Stephan Laurent-Faesi

Very thought-provoking film about the father of the A-bomb and his self-doubts. Perhaps a bit on the longish side (three hours), with a few historical mistakes such as showing a US flag with 50 stars when at the time there were only 48, but that’s minor. The acting is first-rate, and the reported nudity scenes entirely justified in the context. I rate this film a must-see.

Pixar has a knack for telling stories that touch your heart. _Elemental_ is one such story, a comedy of an impossible love between fire and water. Elementals become a metaphor for races/classes and their struggle to coexist in the same world. Fluid, the smooth animation, great story-telling, and gorgeous scenery design make it really believable. The movie got undeservedly panned by some critics like Roger Ebert, but is well-worth investing your time into.

Very well-written story of coming of age, with an excellent cast from the 12-year old young girl becoming a woman by the end to her parents, peers, grandparents, and teachers. A sweet treatment of the difficult topic of growing into womanhood, undertaken with care and love.