What Disney's Taught Me #4

A series I adore on the blog is this one right here. It means I can talk about one of my favourite things- Disney movies! I created this series in order to show how Disney movies portray such good lessons, as often people highlight other kinds of messages from Disney movies. Today, I want to talk about the incredible new Disney Pixar movie, Inside Out. In case you are unaware of the story, it revolves around Riley, an eleven year old girl who is happy with her parents and her life. In her mind, there are the characters Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger and Fear and when Riley and her family move away, these characters are trying to ensure she is still the happy Riley they helped to create, except everything starts to go a bit wrong.

*SPOILERS*

Inside Out is so awesome and a milestone in the animation world because it teaches us that it is normal for us to have these five emotions (among others). We want Riley to be happy but we learn that Joy can't always be what's controlling Riley's emotions. We learn that particularly through Sadness who is always ignored during the film or told she needs to stop doing something. Sadness helps save the day and it shows us that we are all okay when we feel sad sometimes and joyful others.

This glorious film teaches us the importance of being honest. At the end of the film, Riley learns she didn't need to run away from her problems because she could have just told her family. When she does so they completely understand and they work out what to do next. Of course it doesn't have to be family we tell when we have problems- could be a friend or a doctor or a helpline. Riley teaches us that reaching out shows us our options and might even ease our worry. A problem shared is a problem halved.

We are always reminded of family in this film. Of course not everyone has a supportive family like Riley's but we are reminded how important is to appreciate our families (the good ones) and equally those who are awesome around us. I love those kind of messages. Riley and her parents get on so well and we ache for them to have this bond back when it dissipates slightly.

Inside Out is one of my favourite films of all time. I adore it, the characters and the messages it creates.

What Disney's Taught Me #1, #2 and #3!

Joy & Sadness,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

P.S. I am blogging every day up until Christmas Day and you can read about that HERE!

What Disney's Taught Me #1

I've read many times that Disney doesn't teach children the right lessons; it makes children believe everything turns out perfectly and it's unrealistic and the messages encourage ignorant naivety and dah de dah de dah. In my "What Disney's Taught Me" series, I am going to explore the many fabulous things and desirable morals that Disney creates, whether that be through the "naïve" aspects or not. Today, I will be discussing what Tangled has taught me.

Initially, Tangled is seen to highlight Rapunzel's sadness and seemingly helplessness towards her routine that her heart despises and believes is lacklustre. In the song When Will My Life Begin, it is presenting possibilities. It's encouraging us all to aim high so we don't have to wonder what's beyond our comfort, but instead reach for our ambition burning brightly in the sky. It's not higher than what you believe you can reach, Rapunzel. It looks like I've started my argument off weakly as surely, it's presenting dreams that are too big to be accomplishable when they're not... right? Wrong. Rapunzel's dream is one that many take for granted: going outside. She wants to leave her tower, go "out there" and see a pretty sight: the glowing visions dotting the sky. It's a simple dream. Therefore, whether your dream be extravagant or simple, you can escape those things holding you back.

In turn, Disney teaches that mothers don't always know best. Although, I don't think Tangled is expressing that of "go against your mother kids", it's more of a "be wary of the evil" - but not necessarily your mothers!

Everyone is different and from this, people can have supposedly unexpected dreams and Tangled encapsulates this in the best way. The "malicious, mean and scary" man has a big dream with the others wanting other "unexpected" things. Tangled promotes the reality that people aren't what you think and they should be accepted either way. It's not naivety, it's reality.

Rapunzel is shown to be an incredibly awesome and brave girl, conjuring plans to save her and Flynn a fair few times, as well as, first of all, being brave enough to leave her tower, her comfort. Disney shows that it's okay to be strong and vulnerable. Flynn Rider allows himself to open up to Rapunzel, announcing that he is actually Eugene Fitzherbert. In turn, Rapunzel tells the secret of her magic, glowing hair. Thus representing that vulnerability can build the best relationships with people.

Finally, you may call it naivety, but I call it a beautiful, refreshing attitude. Disney, in Tangled teaches us to not give up. Max, Flynn's companion saves him, proving that friendship is vital and also, after all, Rapunzel's parents didn't give up; they knew that one day, their "lost princess" would return and that she did.

I've been super excited about this series of mine! I thought of it many months ago but was too fearful to start it but now I have, I can't wait to write the next one! Being a huge fan of Disney, I really wanted to incorporate that into my blog as well as challenging the idea that Disney doesn't teach kids good lessons and sets them up to be naïve for life. There is so much positivity that is depicted from Disney and is, deservedly so.

Lanterns & Boat Rides,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

My lyrics based on Rapunzel and I.

Thanks Carrie!

So I wrote a song because of Carrie Hope Fletcher who I think is awesome and who has...*tries to word so it doesn't sound lame*...inspired me (more in this if you read on):
http://thegirlinthemoonlight.tumblr.com/post/32544208367/Rapunzel

Tangled, based on Rapunzel has been one of my favourite films since it was released; it is Disney at its best (as it always is!). I love the soundtrack and Flynn Rider has my heart! Carrie Hope Fletcher is also one of my favourite youtubers. Not only is she an incredible song-writer and has a b-e-a-utiful voice, she once posted a video called "Dare To Suck" (here is a link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szink3hLH7s) and it summed up me. I'm "too scared" about a lot of a things and especially when it comes to things that I've personally created; I presume this applies to a lot of people.

From being inspired by the video, I sat down and did what I do best: watched a movie and cried over the parts most people don't (for example where Rapunzel saves herself and Flynn from almost drowning with her magical hair) and yes, I watched Tangled. In my head, at the same time, Carrie's tremendous thoughts were flying around my brain. Nothing, I know (and this isn't me being a pessimist - dreaming and pursuing dreams should be everyone's aim) will come of my lyrics/songs, but that was never necessarily the aim. I want to share my thoughts in the way of song (this now sounds like a Disney movie) just for myself (although I'd love for others to enjoy them!). On with the wee story: I sat down at my keyboard and wrote a little song about myself and how I don't let myself dream (about things ranging from entering myself into a competition to putting my songs up somewhere) and it was due to Carrie Hope Fletcher. I, from my positive-thinking about things I do, submitted a different song to a song-writing competition and got to the semi-finals so thanks Carrie!

Although I wrote the lyrics, I somewhat feel they were due to Carrie's wisdom!

Gumdrops & Glitter,
A Hopeful for life,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

(Raise your pinkies to the sky!)