Coraline

06.11.2009

Film Trailer

Coraline discovers a secret door, and she soon finds herself in an alternative reality where her parents have buttons for eyes and an evil witch rules. This is a very good animation movie, and is recommended for children from eleven years.

Plot
Coraline and her parents move into an old house in a village in Oregon. Here the parents hope to find peace to work, but Coraline is bored. She misses her friends, and her parents don't have time for her. To make matters worse the neighbours are eccentric old people, and the only peer Coraline meets is the annoying and talkative boy Wybie.

One day Coraline finds a small, strange door in one of the rooms in the old house. She opens it, but only sees a solid brick wall. The following night she's woken up by four small mice who lead her back to the door. Now it opens into a circular, mysterious corridor, and Coraline excitedly crawls in.

The corridor leads Coraline to an alternative reality. The house is the same, and her parents are also there. And yet there is a big difference. In this world the house isn't dull and dreary, but colourful and exciting. On top of this Coraline's parents treat her as a princess, and give her everything she asks for. Coraline is having a great time, but there are some things that bother her. Why do her parents in the parallel reality have buttons instead of eyes?

Gradually, Coraline's suspicions grow; something must be wrong. And of course she's right. An evil witch has made a cunning plan to trick Coraline into staying in the alternative reality forever, and she wants to sow buttons in front of her eyes.

Coraline of course disagrees. But then she has no other choice than to fight the evil witch.

Quality and Theme
"Coraline" is an exciting and original film that is full of odd characters and imaginative scenes. The movie is made with stop-motion animation ("puppet movie"), and the result is fantastic. The movie has so many great details and exquisite lighting that it's a pure joy to watch. We are brought into a distinctive and unique fantasy universe that both fascinates and entertains. Many of the scenes have us laughing, feeling disgusted, engrossed and a little scared - all at the same time.

The movie also conveys a very clear and positive message. Coraline's highest wish is that her parents would spend more time with her, and she wishes life in the new house would be more exciting. In the alternative reality all her wishes come true, and more. But even though this makes Coraline deliriously happy, the joy doesn't last long. When all comes to all no parents, no matter how wonderful they are, can take the place of one's real parents. And you can be sure that even if something seems perfect, there is always something dark lurking under the surface.

The movie also underlines that you should be careful about what you wish for. You might not be able to handle the consequences if it comes to happen.

Suitability
"Coraline" is a very good movie, but it's also scary. All the effects in the film - sound, light, music, dialogue, the look of the characters and the odd population of the alternative universe - all contribute to build up a dark and scary fantasy universe. Even in the happiest scenes we feel the underlying mystery in the background. This is what the movie's quality relies on, but it also means that it's not suitable for children under the age of eleven.

Conclusion
For children from the age of eleven this movie will make for a great experience not soon to be forgotten.

Facts
Director: Henry Selick Genre: Thriller/Adventure/Animation Voices: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David and more Language: English Nationality: USA Production Company: Focus Features/Laika Length: 1 hour 40 mins Production Year: 2009 Age Limit: PG Suitability: Young people/adults BBFC's Consumer Advice: Contains mild threat and scary scenes and one use of mild language.