If you’re desperately searching for ways to procrastinate, why not revisit some of your favourite childhood films? If you think you’ve outgrown them, think again! Some of them are a lot more complex than given credit for. So take a look at these films. See if your perspective has changed in adulthood. And, most importantly, appreciate the messages you missed.
Chicken Run
As a clueless seven-year-old I only liked this film for the talking chickens. But upon a revisit, I realised this film is about revolution against corrupt and accepted power. The chickens are confined to small huts, are in constant fear of being killed and intensely plan their escape throughout. This and their sense of comradery makes the film undeniably important in far deeper ways.
The film also surpasses the Bechdel test, and focuses entirely on women. The hens’ collective strength and perseverance could even argue it as a women’s film! Watching this as children may have left us internalising frustrations towards unfair power. It’s no wonder Gen Z are so anti-establishment.
Fantastic Mr Fox
Roald Dahl’s book and Wes Anderson’s film adaptation are aimed at children. Yet they contain important messages that resonate more with adults. The film explores Foxy’s dissatisfaction with his settled family life. He has a loving wife, a son and a stable income. But he craves the satisfaction from his chicken-stealing days. Foxy’s restlessness prompts him to break the promise he made to his wife years ago. And in turn the entire community’s life is uprooted.
Foxy is forced to confront hidden parts of himself. His big adventure allows him to appreciate what was right in front of him. He becomes a better father and husband, and the audience are taken on the journey with him
Coraline
Coraline simultaneously fascinates and freaks kids out. Although the stock-motion picture is aimed at children, it doesn’t shy away from deep and dark themes. In a nutshell, Coraline is about a young girl dissatisfied with her drab reality. The ‘other world’ appeals to Coraline as it seems to have everything she could possibly want. She soon finds out her dream world is delusory and created to entice her. Coraline must gather inner strength and face her darkest fears in order to protect her friends and family.
The important message children take away is to be wary of things that appear too good to be true. As well as to be grateful for what they have because, as Coraline discovers, the grass isn’t always greener.
Can you think of more?
Most children’s films contain important messages, so make sure to watch these and any others you enjoyed as a child. Can’t remember any? Take your pick from ’45 children’s movies every adult should watch in their lifetime’.
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