Perspective-Taking, Connection, and Grief in BROTHER BEAR with Director Aaron Blaise
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- Опубліковано 9 тра 2024
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How do you open yourself up to understanding another perspective?
Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are reacting to Brother Bear with co-director, Aaron Blaise, and discussing themes of grief, connection, and figuring out who you want to be. They focus on Kenai’s journey of self-discovery and how he comes to embrace his love totem in an unexpected way. Jonathan explores Kenai’s grief and his literal perspective taking when Kenai becomes a bear. Aaron talks about the writing process with a room full of people with brothers and how surprisingly therapeutic it was.
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Written by: Megan Seawright, Jonathan Decker, and Alan Seawright
Produced by: Jonathan Decker, Megan Seawright, Alan Seawright, and Corinne Demyanovich
Edited by: Trevor Horton, tzhediting.com
Director of Photography: Bradley Olsen
English Transcription by: Anna Preis
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I’m curious if you guys would be interested in reacting to the animated movie Balto.
Can you do iron giant next
Could you do RoboCop I'm curious to see on what your thoughts are on it between the boundary of being man and machine to know if Alex Murphy is human or machine
How about reacting to the sequel.
Hello! I was wondering if you guys would want to do a video on the animated movie *Nimona* ? It looks AWESOME and it explores communication and trust, and the characters issues are reflected on their personalities really well. I'd love to see your take on the whole movie, and think you'd really enjoy watching it! :D
One of the most mature Disney movies. There's no real villain, just the prejudice in the heart of our main character.
I know right
I love denahi
One of the few Disney movies that worked without a villain
a villain doesn't have to be the antagonist. the angatonist is the force acting against the protagonist, so it's basically Kenai working against himself
My favorite part of this movie is the emotions between the three brothers
It was so wonderful to be a guest on your show! Thanks so much for having me and thank you to everyone that enjoys the video and the movie!
Omg bless u. Bless your brain❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much for coming on, I've loved Brother Bear since I was little, the way the bears move and blend so beautifully with realistic and animated has always been one of my favorites to see over and over, especially their lips being so bear like but so expressive!
I look forward to seeing Snow Bear as well!
THANK YOU!! Thank you so much for all the stories you brought us!! 😭😭😭
Thank you so much for making this movie! It is one of my favorite animated films. Your channel inspires my old dreams of becoming a animator!
Thank you for coming on the show, and for making a fantastic movie!
Something I love about what the writers did for Koda is the profound grace he displays towards Kenai. Kids are kids but also aren’t stupid & also are capable of such in-depth emotions.
Couldn't have said this better
Yeah. Basically, kids catch a lot of positive fundamental things about life that many adults don’t. They just need to learn about individual subjects that’s all😊
As an indigenous child this movie meant everything to me. The story, the brotherly love, the music.... it really is a gem, thank you for this!
I'm not an indigenous child, but I always loved this movie due to the music and culture. It's really beautiful and I hope we get more movies similar to this and towards indigenous cultures. Yall deserve way better than what disney has been handing out as of late.
Same here!! I remember this movie in regular rotation for me as a kid, watching Disney movies. The backgrounds in particular reminded me of pieces my family collected and displayed in our house, most I believe by Native artists. Not to mention, Tanana reminds me so much of my late grandmother, who often sat with me as I watched this and other movies as a kid😌
I'm an Apache not inuit so idk if it counts but honestly same. I used to be obsessed with this movie and transforming into a wolf
Why feel the need to mention it? Did you put your hand among the ancestors or something?
@@ContinentTurtle Its always better to say nothing, than to be a dick
"I don't like this story." My heart always breaks for Koda when Kenai is forced to tell him the truth about what really happened to his mother, especially since they'd grown to trust each other so much. Though it might have worked a little better without Phil Collins' song in the background, it's still effective, and adds to the emotional scene.
Have you ever seen the storyboarded cut scene without the song? It's pretty short and straightforward.
There's a version where there's no music, just Kenai telling his story and Koda realizing the truth. Having seen both of them - I prefer the version with the music. You don't have to hear Kenai's words to know what he's saying, and the scene's focus is on his guilt and his regret and Koda's betrayal and anguish.
@@oliviastratton2169if anything, it’s even more depressing
@@silashurd3597 Oh definitely.
I absolutely love this movie, but I get upset every time I watch it 😅
That's so cool to have the director of Brother Bear as your guest!! You guys are awesome!!! :D
So cool!!
That’s my cousin !!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
What about the 2th version of this movie 🎥⁉️🤔
@@Brandon-mi1xbI like a number 2 about you can share love with someone new.🧸🫂💜💕💞💝
@@CinemaTherapyShowI can tell you work hard on your videos I love you work keep up with the good work.👍
What’s wild is that Kenai’s actions could be viewed as a form of love, the love he had for his brother led him to kill the bear,the movie shows that you can’t rely on one thing to make decisions because it could blind you to other paths you could take.
I think maybe the movie is trying to suggest that a true expression of love isn't violent, and that Kenai is out of step with his totem by killing the bear, which allows love to remain a core virtue to choose every action. Love is a wide reaching and abstract emotion, so it should be able to extend to help Kenai understand the bear's perspective.
He's also motivated by anger and guilt/shame, though.
If he doesn't blame the bear and take immediate action for revenge then he might have to stop and confront his own feelings and possible actions/issues that lead to the death.
