would make you understand that there is always a war going on in your head between the good vs. the bad and the scared vs. the brave. There is no single victor because we keep going back and forth. But perhaps it's not about the winner, it's about making embracing them and befriending them. No matter whether its anger, disgust or sadness. They are equally as important as joy.

We all have those bitter emotions in our head but regardless of their presence, it's up to us to decide which ones to use, which ones to base our actions on and which ones to define us. So, it's not about the emotions in your head, it's about what you do with them.

3. Wreck it Ralph

Wreck it Ralph teaches us how you should accept yourself for who you are. Everyone has their own flaws. You could either beat yourself for it or learn how to improve them and be the best version of yourself.

If I had watched Ralph breaks the internet as a kid, I would never understand why Vanellope would leave her friend, Ralph like that, even though it was because of something she was passionate about and to explore that she had to leave him.

Friendship and relationships mean a lot to me and the fear of abandonment is probably the worst fear I have. But as a third year college student, I try to assimilate the fact that friendships change over time. So, you might not be able to spend a lot of time with your friends, but hey, you all still have each other's back because time and distance can't stand in between strong bonds.

Another thing, I wouldn't be able to comprehend as a rebellious brat, is the message Big Hero 6 left us with. Revenge is futile and it doesn't change anything. I understand a lot of us like to follow the 'Tit for tat' saying but it may not be the best option for you. Just give it a thought.

Even after all this, if I wasn't able to convince you then we can at least agree to the fact that you should keep the child alive in you, right?

Thus, I'd say there are innumerable and countless gems like these in the world of animation that have a deeper message than what it appears to be on the surface. Some of them are hard-hitting while others try to convey the point subtly. Dive deeper! But no matter what, animation is for everyone.

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Hope you had a great time reading this article and see you in the next article of Pixels In Motion!