Up

Image Source: Wikipedia

Written By: Elaine Yu

Distributors: Walt Disney Studios and Motion Pictures
Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Pete Docter
Producer: Jonas Rivera
Scriptwriters: Bob Peterson and Pete Docter
Main Cast: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai and Bob Peterson
Released: May 29 2009 (US) and October 9 2009 (UK)
Running Time: 96 Minutes
Certificate: U

The first time I saw any visuals of Up was in the trailer when it was just released at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2009, which heightened my anticipation to see it in full. Even though it was reputable for its 3D visual effects, I was more impressed by the storyline between the old man, Carl, and the boy, Russell. In this way, it is not like the classical Disney films, which always focuses on a romance between a Prince and a Princess. However, it still creates that fantastic Disney wonderland for both kids and adults.

A mass of colourful balloons, the old house and the miraculous adventure in the forest conform to the fantasy of fairy tales. But, to me, the moment that is most touching is that which showcases the married life of Carl and Ellie as opposed to the up-and-down journey. This scene is like the animation version of salience film. No words for characters; the story is told by the transition of senses. It is also important to talk about the slight variation of the soundtrack in this scene. The melody is the same, but the beat varies with the atmosphere and with their mood. For example, at Carl and Ellie’s wedding, it is upbeat, but when they realised that they couldn’t have children, it slows down. Because of the excellent soundtrack, Up received the Best Score at the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, and the Golden Globe Awards in 2009.

Unlike the romance in fairytale Disney films, where the Prince and the Princess live happily ever after, Carl and Ellie have been gradually getting old. For the family, they put off pursuing their dream, but they didn’t quit. Ellie did not make their dream come true in their lifetime, but is Carl going to make it? That is a clue which the story leaves you with. I actually prefer this kind of imperfect romance: it is realistic, just like the romances of the real world: imperfect, but beautiful.

Films are supposed to involve viewers in the fantastic world, and allow them to escape from the dissatisfied real world to further entertain them. Indeed, escaping happens in the film, as Carl avoids moving from his house to a retirement home and keeps the promise to his wife. He decides to turn the house into a makeshift airship with a mass of balloons, and starts his adventure to Paradise Falls just to keep his promise to Ellie. Nevertheless, the dream is disillusioned: he realises that his hero, the famous explorer Charles F. Muntz, was a devil accused of fabricating the skeleton of a giant bird. Fortunately, they beat the villain and fly back to the city.

Once you are confronted with the situation of dissatisfaction that mirrors reality, you can escape. But it is not a wise choice, as the great world outside is just in your imagination. It might be cruel and evil. The ending implies that the wise choice on handling a tough situation is saluting it actively and bravely.

The great visual effects will entertain audiences, particularly younger viewers. More importantly, though, the reflection and inspiration for the film is the foundation for it to gain a great reputation. The reality in Up is more than worthy to be explored and results in a superb animation picture.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10 - Excellent