For me that's a lot of the distinction between justice and revenge; it's not truly fair to blame/kill the bear for what happened, but he thinks it will make him feel better (&/or at least look better in the eyes of his community) to do so.
A truer act of love would be to remember and mourn his brother and celebrate him according to his own beliefs and choices, not charge off in the heat of the moment without considering the options/making a plan with his brother.
No, we should see difference between love and selfish desire for revenge. In Kenai’s action there was no love at all, only anger and guilt. If he would act with love, he would respect his brother and understand that Sitka would never want him to hunt the bear.
A part of me appreciates that Sitka’s ghost was silent. He said so much through his facial expressions, fantastic animation.
Hearing that Joaquin used his emotions at the loss of River to fuel his acting for the loss of Sitka just added another layer of heartbreak to the movie that has most consistently made me cry since it's release.
I was already tearing up(as i always do for this movie), but having Aaron put all that info together broke my heart for him.
I had no idea Joaquin voiced the character and as soon as they mentioned when it was filmed I just knew, imagine how much emotion he put into this role.
I’ve always known there’s absolutely no way Joaquin wasn’t thinking of River when he worked on this movie. That wasn’t acting at all. You can hear and feel the grief and rage every time Kenai talks about Sitka, how he feels the need to blame something and lands on the bear, and and that is not acting because Joaquin knows from experience what it’s like to be an angry and grieving brother and that will never leave him. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. And at the time this movie was made and released, it was even ten years after that happened. And because of the cult they were in as young children there are so many more people who have been suffering like that after getting out. It’s too dark and layered to get into here but it’s just devastating.
I didn't know about that until I watched this reaction... 😢
@@frostfang1 Definitely, me too. The themes in this movie per se really are heart-wrenching... I teared up three times just due to the very short clips in this reaction.
I love the scene at the end, with all three brothers embracing. It's even more poignant, knowing that Denahi's voice actor, Jason Raize, has also since passed on.
R.I.P. Jason Raize,
It saddens me knowing that he died
He unfortunately took his own life a year after this movie came out. I was so confused and wondered why Denahi wasn't in the second movie when I was little. Jason also played grown up Simba in the Broadway version of The Lion King.
@@lucky-emI was so lucky to see him as Simba on stage. It breaks my heart that he's no longer in this world.
It's good you two don't call Jason a coward for committing suicide like some other do
@@lucky-em I remember reading about his death when I was looking up the cast years ago, was very saddened by it.
I don't remember if I've commented on this yet but one of my favorite details in Brother Bear is how the aspect ratio of the movie changes after Kenai is turned into a bear, and the colors of the movie are brighter for the rest of the runtime. Even when Kenai is briefly turned back into a human, the aspect ratio stays the same. It's such a subtle detail but it's a perfect representation of how being turned into a bear permanently changed his perspective. I think the audio is slightly different too. Both super fun technical ways to make it clear that Kenai's perspective is changing, both literally and figuratively.
Ooh, that's so interesting! Thanks for writing it down!
"Caring means I hurt, I just don't care anymore." Oof, hit the nail on the head 😢
Words cannot explain how fast I clicked on this- Brother Bear is such an underrated film!
Edit: Holy COW you got the director??! AND he helped direct basically every single one of my favorite Disney films??? This is a grand day indeed.
He's super cool!
@@CinemaTherapyShowI can tell and imagine.💜👍
He was an animator in those other films
Agreed, it’s one of Disney’s most underrated films IMO.
Used to watch the hell out of it as a kid, I even wore out my VHS of it and had to get the DVD (which I still have to this day).
Koda's reaction to his mother's death still gets me in tears today...
Imagine you are seperated from your own mother, who's the only family you know
Imagine you are lost, alone, and afraid
Imagine that you find out she was murdered in cold blood trying to look for you
Let that sink in and you'll see that this movie with-holds one of the saddest Disney moments
Find out she was killed by a person you look up too, see as a brother with whom you feel comfortable with
@@sarina2834 EVEN WORSE
For me it is still THE saddest Disney moments of them all even sadder then the Death of Bambi's mother or Mufasa's Death.
I'll never forgive Nostalgia Critic for bashing Keni's confession scene just because he hates Phil Collins. 😒
and the fact that he FORGIVES keni, like that's kinda mindblowing to me.
This movie single-handedly taught me how to feel empathy when I was young, primarily because I enjoyed this movie so much I watched it on replay. Ironically, my family did the totem mini-game on the dvd, and I got the Wolf, am the eldest, my younger brother got the Eagle, my baby brother got the Bear. I lost my younger brother a few years ago, took his own life, and my baby brother passed last year, also by his own hand. I will always miss them, but I know they'll be there, watching over me. I promised I'd live life to the fullest for them, no matter how dark this life gets...
Dont give up Buddy, you will be okay❤
I am so sorry!
There are no words.
I lost a friend of mine I had met when we were 13 at the age of 19.
It seemed so unfair, because she had her whole life ahead of her, she was about to go to college, to get her driver's license, made some big first steps in life and then, it was all taken from her. It was soul crushing. Like you, I promised that I would live life to the fullest now, because she couldn't do it anymore.
