A Harsh Reality: Coraline's Dark Reflection of Neglect
add_circle Pros
- The animation is surprisingly good, considering it's 17 years old.
- The story is dark and twisted, but it's also a great commentary on the dangers of curiosity.
- The voice acting is top-notch, with great performances from the entire cast.
- The themes of neglect and abandonment are timely and thought-provoking.
- The animation is full of clever details and Easter eggs.
- The pacing is well-balanced, with a great payoff at the end.
remove_circle Cons
- The recommended age limit is way too low - I'd set it to 14+ or 16+ in a heartbeat.
- The story can be pretty scary, especially for younger viewers.
- The animation is seriously old, and it shows in some of the character designs.
- The pacing can be a bit slow at times, but it's worth it for the payoff.
- Some of the themes may be too mature for younger viewers.
- The ending can be a bit confusing, but it's worth sticking with it.
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Editor's Summary
I was blown away by the recommended age for this cartoon - 6+. I mean, this is a US production, and it's clear they have some tough kids over there. I would've set the age limit to 14+ or 16+ in a heartbeat. The animation is seriously old, coming out in 2008, but it still holds up today. I watched it with a completely different perspective and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The story is dark and twisted, but it's also a great commentary on the dangers of curiosity. It's a wild ride, and I loved every minute of it. The themes of neglect and abandonment are timely and thought-provoking, and the voice acting is top-notch. Overall, Coraline is a must-watch for anyone who loves dark fantasy and thought-provoking stories.
Specifications
I was blown away by the recommended age for this cartoon - 6+. I mean, this is a US production, and it's clear they have some tough kids over there. I would've set the age limit to 14+ or 16+ in a heartbeat.
Coraline reviews
This cartoon is seriously old - it came out in 2008, which is 17 years ago. I was still a kid back then, and I watched it with a completely different perspective. I didn't remember the plot, but I did recall that it left a lasting impression on me and that I generally enjoyed it.
Coraline reviews
Here's the description from KinoPoisk:
Coraline, a young girl, discovers a hidden world behind a secret door. This world is her alternate life, where everything is perfect, but only until it's not. She eventually realizes that her real parents are in grave danger.
First off, I want to mention the amazing, gothic animation in this cartoon. It reminds me of Tim Burton's style, although he had nothing to do with Coraline. By the way, the movie is based on a book by Neil Gaiman.
Coraline reviews
Another standout feature is the incredible music score. I couldn't remember if I'd heard the main theme before or if I'd just remembered it from all those years ago.
Coraline is the main character in the movie. She's an 11-year-old girl who's super smart, fun-loving, and curious. She moves to a new house with her parents and doesn't attend school - maybe it's summer break or something.
Coraline reviews
What does a kid need to be happy? Good friends, preferably kids their age. Cool places to explore. Entertainment. Attention from their parents, since they're not busy with anything else. Good food and care.
But Coraline doesn't get any of that. Her parents are only looking out for themselves, and the kid is basically left to fend for herself. Even when she gets badly burned, her parents just ignore it. They couldn't care less.
Coraline Reviews
I was appalled to see that they don't even have minutes a day to spend with their own child. It's disgusting. Too bad you can't call child services on a cartoon.
Coraline Reviews
What's left for Coraline? To entertain herself, of course. The house they moved into was a mess and dirty. The backyard wasn't any better. The neighbors were the worst - just a bunch of old folks and hardly any kids.
Coraline Reviews
Of the few kids around her age, there was this weird neighbor kid who was super antisocial. Then there was this even weirder cat that turned out to be kind of cool.
Coraline Reviews
That's the setup, and then the fantastical stuff starts to happen and new worlds open up - which Neil Gaiman loves to do.
Coraline Reviews
The story's really engaging and you won't get bored. But what struck me was the idea that all the weirdness and fantasy is just a result of being neglected and ignored. And that's something I can definitely relate to. Growing up in the 90s, my parents were always working and we kids were left to our own devices.
Coraline Reviews
We've seen a similar story before, but in a different context - 'The Little Rascal'. Same kid, same neglectful parents, same imaginary friend.
Coraline Reviews
It's obvious that this is a fairy tale and a cartoon, and each person will find something to relate to in these stories.
Watching Coraline as an adult, I realized that the real villain of the story isn't the fantastical creatures in the other world. It's her own parents, who should probably lose their parental rights.
Coraline reviews
I think it's because the lack of attention and love in real life, and the fantasy that comes with it, can end pretty badly. It's a way to escape reality. Whether it's imaginary friends in childhood or drugs/alcohol in adolescence.
Coraline reviews
And then working with a therapist as an adult: why don't my parents love me??
Coraline reviews
What about Coraline's fantasies? It's amazing, but this other world is really similar to what she needs in real life. Caring parents, good food, entertainment, and fun... and to do something to get attention. Like saving her parents...
Coraline reviews
So, why wouldn't I recommend this movie to kids? There are a lot of scenes that are completely not suitable for kids. Like, those creepy old women...
Coraline reviews
It's all pretty scary and disturbing. Even for me, this movie was just on the edge. I don't like it when it messes with your nerves or shows you something unpleasant.
Coraline reviews
I have no idea how you'd show this to a six-year-old. But this movie is definitely for adults, for parents: this is what can happen to your kid if you don't take care of them, love them, and worry about them.
I want to set up a self-ban on Kinder toys! Did you think your toys were bad? You just didn't see THIS How did it even make it into the "Masha and the Bear" series??
Love, your Grey Donkey
I want to set up a self-ban on Kinder toys! Did you think your toys were bad? You just didn't see THIS How did it even make it into the "Masha and the Bear" series??