Review
of Disney's Finding Nemo
by
Stacey Montgomery
When
I saw my barely-three-year-old son’s reaction to the
television previews for Finding
Nemo, I knew that it was time for him to see his
first in theater movie. What I did not realize is just how
wonderful the latest Disney/Pixar film is for both children
and adults. Finding
Nemo combines awesome animation with a heartwarming
tale about a little lost fish and his father who goes on
a dangerous odyssey to find him.
Throughout
the film, the bright colors and movement of marine life
mesmerized my son, Isaiah. He enjoyed watching the fish
swim all over the screen and hearing the lively voices of
the characters. I was happy that Isaiah remained attentive
during this 90-minute film. However, I was even more impressed
that Finding
Nemo contained so many positive messages for children
and adults. The expected “good wins over evil”
theme and the magnitude of parental love theme were the
overall messages of Finding
Nemo. However, the Disney/Pixar team was able to
subtly add the concept of tolerance.
Nemo
was born with a disability: one fin is substantially smaller
than the other. When Marlin accompanies Nemo to his first
day of school, you immediately notice the diversity in the
group of students and parents. There are all types of oceanic
life, including a seahorse and a squid. Upon learning of
Nemo’s disability, the seahorse pointed out that he
is “H2O intolerant” and the squid shares that
one of her tentacles is shorter than the others. The message
of tolerance is clear without being oppressive. At first
it may seem as if Nemo’s disability is only a footnote
to the overall plot. But in many ways it is essential for
a true appreciation of the overall triumphant tenor of the
film. Indeed, it is significant for children who live with
disabilities to see Nemo’s success, despite his “little
fin.” Finding
Nemo provides a good opportunity to begin a family
discussion about differences.
Stacey
Montgomery is the publisher of CelebratingChildren.com and
author of Black
Families Online: Directory of Online Resources for Black
Parents. She resides in the Chicago area with
her husband and 3-year-old son, Isaiah.