I graduated from high school, I got into college, lived abroad, but also made some bad decisions or failed a couple of times. I felt so lost at some point and didn't know if I could go on. When I remember her though, I remember that you have to be thankful for the chance you have, being here. It's hard to remember that sometimes, because life doesn't always feel that way.
As you probably know.
One year after my friend had passed, I lost my grandma to cancer. 4 years later my uncle, also cancer.
One year later, a friend from college took his own life.
My dad died 3 years ago, my aunt last year.
What I can tell you from my experiences is, it gets easier. Pain pushes you, grief and all the emotions that come with it can be very productive. They are good reminders and also good wake up calls.
I am not gonna say, you will be fine. Because sometimes you simply aren't and cannot be. But that is okay.
As much as the people in our lives have different meaning to us, so the grief and the pain can vary, and also how we deal with the loss.
I have decided I want to make them proud, by learning from their mistakes and living a full life, according to my values and in authenticity.
And to be thankful for what these people taught me, what they brought into my life.
This too, shall pass.
It's not always gonna feel that way that it does. I promise you that.
Be good.
@@ip1136 This was beautiful. You're an inspiration to all who carry this burden.
The pain for my family has become a dull ache at my best, and a potent wound when my depression surges and I think about them, and while the pain itself never seems to fade more than it has in the past few months, my ability to shoulder it has improved. However, I have a bit more of a burden than some, unfortunately, as I've attempted many times in my life, and knowing that where I failed my brothers succeeded has always been a forethought for me whenever I think of them. However, I remember how an old friend of mine sent me a text after losing my last brother, he told me something quite simple:
"Life is like a run-on sentence. Even if you want to end it; find reasons to keep going."
To clarify, the semicolon(;) is the symbol for suicide awareness. It represents a potential end, but choosing to continue.
So, this is something I've been working on making my mentality. I'm determined to push on, no matter what life throws at me.
However, the important part about losing someone close to you isn't necessarily surviving. After losing them, it becomes your responsibility to remember them afterwards. "All beings die two deaths. The physical death, and the spiritual death. Death of the body, and the death of being forgotten." It's where the quote, "Legends never die" comes from.
May the departed of this world never die.
I always loved how complex the story was as a kid, so many children's movies feel the need to dumb stories down but kids can handle topics like grief. There was never a bad guy in the movie, just people dealing with the pain of loss. That's something significant we learn in real life.
This was one of the problems I had with Avatar The Last Airbender. Death barely fathomed in and softened up war so much, that I doubt that any kid will get any idea of what war is. I've been trying for a long time to learn to live with this show, but it's been very difficult. Because the sad fact is, not even the the best shows can please everyone. And there's always going to be a few that are rubbed in all the wrong places by it.
@@godzillavkk That's a really good point
@@godzillavkk But what about Uncle Iroh's little story in Ba Sing Se and how it ended with him crying over his deceased son's memorial? Or Aang going into the Avatar state after seeing his mentor's skeleton? Or Katara finding her mother's killer with the help of Zuko? I find it very odd when you state one of the problems you have with Avatar is that death and grief was barely touched upon. And yet there were episodes that I find it obvious there was grief and hardship at play in each characters' psyche.
@@Ian_Bunce Well, there are a few things wrong with those things. Why should I care about Iroh's brat when they were invaders? Who know who also lost family members? The people of the city. And after that temple scene, baldy acted as if it never happened. Where sare the 5 stages of grief or the intense feelings of guilt because this is all his fault?
Ans furthermore, why should they be allowed to make amends for these? In my family, we don't believe in making amends for crimes or mistakes this big. To us, that's trying to wriggle your way out of responsibility and punishment.
@@godzillavkk OK. You do have a point there.
The message this movie tells is incredible. Showing the different perspectives of each other, Kenai realizing what he truly did in his own anger, when Koda says "those monsters sure are scary with those pointed sticksT and Kenai realizes that the human is the monster in his story. Kenai's brother being consumes by his thirst for vengeance and very nearly following in Kenai's footsteps, like truly incredible and ahead of its time.
A detail I love is that the bears have more human eyes after Kenai transforms into one. For example, Koda's mom has mostly dark eyes at the start of the film. When we see her on top of the mountain at the end of the movie, the whites of her eyes are visible. It's a great way to show how Kenai's view of bears has changed.
@@Becky-uz8emindeed.🐻🧸🔎👁️
It's not that humans are monsters. It's that anyone can appear a monster to someone who doesn't understand the monster's perspective.
@@cairrean2412 indeed.🧸👁️🔎
Aaaaahhhh Brother Bear!! ❤❤ as an Alaskan, I love how accurate they were with the landscapes and general anatomy of the animals and such. Joaquin Phoenix did such a great job as Kenai
Do you think they cast him because of his experience with loss? Or was it coincidence?
@@godzillavkk Joaquin Phoenix is an incredible actor, so I’m sure they cast him for that and he used his personal experience that happened to work well for his character
@@ehthecuteone Still, a sad and ironic coincidence.
@@godzillavkk yes, unfortunately so ❤️
Alaskan here too! I always loved this movie as a kid.. currently sobbing as an adult seeing the ending scene again
I know this video is about Kenai, but I was really struck by Denahi's trauma journey. He went from asserting that killing the bear would be wrong, to losing his entire self in grief and revenge.
