"Finding Dory" was, amidst the reviews that it got that may have stated otherwise, wonderful. Being only five when "Finding Nemo" came out, I can say to this day it's one of my favorite childhood movies. I'd still sit down and watch it. It's simply well done and it really delivers a kind message.
"Finding Dory" was nothing less. I went in thinking that it'd be hard to measure up to Nemo, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it did. The movie was beautifully animated, captivating and the references to the first film were very perfectly placed. I was even emotional at some points watching my childhood seemingly come full circle with the release of this next film. The storyline was adorable and it's a great film for all ages.
What really struck my friends, family and I after leaving the theater on opening night was how unique the details about our oceans were. One scene had a soda can rings in it entangled on one of the characters, another scene showed an aquarium/institute being more like a complicated maze or trap for the animals, and in the end, the final scene (I won't give it away!) really brought to my attention the message of saving our oceans and refraining from the development of more captivity.
I applaud Pixar for this step. While to some it might seem like these details go unnoticed, it's admirable and truly extraordinary for an animation group to come forward with these details in the plot of a kids movie- they're the ones who will really take notice and who will think about what it all means.
I'm no expert, but I think that animals in captivity of any kind, particularly with ocean animals, is something we ought to end. This film, while made for kids and families, taught me that we should set ourselves as equals to other inhabitants of the planets from which we profit because while they may have different minds, they're beings all the same.
I've always been passionate about the environment, but after getting teary about cute baby Dory in the theater, I got serious and considered how ocean animals are impacted daily by human activity, pollution, captivity, being put on display, and being separated from their ecosystems and groups. The coral reefs are dying out, oil spills are a huge problem and can continue to be, trash infects our oceans, and we see the abuse of animals on land whether that be in places like Sea World or in the overproduction of the fishing industry in our stories and markets.
It's time to take a real look at how the oceans are involved in our lives- because they are the single balancing force that keeps our ecosystems healthy everywhere. The oceans and their inhabitants are beautiful as well as crucial to our planet. Before we continue on our road of continued pollution, over-fishing, etc., we need to find ways to make our oceans healthier and respect wildlife- just like Dory found her way home.
To learn more about conservation efforts or to get involved, check out Oceana, an organization dedicated to the oceans, here.
