Watched Pixar’s Elemental the once. Thought it was so cute.
Did some reading on the internet. There were some vague things I was aware of, such as the story being Asian immigrant-coded.
Rewatched with a few different lenses floating around my brain.
Consider the story as an immigrant story.
–language being a barrier
–the struggle between first generation and second generation
–interracial relationships can be challenging, particularly for first generation immigrants to process
Consider the story as an Asian-coded story.
–parents do not necessarily openly express love
–sacrifice can only be paid with more sacrifice (this is deeply ingrained)
–respect for elders and cultural customs
–true names are difficult for those outside the culture to pronounce
Consider the story as one centered around disability.
–"the city wasn’t built for fire people.” (like me)
–the environment is a hazard to the people trying to navigate it
–Ember has to dim her light to accommodate others (masking)
–Ember might also cause damage to her environment, because it is not designed to withstand her heat
Consider the story as depicting an asexual/demisexual romance.
–nobody falls in love at first sight
–admiration and affection grows through shared experiences
–love blossoms as they see one another shining brightest time and again
–they are clearly already a couple and have been on several dates before they attempt to touch for the first time
Of course, you can accept all of these lenses all at once, they aren’t mutually exclusive, but it helps me to concentrate on what each one brings to the table before mashing them all up in my head. It’s not a perfect movie, but it has some really interesting ideas. Plus, plenty of moments where I wanted to cry. The animation is gorgeous with the lighting effects and the water effects.
Plus, Wade Ripple is the CUTEST BLOBBY WATER BOI I could have ever imagined.
--chasing down a narrow alley scene
--the fact that Wade cries when Ember shows up for their date
--"I love when your light does that." 🥺🥺
--Wade blocks the waterfall in his home from touching Ember by stretching out his arm
--Wade lights the incense