He thought that Kenai was right,and he was so full of grief and anger,he completely lost himself while hunting the bears. I also love Denahi's journey
Damn it, one minute in and I'm already crying. As amazing as Phil Collins was, the Bulgarian Women's Choir deserve a huge shout-out. Their voice is absolutely mesmerising and really sell that emotional scene along with the beautiful animation, of course. It never fails to bring me to tears.
This was a childhood favourite of mine that had a profound effect on me, alongside the undeservedly underrated Treasure Planet and Atlantis. It makes me so happy that my favourite UA-cam channel has done a video about two of those underrated gems. Thank you for your work!
Me too. The themes in this movie really are heart-wrenching... I actually teared up three times just due to the very short clips in this reaction.
Treasure Planet and Brother Bear are also my favourites! I was so happy when this channel covered them!
I'm from Bulgaria and I did not know about the Bulgarian Women's choir. Thank you for that info, gonna look into it, love the music in this masterpiece. ❤
I've watched this movie so many times as a kid and never realized there was a choir from my country, fascinating
Rewatching this, i suddenly wonder how Denahi felt throughout the story. The older bro passed away in the middle of a fight, the younger one left him in the wild. I feel bad for him since he's the only one who reached the older age.
Kenai did too
@@yoonahkang7384 Bears live for about 25 years, so I'm afraid Kenai didn't get very old.
He also thought he lost his little brother... losing everything changes people 💔
@@Colopty Old for a bear probably. At least with Kenai he'd know his bro lived a good life and probably died peacefully, unlike Sitka.
The animation in this movie is next level. The Aurora Borealis combined with that score, and Sitka’s spirit seamlessly transforming from human to giant eagle? Chills & tears every time.
For real. Absolutely breathtaking moments, they are burned in my mind. I actually live in a place where we get to see the aurora often, and when I see it dancing every now and then it reminds me of this movie and I can almost see the animals running through it
This was my only indigenous representation as a half indigenous kid that I felt truly connected to and emotionally tied to. My sister passed when I was very young and we called her Koda, her animal being the bear that my mother linked her to by getting all teddy bears for her, the hospital painted a bear on her rooms window, she had everything bear themed, we even called her koda bear. And so I watched this film many times growing up and the spirit scene always makes me cry. It was so important to me as an indigenous kid and a child who lost her sister who’s assigned animal was a bear. It is always one of the best and most important Disney films to me and I will show my children it many times one day
Damn, I can't believe a random UA-cam comment got me to tear up. I'm sorry for your loss
Yes! Therapy Dad, Cinema Dad and Art Dad all together! Thank you for this episode!
The Dad force is strong in this one
Getting an in-depth talk about Brother Bear from Cinema Therapy AND Aaron Blaise is such an honor! Mr. Blaise is such a rolemodel when it comes to creating characters and stories that speak to the soul. I got some art classes from him and it's truly as if I am learning from a maestro.
I am so glad Jonathan and Alan decided to invite him on the show. Thank you!
We were so excited to have him on the show!
I surely can't be the only one that falls apart every time with that end scene when he turns back into a bear and we see Koda playing with his mum 😭😭
I always got misty eyed there, then in the wake of losing my dad only a few years ago and now I can't get through that scene without sobbing. What I wouldn't give for a chance to see my dad again, to say goodbye, it just brings all the aching grief to the surface again every time.
Bawling. Like full on ugly crying.
@@AgFalcon84 Same here man 😭
I absolutely love that Kenai almost immediately took up the role of big brother to Koda especially when you remember that it's not a role that he ever occupied before. It shows how amazing Sitka and Denahi were as big brothers to Kenai that he knows exactly what he has to do with Koda.
25:42 Two professionals discuss their shared craft while Jonathan eats his popcorn. Something about him dropping the popcorn was so endearing. I have no idea why that was so heartwarming for me 😂
I went through a phase of watching this every day when I was about 8 or 9. The scene where Kenai has to tell Koda what happened to his mother made me cry every time. Still does
Same here,I had a dvd that was just in bad shape just because of how much I watched it and that scene with Kenai coming clean never not made me cry
Me too... I can't think of a scene in ANY other animated movie that comes close to just how horribly terribly sad that confession scene is, knowing all the implications of it.... even probably no live action movie scene can compare to a situation like that 😭 ... I mean, to know that you've unnecessarily killed (out of sheer displaced rage) the mom of a cute little innocent kid, and wish you could take it back but obviously can't... and on the other hand, if you were the little kid with remaining high hopes to find your mom, and then to learn that the companion you've grown to adore and think of as a brother has killed her... just, no words for that.
@@ryomahoshi4529 Me too... I can't think of a scene in ANY other animated movie that comes close to just how horribly terribly sad that confession scene is, knowing all the implications of it.... even probably no live action movie scene can compare to a situation like that 😭 ... I mean, to know that you've unnecessarily killed (out of sheer displaced rage) the mom of a cute little innocent kid, and wish you could take it back but obviously can't... and on the other hand, if you were the little kid with remaining high hopes to find your mom, and then to learn that the companion you've grown to adore and think of as a brother has killed her... just, no words for that.
I didn't realize that Joaquin had lost River right before filming this-no wonder his acting throughout this movie is so good. Props to him for being able to do this movie and helping make it as wonderful as it is.
Wow😯 it’s no wonder Kenai’s voice sounds like real sadness during the mammoth ride. Joaquin Phoenix deserves so much credit for doing this movie.
