The Movie Up! Taps into Some Unexpected Emotions
I finally had the chance to see the movie Up! over the weekend. For the most part, I really, really enjoyed it. But there was one thing that I just wasn't expecting: tears!
In case you're unfamiliar with the film, the storyline includes an older gentleman named Carl Fredericksen who ties thousands of balloons to his house in order to try and fly it to the top of Paradise Falls, where his deceased wife had always dreamed they would live. Little did he know, though, that a young boy named Russell was an unintentional stowaway when the house took flight. Together, the pair embark on multiple adventures, including trying to move the house from one end of Paradise Falls to the other, save an exotic bird, and escape from Carl's childhood-hero-turned-menacing-bad-guy.
In the end, it's a feel-good movie about inter-generational friendship and the importance of re-framing one's dreams over time. The part that got me, though, was when little Russell was talking about his father. He was reflecting back on a time when they used to go out for ice cream, and how they'd sit together on the curb and watch cars go by, taking turns counting up how many blue cars would pass by, as opposed to how many red. I'm paraphrasing, but the part that got to me was when Russell said something like, "It probably sounds really boring, but it's the boring stuff that I miss the most."
I bring it up for several reasons:
- If your child's dad (or mom) used to be in his or her life and now is not, for whatever reason, don't presume that your child isn't still thinking about him or her. Little Russell is a good reminder that the parent-child connection is enduring, even when that relationship was cut off prematurely by a parent who walked away without warning.
- If you, yourself, are the parent who walked away and now regrets it (or hasn't been allowed to see your child), know that you haven't been forgotten.
- For families planning to see the movie, let it spark some conversation about the Russell's reflections. For example, the movie doesn't clearly explain why Russell's dad is no longer around. Ask your kids where they think he went, and if they've had thoughts similar to Russell's.
- Finally, the movie is also a good example of how important non-parental adult relationships can be for children, especially kids who don't currently have two parents who are involved in their lives.
I don't want to ruin the movie for you, but my favorite scene takes place at the end, when Mr. Fredericksen and Russell go out for ice cream. Is there a "Mr. Fredericksen" waiting in the wings for your kids? If so, are you prepared to welcome him (or her) into your lives?
It's easy to assume that other people are just too busy or uninterested, but Up! is a good reminder that when your heart is open, you can find them in the most unexpected places.
Related: Review of Up! | Talking About an Absent Parent
Comments
I’m glad you included in your second point, “(or not allowed to see your child).” I’m really frustrated with the general “the dad is always the bad guy” mentality.
I’m also glad you pointed out that it never really said where the dad was or why he wasn’t around. However, the movie does imply that the dad walked away.
I’ve spent my entire life savings, sacrificed my career, sold my house and everything I own to fight for my children when their mother ran off with them. I’ve literally sacrificed everything.
Yet, in society’s eyes, I’m still the bad guy because somehow it’s always the man’s fault.
I would really, really like to see more articles on here that address single fathers’ issues and the plight of the non-custodial parent, which is usually the father.
I’m back in college now, trying to redefine myself and improve the situation in the long run for my children. I’ve given several speeches on these issues and done extensive research. The bias everywhere, especially in the courts, is overwhelming. Let’s get some more support for fathers, please.
I also cried several times during “Up”. I was touched by the beginning of the movie showing the relationship between Carl and Ellie. Marriage and the relationship between husband and wife can be such a sweet, wonderful thing. I cried thinking about how I did not have that love and respect in my marriage.
I only saw the movie once, but I remember Russell mentioning a stepmom or girlfriend of his dad’s. It was a passing reference to the fact she didn’t like something Russell did. I would have to see the movie again and listen closely for that comment.