Hello Tweens,
Whenever I get a spare minute from being a mom and working at the library I read my books or watch movies on my portable DVD player (a fantastic Christmas gift I received two years ago). Lately I have watched animated movies with an ecological bent and subject matter of a planet’s possible biological extinction if mankind or alienkind fail to take care of their planet or each other. There are three movies I would recommend: Science fiction movies “Battle for Terra” and “9”, as well as Barbie’s “Thumbelina.” They are movies with a message that are inspiring and thought-provoking.
Battle for Terra
Mala is a precocious girl living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place where peace and tolerance are celebrated. Unbeknownst to Mala and her fellow Terrians, the last inhabitants of Earth have exhausted the resources of their planet and those of three others. They are now searching for a new home. This Earthforce has discovered that the use of a Terraformer will make Terra habitable for humans. Unfortunately, it will become poisonous for the Terrians. When the Earthlings embark on a hostile invasion of Terra, Mala's father, Roven, is kidnapped. Hoping to save her father, Mala captures and hides Jim, a crashed human pilot. While Mala nurses Jim back to health, the two forge a friendship and a plan that could save both the human race and the planet of Terra. Soon, however, they realize that peace will not be secured unless they can combat both the Terraformer and dark political forces that will stop at nothing in their drive to achieve power for power's sake.
The animation production is beautiful and reveals the “soul” of the Terrians and the Earthlings. There is no bad guy in this film, just two species trying to survive in the universe. This film is about two friends who become ambassadors and peacekeepers over a planet that both species want for their own survival. This graceful and emotional tale is about sacrifices and the healing power of love and friendship.
9
When rag doll 9 first comes to life, he finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world where all humans are gone. It is only by chance that he discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that roam the earth intent on their extinction. Despite being the newest member of the group, 9 convinces the others that hiding will do them no good. They must take the offensive if they are to survive and they will need to discover why the machines want to destroy them in the first place. The very future of civilization may depend on them.
There is a certain innocence to these rag dolls, yet their circumstances and imperfections directs them to the same path mankind pursued…a dead end. 9’s hope and courage helps veer the group away from fear and destruction to instead a course of hope and survival. The group puts aside their different philosophies and personal motives to instead come together to battle one of mankind’s most technically fearsome war machine. It is a story of redemption and renewal.
Barbie Thumbelina
Meet a tiny girl named Thumbelina lives in harmony with nature in the magical world of the Twillerbees that's hidden among the wildflowers. At the whim of a spoiled young girl named Makena, Thumbelina and her friends have their patch of wildflowers uprooted and are transported to the city. This movie is about how one self-centered human being can negatively impact the world around them. Can you imagine how much damage can be inflicted by a population? Thumbelina is a feisty little character that will fight to keep her little garden world alive for future generations. This tiny character makes a huge impact on Makena, who underneath that selfish exterior lies a lonely girl striving to achieve her parent’s loving attention.
Check out this adorable movie and the special features where you can play the Flying Fairy Recycling game and Thumbelina's Green Thumb Challenge game.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for me regarding movies or books that convey a similar theme.
Checking out,
Mrs. V
Whenever I get a spare minute from being a mom and working at the library I read my books or watch movies on my portable DVD player (a fantastic Christmas gift I received two years ago). Lately I have watched animated movies with an ecological bent and subject matter of a planet’s possible biological extinction if mankind or alienkind fail to take care of their planet or each other. There are three movies I would recommend: Science fiction movies “Battle for Terra” and “9”, as well as Barbie’s “Thumbelina.” They are movies with a message that are inspiring and thought-provoking.
Battle for Terra
Mala is a precocious girl living on the beautiful planet Terra, a place where peace and tolerance are celebrated. Unbeknownst to Mala and her fellow Terrians, the last inhabitants of Earth have exhausted the resources of their planet and those of three others. They are now searching for a new home. This Earthforce has discovered that the use of a Terraformer will make Terra habitable for humans. Unfortunately, it will become poisonous for the Terrians. When the Earthlings embark on a hostile invasion of Terra, Mala's father, Roven, is kidnapped. Hoping to save her father, Mala captures and hides Jim, a crashed human pilot. While Mala nurses Jim back to health, the two forge a friendship and a plan that could save both the human race and the planet of Terra. Soon, however, they realize that peace will not be secured unless they can combat both the Terraformer and dark political forces that will stop at nothing in their drive to achieve power for power's sake.
The animation production is beautiful and reveals the “soul” of the Terrians and the Earthlings. There is no bad guy in this film, just two species trying to survive in the universe. This film is about two friends who become ambassadors and peacekeepers over a planet that both species want for their own survival. This graceful and emotional tale is about sacrifices and the healing power of love and friendship.
9
When rag doll 9 first comes to life, he finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world where all humans are gone. It is only by chance that he discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that roam the earth intent on their extinction. Despite being the newest member of the group, 9 convinces the others that hiding will do them no good. They must take the offensive if they are to survive and they will need to discover why the machines want to destroy them in the first place. The very future of civilization may depend on them.
There is a certain innocence to these rag dolls, yet their circumstances and imperfections directs them to the same path mankind pursued…a dead end. 9’s hope and courage helps veer the group away from fear and destruction to instead a course of hope and survival. The group puts aside their different philosophies and personal motives to instead come together to battle one of mankind’s most technically fearsome war machine. It is a story of redemption and renewal.
Barbie Thumbelina
Meet a tiny girl named Thumbelina lives in harmony with nature in the magical world of the Twillerbees that's hidden among the wildflowers. At the whim of a spoiled young girl named Makena, Thumbelina and her friends have their patch of wildflowers uprooted and are transported to the city. This movie is about how one self-centered human being can negatively impact the world around them. Can you imagine how much damage can be inflicted by a population? Thumbelina is a feisty little character that will fight to keep her little garden world alive for future generations. This tiny character makes a huge impact on Makena, who underneath that selfish exterior lies a lonely girl striving to achieve her parent’s loving attention.
Check out this adorable movie and the special features where you can play the Flying Fairy Recycling game and Thumbelina's Green Thumb Challenge game.
Let me know if you have any suggestions for me regarding movies or books that convey a similar theme.
Checking out,
Mrs. V