I love that last hug the three brothers share! It's showing the dimension of how love can transpose any barriers. I mean, it reminds us that even if we share the same origin, each person has to follow their own path in life (in this case, a spirit, a human and a bear, but in the real world it can take many other forms and I think it's beautiful).
That last hug🥹 It’s so emotional. Even that last hug with Koda and his mom🥹
Brother Bear never fails to make me tear up. Even when I was little I was DEVASTATED by that confession scene.
I can't think of a scene in ANY other animated movie that comes close to just how horribly terribly sad that confession scene is, knowing all the implications of it.... even probably no live action movie scene can compare to a situation like that 😭 ... I mean, to know that you've unnecessarily killed (out of sheer displaced rage) the mom of a cute little innocent kid, and wish you could take it back but obviously can't... and on the other hand, if you were the little kid with remaining high hopes to find your mom, and then to learn that the companion you've grown to adore and think of as a brother has killed her... just, no words for that.
Yes, since I've seen the whole film, every time I watch it, I'm bawling my eyes out in the first ten minutes
@@hanneloreh.9171 That type of effect reminds me of me with "The Land Before Time" movie (!)
@@sathvamp1 are you suggesting I should watch that movie too?
@@hanneloreh.9171 If you're ready for an impactful movie, yes!
I really hope that you feature more writers, directors and actors who worked on the movies in the future. It's fascinating to hear about the process which went into creating the story.
We hope so too! We're surely working on it.
Brother Bear is such an underrated gem. I loved it growing up and have been surprised how many people haven’t heard of it. Loved this video!
Agreed. I feel like it gets swept under the rug a lot. It was so good and so deep and meaningful.
@@whisper4379 it CONSTANTLY gets swept under the rug and it's a damn crime...it really is a gem!
I agree 100%
Yea, Brother Bear is a mature movie about brotherhood love, not usual "Disney feel good" that aimed for all ages.
I blame terrible marketing that makes me turn away from watching this first time.
Something that really stuck with me about Kenai and Denahi's journey, was that both of them were quick to pin the blame on something or someone right after Sitka died, to cope with their grief, and how that blame spurred them into doing stuff they later regretted. And while Kenai went through perspective taking with Koda and other animals, Denahi became more disraught and isolated trying to (unknowingly) hunt his brother down, right up until the climax. Shows just how important having someone to reach out to really is, lest our self-destructive thoughts consume who we are completely.
The transformation into a bear at the start has always been breathtaking to me, not just in the animation but with the emotion and with the music, and particularly with how all three cane together so beautifully. Hits me in the chest every time.
Did you ever notice the difference in the aspect ratio?
@@cairrean2412 No, sorry.
@@nataliedunn5239 when the movie first starts, the view is narrow. Once Kenai turns into a bear, it widens out. Like a representation of his own perspective widening.
... I did NOT see this coming... the director of Brother Bear also directed many of my favorite movies as a kid... ohhh boy, many thanks for this, guys ❤
You're welcome! Hope you enjoy it!
@@CinemaTherapyShowI did!! Thanks a bunch for it!!
Which Movies were your faves?
Seeing the thumbnail and knowing they were gonna react to Brother Bear was already awesome, and then seeing that they were reacting with Aaron Blaise was just insane. It's so cool!
Brother Bear never fails to get me misty eyed. It’s a masterpiece, thanks for covering it. I love how it unabashedly covers grief and men’s emotions. I’ve yet to meet a guy that didn’t like it and that’s saying a lot.
Its quite outstanding of the writters for having Sitka's journey to only be fulfilled in the after life. As an ancestor ghost, guiding his brothers and the new generation
Brother bear is such a beautiful, soulful, underrated film. I always tear up during the transformation scenes
100%, they are such emotional scenes. Brother Bear always has me crying throughout. Really one of the best Disney movies, and from the best era I would say’.
I credit Brother bear as one of the films that made me love wildlife and graduate wildlife biology. It definitely is a perfect way to show how your perspective isnt always the right one and how animals are not always malicious and protective like us
That’s pretty cool
If you haven't already, I'd love to see you guys react so Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, the way it portrays the effects of colonization and forced assimilation of indigenous people during America's westward expansion was so well executed, the songs are amazing, the storytelling is amazing, and the animation is absolutely breathtaking, if you like Brother Bear, you're sure to like this one as well
I second this 🤚🏼 Like Brother Bear it’s filled with wisdom, empathy, love, and grief. The emotions on the faces is unbelievable, you need no words.
My one thought is that I'm not sure that it really reflects a thing that you can look at through the lense of therapy. Like, the colonization stuff is featured, but we are seeing it through Spirit's perspective, and he's not heavily anthropomorphized, so his struggle doesn't really reflect the struggles of indigenous people in an emotionally equivalent way. He's always trying to get free and back to his herd; it's not like all of his family was captured and/or killed. Things can go back to the way they were before for Spirit (at least as far as the movie implies; obviously environmental destruction and horses being captured are still realistically risks), but for pretty much any native peoples who met and had to live around/with colonizers, this meant a huge status quo change.
