The latest entry from Pixar Animation Studios did not exactly make a splash at the box office. However, it is enjoying new life on Disney+ as all good films do. It’s one of the best things you can watch while you’re stuck at home for whatever reason like the plague. As with all Pixar films, past and present, Onward is as endearing as it is poignant.
The 22nd feature film from the beloved studio contains a lot of heart. Familiar coming-of-age themes drive it as well as a new yet familiar take on the world of fantasy. Throughout the film, we explore the relevance of historical knowledge, the relationship between magic and technology, plus the importance of being supportive of others. Monsters University director Dan Scanlon explored these themes of Onward in a light-footed, yet heartfelt way, much like his previous under appreciated endeavor.
The Value of History in Onward
There is no timelier theme than this one, which I think is, unfortunately, somewhat controversial. The idea of the past being relevant to the present is not a new one. Learning from the past is a theme that many films explore from time to time. In most cases though, writers adopt it as the film’s premise and drop it rather qu
In Onward, which is about two brothers, the film is riddled with thematic nods to the relevance of historical knowledge. The questing brothers face history in several ways throughout the film. Their drive comes from the desire to bring back their lost father, an archetype who typically passes on lessons to his children who was unable to for them. Instead, it’s Lan’s brother, Barley, who carries on this theme throughout the movie.
Family Activity: Learning family history is crucial to creating a sense of belonging in children. Everyone wants to feel a part of something. Pick one of these activities to make family history fun.
- Make a family newspaper. Put in some current events plus one family story. Mail it to family members far away.
- Ask an older family member a story about their childhood. Write it down or record it.
- Use family military service to teach about historical events
- Keep a small notebook of fun quotes your family has said and reminisce about them periodically
Technology Vs Magic
This is a dichotomy that was set up for the film’s premise to help create a world that the characters live in as well as a satisfying plot. In this world full of mythical and fantastic creatures, we would expect to see lots and lots of magic.
Instead, the elves, centaurs, etc. that inhabit this world have the same technological trappings we do. It seems that magic, which was once commonplace, fell by the wayside. Instead, more convenient technology came along to replace it in this modern era.
We see a similar set up in Thor when the god of thunder explains that what we call magic is actually a form of science. As one of the themes of Onward, the dichotomy resonates in a way that supports the theme of valuing history. When you consider the notion of magic being lost, it conjures up much more emotionally than a simple shift in types of technology.
Family Activity:
- Make a list of things people did in the past that most people no longer do like gardening and canning.
- List the benefits of learning those old time skills.
- Learn your family history then learn a skill or trade that was used by one of your ancestors that is not used today
Supportive Characters
One of the things I love about Onward as well as Monsters University is how the films handle characters. Hopefully, you don’t consider this a spoiler, there is no villain in either of these films. The conflict of the films comes naturally without anyone working against them. At least, interpersonal conflict is resolved without anybody being labeled “the bad guy”.
On the contrary, those you assume to be evil, turn out to be some of the most benevolent characters, albeit in their own mysterious way. What you get here is a supporting cast of characters that truly support each other. The theme of supporting one another develops as characters are able to do and achieve more together.
Family Activity:
- Do emotion puzzles together and discuss how feelings aren’t good or bad but just feelings. How you handle them is what makes you the villain.
