Elemental

Elemental

In a city where fire, water, land, & air residents live together, a fiery young woman & a go-with-the-flow guy will discover something elemental: How much they have in common.

  • Released: 2023-06-15
  • Runtime: 93 minutes
  • Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy
  • Stars: Mamoudou Athie, Leah Lewis, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Pera, Mason Wertheimer, Ronobir Lahiri, Wilma Bonet, Matthew Yang King, Reagan To, Ben Morris, Alex Kapp, P.L. Brown, Jeff Lapensee, Jonathan Adams, Clara Lin Ding
  • Director: Peter Sohn
 Comments
  • emjgiddy - 16 June 2024
    Great Movie
    "Elemental," directed by Peter Sohn, is a vibrant and heartfelt addition to Pixar's esteemed catalog. The film crafts a visually stunning world where the elements-fire, water, earth, and air-live in harmony, yet with underlying tensions, setting the stage for a compelling narrative about acceptance, identity, and belonging.

    The story follows Ember, a spirited fire element voiced by Leah Lewis, and Wade, a laid-back water element voiced by Mamoudou Athie. Their unlikely friendship, and eventual romance, challenges the societal norms that dictate the separation of elements. This central theme of bridging divides and understanding differences is both timely and timeless, resonating with audiences of all ages.

    Visually, "Elemental" is a feast for the eyes. Pixar's animation prowess is on full display, with each element given a distinct and imaginative design. The vibrant colors, intricate textures, and fluid movements create a captivating and immersive world. The animation not only dazzles but also serves the story, with each element's unique characteristics playing a crucial role in the narrative and character interactions.

    The voice acting is superb, with Lewis and Athie bringing warmth and depth to their roles. Their chemistry is palpable, making Ember and Wade's relationship feel authentic and engaging. The supporting cast, featuring the likes of Catherine O'Hara and Joe Pera, adds further charm and wit to the film, providing moments of humor and heart.

    One of the film's strengths is its nuanced storytelling. It addresses complex themes such as cultural identity, prejudice, and environmental responsibility without feeling heavy-handed. The screenplay balances humor and emotion, delivering poignant moments that are likely to tug at viewers' heartstrings. The character arcs are well-developed, particularly Ember's journey of self-discovery and Wade's quest for understanding and connection.

    However, "Elemental" is not without its minor flaws. Some plot points feel predictable, and the narrative occasionally treads familiar ground covered by previous Pixar films. Despite these minor shortcomings, the film's execution and emotional resonance more than compensate for its predictability.

    In conclusion, "Elemental" is a visually stunning and emotionally rich film that upholds Pixar's reputation for high-quality animated storytelling. Its exploration of acceptance and unity is both relevant and moving, making it a memorable and meaningful experience. With strong performances, impressive animation, and a heartfelt narrative, "Elemental" earns its place as one of Pixar's standout films.
  • liven-66161 - 24 April 2024
    Beautiful with good intentions... just missing something
    The sum is less than its parts here. Visually, the movies is exceptionally crafted. Each frame if work of art and so is the animation. The city is treat and fun to to explore with characters. I like the movie is touching not so easy topics for family movie, and in many places it feels personal. It is unique and after finishing I felt inspired.

    So, why not to give higher score and why many others did not rate it higher? For me, I did not connect emotionally fully with the story. I believe, the movie tries too much and too little at same time.

    There is romantic plot line which works mostly well. I could have had more septh and development, better pacing, but it carry the story well and has beautiful moments.

    Then there is a plot about a shop, with themes of family ties, support and finding own identity, and also threat of loosing what one has build and dedicated time to.

    It got fair amount of time, but something in execution did not click with me fully. It felt for me it had great potential, had they explore it in more depth. For all the complex themes it contains, it seemed too simplistic.

    It felt bit forced for me, without real sense of danger or explanation why this is really happening, and it did not fit well with overal tone of these topics.

    There are also themes of immigration, intolerance, society norms, taboos, and more, which I all admire for effort, just wish it got little more depth.

    Maybe what movie was trying to achieve was not possible in one movie or on such runtime. Good pacing takes time, and this one was trying to cover quite a few serious topics, which are not so easy to convey in any medium.

    Despite of all flaws, I liked the movie for what it is and I love the ambition.

    Is is worth to watch, it leaves sense of unique and breathtaking place and some food for thoughts after it ends.

    You just need to bring your own imagination and fill the gaps.