@@mastermarkus5307You could say the movie is a more family friendly version of the story in the film Unbroken based on a true events around an American soldier and olympic athlete who was held in a Japanese war camp during WW2. The movie Spirit was even released into theatres on Memorial Day. I think if there were to be a theraputic analysis of it, it would make more sense to focus on the theme of perserverence and travailing through hardship when it seems like the world is against you and the growth of trust between you and the people who resemble those that have hurt you in the past in the form of Spirit learning to trust the two-legged Little Creek and finding a kindred spirit in him even though to Spirit, on the outside, Little Creek looks a lot more like the soldiers than one of his own kind.
Spirit was my absolute favorite movie as a kid. It was done so well and the soundtrack ugh. I love that movie.
One of my favorite movies, would like to see an episode on it as well!
What breaks my heart is that Koda lost his mother and his new found brother with that confession. Just imagine finding someone and become like brothers and then that brother telling you he killed your mother!
I don’t get why Brother Bear, Treasure Planet, Atlantis and other movies from the early 2000s are so underrated. Okay, brother bear is not my favourite movie, but it is a decent movie and the soundtrack and visuals are amazing. Love your episodes and channel as usual ❤
I love Brother Bear its such a wholesome little film and Koda's act of forgiving Kenai for something so serous is pretty unique for a kids film.
The scene where Kenai tells Koda the truth is honestly one of the biggest displays of courage. It's one thing to risk your life to save someone, it's another thing entirely to sacrifice your good standing and admit responsibility for the death of another person.
(Also, I'm going to go ahead and ask again: Pretty please will you review the live action Speed Racer movie?)
This movie will always hold a special place in my heart. My grandmother played this for me as a child. Her favorite animals were grizzly bears. We watched this movie soooo much back then. ❤
This movie holds a special place in my heart. In fact it’s because of this movie that the grizzly bears are my favorite animal.
This movie was really different, the message and lack of a villain. The brothers and their interactions, it is really a story to ponder on what choices we make, the mistakes and the consequences that come with such choices. And lastly forgivenesses and empathy.
The screech I let out when I saw the video. This movie is one of the most underrated ones in Disney's pantheon. So glad to see you tackle it, and with the director no less.
I know exactly what you mean!
Literally had the exact same reaction, it completely turned my day around
This movie is one I make sure to watch at least once a year and it always makes me cry. The journey of taking responsibility for your worst actions is so powerful and, as the oldest child, it’s amazing to look back at my younger brothers and see the Denahi/Kenai relationship play out so authentically, the good times and bad. Denahi actually has my favorite arc, trying to take over as the oldest, then letting his guilt over Kenai’s supposed death drive him into being someone unrecognizable, who even Kenai says is acting strangely, because he’s dealing with the loss of two brothers, one which he thinks is directly his fault. That sudden complete lack of love and support in his life leaves him so completely stranded and he can only fall back on revenge and violence, instead of who he is and who he is trying to become. What a movie of self discovery, dealing with grief, dealing with guilt, and recognizing the power of relationships built out of love.
I like that there's something for everyone
That scene with Kenai confessing often tears me up, even Phil Collins' song. Some may argue that this scene shouldn't have a song in the middle of an emotional scene but for me, this scene is open for interpretation about what the conversation is going on and with or without the song, it still leaves an impact ❤
I can't believe my favorite Internet dads teamed up with THE Aaron Blaise! I've been a huge fan of his work, and Brother Bear was the very first memorable movie experience I ever had. Not only have I studied Aaron's work, but I've bookmarked many of his classes so I can take at least one in the future. What a great day to start my workday.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! Happy Holidays!
I LOVE the scene with the song “no way out”, it’s beautiful representation of grief and regret
As the middle sister with two brothers I could always relate to these siblings and their story. This film was so important to me as a child (and is still today!). Thank you so much for doing this video , it really warmed my heart. You guys are awesome!
We're so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
I like this director, he talks a lot about the scenes, the characters, the process of the film, and the emotions he felt.
Please directors, please talk and geek out more about your movies. I love listening to your experiences.
These and Spirit's songs can't be beat! Taught kid me about grief, guilt, and understanding others. Timeless.
Those soundtracks made my early 2000s childhood!
Yes!! Soo good!
I remember watching this as a kid, that moment when Kenai realizes that the bear he killed is Koda's mom was so profoundly shocking and heartbreaking, and the redemption and reunion at the end of the film makes me cry to this day. This movie is so underrated, but it has everything: gorgeous animation, complex characters, deeply meaningful themes, and stunning music. It's a masterpiece.
Oh man, I haven't seen this movie since i was a toddler (born in 2001) and I had to pause the video to go rewatch the whole thing. I definitely cried a lot more than I did as a little kid. I can't believe Aaron Blaise got to join you two! He's worked on nearly all of the movies that inspired me to start making art in the first place
I've seen that happen myself... the first time a movie strongly triggered tears for me wasn't until I was about 35 years old in fact! That seems to be a thing..
Absolutely love Brother Bear it has such heart and a beautiful message. As someone who is Indigenous to the PNW i was able to relate on an extra level to the messages. I always recommend watching Brother Bear to ppl!! ❤
My girlfriend and I frequently mock the premise that Kenai didn’t think his bear was cool or tough enough.
Like, what, a GRIZZLY BEAR isn’t sufficiently-badass to be the totemic representation of your personhood?
