Review of "Soul" (2020): My Personal Top 1 Disney Pixar Movie (Emptiness after Achieving Dream + Falling Leaf)

"Soul" is a 2020 animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Kemp Powers, the movie delves into intricate themes about life's purposes, passions, and the little moments that make life worth living.

Plot Summary:

Joe Gardner, a middle school band teacher in New York City, has a deep passion for jazz and dreams of becoming a professional musician. Just as he's about to get his big break playing for a renowned jazz musician, Dorothea Williams, tragedy strikes: he falls into a manhole and is rendered comatose. Instead of moving on to the "Great Beyond", Joe ends up in the "Great Before" – a realm where souls develop personalities and passions before being sent to Earth.

Desperate to return to his body and live out his dream, Joe poses as a mentor to help an unborn soul named 22 find her "spark." 22 is cynical and has remained in the Great Before for millennia, resisting being sent to Earth as she doesn't see the point of living.

After a series of mishaps, both Joe and 22 end up on Earth, but with a twist: 22 enters Joe's body, and Joe ends up in the body of a therapy cat. Through a series of adventures, 22 begins to experience the joys, challenges, and intricacies of life – from enjoying simple pleasures like eating and walking to feeling a deep connection with people and the world around.

As the story progresses, Joe realises that his single-minded pursuit of his dream might have led him to overlook the simple joys of life. The climax involves Joe helping 22 fend off her self-doubts (manifested as 'lost souls') and realise that life, with all its ups and downs, is worth living.

Ending Explained:

In the conclusion, Joe successfully returns 22 to the Great Before, now with her spark, ready to start her life on Earth. Realizing he has been given a second chance, Joe heads towards the Great Beyond. However, the entities in the Great Before, moved by his selflessness and growth, give him another chance at life.

The film ends with Joe deciding to live every moment of his life to the fullest, savouring the small moments and not just his passions. When asked about his plans, Joe responds, "I don't know. But I do know I'm going to live every minute of it."

Learning Points:

Purpose vs. Passion:

One's purpose in life isn't solely tied to their passions. While passions are significant, life's purpose is also found in everyday moments and connections.

Living in the Moment:

The film underscores the importance of savoring every moment and not just chasing after future goals.

Self-discovery:

It emphasises the journey of self-discovery and understanding that life's worth is not determined by achievements but by experiences.

Empathy and Connection:

Through Joe's interactions with 22, the film highlights the significance of understanding, empathy, and forming genuine connections with others.

Significance:

"Soul" is lauded for being one of Pixar's most mature films, addressing profound existential themes rarely explored in animated films meant for all ages. It holds significance for its deep dive into what makes life meaningful, emphasising that life's value isn't just in the big moments or accomplishments but in the everyday experiences and relationships. The film's diverse representation, with Joe Gardner being Pixar's first African-American protagonist, and its rich portrayal of Black culture, especially through jazz music, adds another layer of importance.

In summary, "Soul" is a beautifully animated, philosophically rich film that provides a heartwarming perspective on life, dreams, and the everyday moments that make our journey worthwhile.

Emptiness after Achieving Dream & Falling Leaf

Joe's Hollow Triumph:

After Joe has played the piano with the Dorothea Williams Quartet, he feels an exhilarating rush. This was the dream he'd been chasing for so long, and he finally achieved it. However, when he speaks with Dorothea after the performance, he expresses that he thought it would feel different. Dorothea responds with an allegorical story, telling him about a fish that was looking for the ocean, not realising it was already swimming in it. The message here is profound: Sometimes, we are already in the "ocean" (or the essence of life) but are too fixated on a specific goal or idea to recognise it. The scene poignantly captures the feeling of emptiness that can come after achieving a long-sought-after dream. It forces Joe, and the audience, to reckon with the idea that perhaps there's more to life than just one's singular passion or dream.

The Falling Leaf:

After Joe's soul returns to his body on Earth, he steps outside and, for the first time in a long time, truly sees the world around him. He notices the beauty in the simplicity of life – from the sound of a subway performer's music to the intricate patterns of light and shadow on the streets. The scene culminates when Joe gazes at a falling seed pod (often mistaken as a leaf) from a sycamore tree. As he holds it in his hand, the film slows down, and the audience is treated to a montage of ordinary yet precious moments from Joe's life. This seed pod becomes symbolic of life's fleeting, delicate moments that often go unnoticed when one is too focused on larger goals. It's a powerful visual representation of the film's central theme: that life's value is found not just in the big, triumphant moments but also in the small, everyday experiences.

Both scenes emphasise the film's core message about the beauty of living in the moment and finding joy and purpose in the everyday. They invite the audience to reevaluate their own perceptions of success, happiness, and the true essence of life.

※ Important: The content of this post is mostly taken from ChatGPT, and it had been arranged in a nice format by me. You should be fact checking these given points/examples in this post should you be using them for grading purposes. Thank you.