Episode #2 Pinocchio
The next movie on the D23 chronologic list is Pinocchio! This is Claire’s first viewing and my second of this Disney classic film. So, here’s our take!
30 Word Disney Dash
Summary in 30 words or less:
Woodworker makes puppet. Fairy brings to life with cricket conscious. Pinocchio makes poor choices with traveling entertainer and island trip. Father inside whale. Pinocchio saves father. Turns into real boy.
“Now, remember, Pinocchio, be a good boy. And always let your conscience be your guide.”
Fun Facts
The second animated feature film produced by Walt Disney in 1940 is based on the 1883 Italian children’s novel by Carlo Collodi. The film was groundbreaking for animation, giving realistic movement to vehicles and natural elements. It was the first animated feature to win a competitive Academy award - 2 for Best Music, Original Score and Best Music, Original Song. However, originally it was a box office failure due to WWII restricting the market overseas. Profit was made in its 1945 reissue. The setting of Pinocchio is not entirely clear. On the one hand many of the names are Italian sounding. Stromboli breaks into Italian at times even. Yet, Pinocchio’s village was modelled after a village in Bavaria, Germany and many of the characters or dressed in typical Tyrolean style with Lederhosen and hat with a feather. Tyrol is a historical region in Northern Italy and western Austria. It is in some aspect the connection between Italian and German speakers of the area. Also, Gepetto is an Italian woodworker that has a plethora of coo-coo clocks. Anyone who’s been to Bavaria will tell you coo-coo clocks are everywhere. I’d like to think it takes place in the Alps and leave it nondescript. Interestingly, there’s a live-action adaptation in the works that has had a few director and casting changes, most recently Robert Zemeckis as director and Tom Hanks as Geppetto.
“A boy who won’t be good might just as well be made of wood.”
Favorite Characters
Lily: Figaro
I relate quite a bit to Figaro’s reactions to situations. Even though he has no lines, the animators made it explicitly clear what he’s thinking and feeling throughout the film. He’s so dramatic with how jealous he gets and frustrated he gets when he is told he can’t eat dinner until Pinocchio is found. Also, I like cats.
Claire: Figaro
Figaro is my favorite character because he adds a humorous and lovable element to this story and made me say “aww” many times. I really liked him in the fishing scene when he was getting into fights with the fish.
Favorite Scenes
Lily: Undersea scene/whale scene
The undersea scene has some comical parts that add to a pretty serious to the point story. The different animals are fun to see added in. Jiminy Cricket cracks a few jokes. Then, when we finally are in Monstro with Geppetto, his fishing expedition with Figaro is a hoot!
Claire: The puppet show
My favorite scene was the puppet show because there were many different costumes, songs, and characters singing and acting. It was entertaining to watch and I thought it was funny when Pinocchio kept falling down.
Takeaways
Lily: My takeaway from this film is that life often will give you distractions and temptations. Those are all fine in moderation, but it’s a balance. The key is to stay true to who you are, your values, and your goals. That’s what will take you far in life and ultimately lead to the happiest of lives.
Claire: I took away from this movie that we should be brave, truthful, and unselfish. This is what the blue fairy said to Pinocchio and I believe these words are a good message to spread.
Overall Thoughts
Lily: This is just an okay movie in my book. I like it because it is a Disney Classic. I think everyone should see it at least once in their lives. I also enjoy the music from it. Being a music person I find it hard not to sing along while watching. I don’t really like a majority of the story aside from the very beginning and until we reach my favorite scene till the end. Likely that’s because I’m simply so frustrated at Pinocchio for not doing what he’s supposed to be doing and it makes me anxious while watching it, not necessarily enjoyable.
My 5 Star Rating in the Disney Classics genre is: ** (2/5)
Claire: This movie has a few good moments but it was not my favorite movie. It shows how poor decisions can have effects but it also shows a young boy who makes many poor choices.
My 5 Star Rating in the Disney Classics genre is: ** (2/5)
“A lie keeps growing and growing until it’s as clear as the nose on your face.”
What are your thoughts on the Disney classic, Pinocchio? Comment what your favorite parts are and what you take away from it. Stay tuned for the next movie on the list...Fantasia!
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