That’s what I was thinking as I was watching this video..like dude have you seen the size of those claws!?😂
of course nana immediately taints it for him when she tells him it symbolizes love when he gets it. and its such a dumb teenage boy thing to be like ew love? i wanted strength or endurance, or knowledge, etc. especially with your dumb older brother also making fun of you.
so yeah hes so dumb for reacting like that but also the writers were so smart to have him react like that because either one of my dumb little brothers would have reacted that same way 😂
@@ashleyjohnson9651 this is true, I just think it’s funny…still smart of the filmmakers though
This movie had such an impact on my childhood. The instrumental for "Transformation" brings my soul to life in a way that only a few movie soundtracks manage to. Its harmonics are incredibly fitting to Kenai's transformation from man to bear and vice versa. And it also ultimately mirrors what this movie is about, which in all its essence speaks on the beauty and necessity of transformations, whether its from grief to acceptance for Denahi and Koda, and from indifference to love for Kenai. Definitely one of Disney's most underrated films.
Thank you for covering it.
Brother bear was one of my absolute favourite movies as a kid. It is in my opinion such an underrated classic and I catch myself regularly watching it when I want a nostalgia trip. It’s such a beautiful symbolic story. I can’t believe the guys got to talk to Aaron, what a dream come true
This is one of my all-time favourite films, and it truly shows just how well it draws up emotions in the viewers that even watching this review, I cried 3 times during the clips.
- The Mammoth ride.
- Kenai's story.
- Kenai's decision.
I am so jealous that you got to interview Aaron Blaise.
Also shows just how broken I am that I could cry 3 times in under 15 mins [I watch at double-speed XD]
This film holds a special place in my heart. As an older sibling, I understand the grief that Kenai is going through. I love my little sister so much it hurts to see her hurting. So awesome that the co-director could join you! This made my day ❤
Same here. This movie holds a special place in heart. Since I’m an older sibling myself. With 3 little brothers who are mostly on my nerves😡 but I still care and love them.
Just lost my mother and grandmother in the last month. I always adored this movie growing up and have watched it within my grief. To see this from you guys now feels like a comforting sign. Thank you. ❤
Sorry for your lost you not alone in this.🫂🙏
Love that the captions had at the end (when they were all saying “watch movies”) “internet dads, Aaron, and Gandalf” 🤣
Brother Bear (1 and 2) is one of my top picks for most underrated movies.
What I personally like about this movie is Kenai's totem was Love but after Sitka died he was so filled with hate and vengeance to where it turned him into a bear and as a bear he learns to love and forgive and seek forgiveness for his actions along with accepting himself.
Which is why this is a very underrated coming of age movie.
My grandmother passed away in her sleep this morning. Wasn't and still not sure how to cope and I'm sure my mother (who found her) is going through a lot right now. Watching this gave me a brief ease of mind to help think clearly for a little bit. Thanks Cinema Therapy
Awful to hear. Hope you've got people around you to share in the heartache, especially when it's so fresh. Big love for you both.
@@AwesomeWookiee Thank you. I want to focus on being there for my mother and my aunts/uncles since my grandfather passed away a few years ago. I’m certain this will pass but we have to get through today and tomorrow first.
Sorry to hear that I hope you family is doing well today and know that you not alone in this.🫂🙏💜👍
@@AwesomeWookieeindeed.🫂🙏💜👍
@@paperboy1116I wish you family luck.🫂🙏💜👍🌠🍀
Brother bear is one of my favorite underappreciated Disney movies. I saw it ONCE and fell in love. I loved the message, the story, and honestly I'm a sucker for that good sibling dynamic.
The fact that this amazing masterpiece shows what empathy is and why is it important to have compassion, while growing into the person you’re becoming is just beautiful the world needs more of this. Thank you Disney for sharing
Edit: thank you cinema therapy this is one of the best videos yet
I appreciate whenever a story shows a character learning the true power of love. It's not disney magic, but it connects people.
When Aaron mentioned that the voice actor had just lost his brother, I understood the scene better when Sitka sacrificed for his brothers. I remember always noticing that the acting felt just at the point, the scream and everything just, I don't know, felt powerful, I think we all felt something like this at certain point during the film. All I have to say is that it must have been really difficult for him, of course, personal I give him my respects. He and the rest of the crew who worked on this movie made a gorgeous movie stunning in every way! It marked a lot of children and childhoods, and I know there's always going to be a special place in my cinematic heart for Brother Bear ❤️
Crazy seeing Dad with you guys. Love the channel and glad to see Brother Bear being discussed on here :)
Thank your dad for making movies that got me through some pretty dark moments ❤
Hey, Dustin, cool seeing you here!!
This movie came out when I was 9 years old, and it was so important in cementing some very important values in my mind and heart. I'm incredibly grateful that I was able to experience this kind of storytelling at such an important age. Thank you, Aaron Blaise, for creating this masterpiece of animation
I haven't even been 6 minutes in and I'm already crying like a baby. I love this movie so much!
This movie had me😭 in complete tears when I first saw this in theaters
I love this movie.
I started as soon as they cut to the movie
My God this movie, ah! It made me feel things when I first watched it. My favourite part of the whole movie was watching their bonds grow overtime and eventually came understanding and finally true family
I'm glad Brother Bear is getting more love as the years went on, as it deserves. It has flaws, but it's still beautiful, made by passionate people, got great story, and PHENOMENAL music.
