ONWARD

MYTHS, MAGIC AND MINIS: A FILM

ABOUT FINDING FAMILY
WHAT IS ONWARD?
As much as it sounds like something straight out
of the (questionable) mind of J.K Rowling, you’d
be surprised to learn that it is in fact the theme of
Pixar’s newest magnum opus “Onward”.
“Onward” is a beautiful movie with an even more
beautiful message to impart on the world - one of
brotherly love and
perseverance. While most Disney movies are expect-
ed to have your stereotypical feel-good “happily ever
after”, the conclusion to this movie feels a bit bitter-
sweet as it showcases sacrifice and separation while
still giving the audience a touch of that vintage hap-
py ending - a true testimony of its ability to stand out
in modern cinema.
I personally found myself intrigued by the star-stud-
ded cast - the dynamic duo of c the common teen-
age crush of today, Tom Holland and the painfully
charming Chris Pratt, whose amazing chemistry in
the ‘Avengers’ franchise stole millions of hearts.
Playing eleven brothers Ian and Barley,
the actors manage to flawlessly project
on the screen, the frequent bickering
and a very realistic relationship that
you would expect any two siblings to
have. Maybe that’s why this back and
forth between the two characters is
one of the most relatable aspects of the
entire movie.
Even though this isn’t your ‘Coco’ or
‘Moana’, “Onward” still manages to
get you emotionally in sync with the
somewhat dysfunctional family as
you watch with them through ups and
downs.
The movie defies expectations right from
the beginning as you are introduced to a
contemporary take on a very fictional
ancient world. A world once run by
magic and ruled over by Pixies, Fairies
and all sorts of mythical creatures has
now become a modern world, overcrowd-
ed by trains and cars and children carry-
ing phones instead of wands; a world that
had now become a mere shadow of its
former self. As the two brothers, Ian and
Barley, rediscover their ancient roots in an
attempt to cherish one last moment with
their father, the movie takes you through
the fight of a lifetime alongside the
brothers as they must go against devils,
devils of their past and present.
Subtle scenes such as insanely
miniature Pixies riding a motorcy-
cle or a Flying Bear bartending are
evidence enough that the contem-
porary setting not only accounts
for the movie’s one-of-a-kind story
but it also makes the incorporation
of subtle comedy and humor al-
most seamless. With moments that
make you bite your nails or get you
cluelessly scratching your head,
“Onward” is the manifestation of
great storytelling and sheer e
motion.
It is a true example of a great animated
feature, combining the stunting anima-
tion of Pixar with the absolutely magnif-
icent storytelling and imagination that
Disney brings to the table.
“Onward” appeals to all senses, ages
and emotions. To me, it was fine wine.
However, with its comparatively radical
approach to animated feature films, I’ve
come to believe that it is somewhat of
an acquired taste. That isn’t to say that
it isn’t worth spending about 2 hours
laughing, giggling and even bawling
your eyes out and having an utterly
monumental experience.