Disney seems to be taking a different approach to its movies in the past couple of decades or so. Instead of mass producing predominately romantic fairytale movies, it is creating tales such as "WALL-E," "Inside Out," "Big Hero 6" and "Up"-- stories with a little more to them than just "true love's kiss." One of their newer (and slightly overshadowed) movies that can be clumped in this same category is "Zootopia," the animated feature that was released March of this year. I remember telling my family I wanted to go see it when I was home for spring break and having incredulous looks thrown my way. Despite all the doubt, we went to the theaters to see Disney's newest masterpiece, and masterpiece it was. We all walked out happy and pleased and slightly surprised at how funny it actually was.
After watching it a second (and third) time during these past few weeks, I was struck again with how imaginative and inspiring it was. "Zootopia" is a story about a female bunny aspiring to become a cop. She is hopeful, upbeat and sickly optimistic- nothing can stand in her way. She ends up working with the most unlikely of partners, a fox, and together they, of course, save "Zootopia." The movie is full of adorable moments, creativity, and laughter. But it is not just a fun story. "Zootopia's" message permeates through the innocent characters and straight into your heart. What I appreciate about it so much is that Disney did not shy away from the real issues of society.
For starters, the hero of the story is a cop. I admire Disney for being bold enough to make that call during the recent criticism when it comes to our officers. Disney does a great job on recognizing some real life problems- such as stereotyping and generalizing- which feed into the deeper issues of racism and sexism. The movie deals with the prejudice of race and culture. It is true, animals do not have "race" but the citizens of "Zootopia" are clearly separated by the "big guys," or the predators, and the "little guys," or the prey. Disney points out that there are heroes and villains in both categories, and one does not trump the other.
One of the characters says in the beginning of the movie, "Everyone comes to 'Zootopia' thinking they can be anything they want. But you can't. You can only be what you are." For the rest of the movie, the characters defy that belief and prove it wrong. Stereotypes are a real thing, yet Judy the bunny and Nick the fox prove that one can always rise above standards and expectations, that one can prove to be more than just a dumb bunny or a sly fox. Judy, in her closing speech, reminds everyone that, "real life is messy" it is not as simple or as perfect as we want it to be. "We all have limitations. We all make mistakes. Which means... we all have a lot in common." She ends her monologue by claiming that to change the world, one must first look inside oneself and "recognize that change starts with you."
The movie is empowering. Judy the rabbit will not be defeated, she takes the problem full on instead of shying away because she is too small, too weak, or inexperienced. She is real, she struggles with insecurities, with the fear of failing and of never being enough. And yet, she overcomes all of it. This is a movie I would want my daughters to see if I had any.
It teaches about grace and about not judging those around us because of their gender, race, looks, or status. It is about characters struggling to rise above the expectations and stereotypes the world has of them. It is about everyone loving and accepting each other, just as they are. The movie is relatable, both on a personal level and a societal one. It is easy to see yourself or your community in the different characters or situations, which helps point out solutions to seemingly impossible conundrums. And it is inspiring. The movie brings me back to a time when I felt like I could be and do anything, where I wasn't bound by expectations or assumptions. Where my imagination and dreams soared freely. It's one of those movies that after it's done, you feel happy, heartened, and warm inside.
All that to say, great job, Disney. And keep it up.