I CANNOT DESCRIBE THE EXCITEMENT I HAD WHEN AARON BLAISE WAS IN THIS!!!!!! I did his animation program, and as an animation student I’ve always admired his work!
This is happening the day before my birthday and I COULD NOT BE MORE THRILLED, this has always been my favorite Disney film and it was great seeing you guys cover it!
This movie is so great at giving us interactions that just FEEL real. Both the lighthearted banter between siblings (you can always tell when something is written by someone with siblings) and the heavier moments, like scene next to the funeral pyre, they’re moments that you look at and think, ‘yeah, that’s how people would act in this situation.’ The different ways Kenai and Denahi react to the loss, the way the loudest thing in that conversation is what’s left unspoken. The way Kenai says ‘I see’ that just says everything.
Similarly, I’ve always felt there was a certain heartbreaking genius to the scene where Kenai tells Koda what he’s done. The way he says ‘you know that story you told me? Well, I have a story to tell you.’ It speaks to me, as an older sister. Because just like the filmmakers wanted to find a way to soften the scene for the audience, that’s exactly what you do when you have to tell your kid sibling something awful. You find a way to frame it that’ll soften it, both for you having to tell it and them having to understand. You don’t say ‘your mother is dead.’ You say ‘I’m going to tell you a story.’
Happy Birthday! 🎉
As someone with lots of sisters, the emotions and sibling relationships still translate. The oldest still being the peace keeper between the younger ones.
You know the Disney classics were fantastic when you loved it as a kid, but when you grow up you love it more because all the hidden meanings make more sense and you find yourself crying almost all the time😭❤️
This movie helped me process the loss of both of my grandparents. This movie will always hold such a special, special place in my heart ❤
Omg I totally geeked out! I went to college to become an animator and loved Aaron’s work. I even got to see the Florida staff make Lilo and Stitch. Sadly 2d went out by time I graduated but I still love animation. Brother Bear was such an amazing film, both animation and story wise. My hubby and I still quote the moose bros. Thank you for this video! I’m so glad Aaron was able to join you!
I was definitely one of those people requesting Brother Bear! ❤❤❤🧸🐻 thank you for this. it always makes me cry and feel. It means a lot to many people ❤
You are so welcome!
A seriously underrated Disney film. And tough to go through sometimes, being an older brother, and also aware that.... there was one more that came before me, that I never got to know.
I forget how much this movie gets me. The part where man and cub are hugging and can't communicate, but they know, had my eyes welling up.
I genuinely love looking back at this movie as an adult. It's one of the earliest movies that I remember at least that really challenged the very stereotypical view of what masculinity and being a real man is
It’s was so tragic when Sitka died especially since I lost one of my uncles last year and how devastated my dad was when he got the news and how much he regrets not being close with him before he died. This is the second uncle I lost now I only have two uncles and all three aunts left (the first uncle was killed in a car crash when my dad was six so I never got to meet him) now I hope thanksgiving goes well for him when we see my aunts, uncles, cousins and their families especially since this is the first thanksgiving we are having without my grandma who died two days after I graduated high school. Also it makes me afraid of losing my older brother and my younger sisters because I can’t imagine my life without them
I did not expect to have my heart ripped open while on a journey through filmmaking this morning, but here we are. Thank you again, internet dads, for another heartfelt video!
"Caring means I hurt, so I just don't care anymore" teared me up. It honestly discribes my journey and struggles so well that it just hit right where it hurt the most.
Totally want to see your take on the "Lockwood & Co" gang - Lockwood, Lucy, and George - or just the Lockwood x Lucy pair from the show. They’ve got a whole lot of feels, like PTSD, guilt, and all that tough stuff.👻🔍👊
Ahhh omg yes!!!!
Yes, I love Lockwood and co! I would be very happy to see the analysis of Lockwood and Lucy pair. It seems to me that their relationship is a rarity in cinema❤
Yes this would be great!!
Yes yes please consider analysing Lockwood and Co!
I LOVE this movie. It's so good. Then, learning of Joaquin Phoenix's story with his brother was saddening.
I'm 24 and Brother Bear still hits me hard every time. Truly a story of finding the individual you are, who you are to others and the impact your actions make on not just yourself but everything and everyone around you.
Outside of the wonderful message of Brother Bear, to this day, my mother, my younger brother, and I constantly make the "I spy..." "TREE" joke whenever we meet back up - Brother Bear was the very first movie that the three of us watched together in theaters. It was wonderful to get to hear Aaron's comments on it and get to look back on this film with fresh eyes after being away from it for so long.
Brother Bear has been my favorite movie ever for so long!!! It's so beautiful, I was having chills throughout this whole video. The scene where Kenai is explaining the truth to Koda had me crying like a baby (although perhaps my pregnancy hormones had an impact on that 😂)
THIS is the film that carried my childhood! The music, the plot, the visuals! Thank you so much for covering it.
My god a wave of nostalgia just hit me. this was a favorite movie as a kid I loved so much I went as a bear for Halloween 😭
I love how their totems show themselves in the brothers.
The entire reason Kenai went to kill Koda's mom was because he loved Sitka so much.
Denahi wasn't just always wise. He had to go through experiences and make mistakes to find that wisdom, which he passed down to everyone in the tribe.
Sitka is obvious, because he leads his brothers to becoming their best selves