Elemental City’s population is comprised of fire, water, air and earth elements. While this is seemingly a simple story of fire girl meets water boy, not only the way it's rendered is remarkable, this latest Disney Pixar animation also reminds me of zany “Zootopia,” with its allegory of our society.
At the heart of the budding romance of two young people from opposite backgrounds, the story illustrates deeply ingrained intergenerational, family values and the reality of immigrant living in a diverse society, whose denizens are not always welcoming to foreigners or those who are different from them.
Heavy stuff? Don't frett. You'll be so drawn into the amazing animation of the elemental beings and candy-colored cityscapes. The architecture borrows from the four elements, filling the city structures with glass skyscrapers, verdant greenery, water slides, wooden shops and windmill homes – making each community distinctive and feels like lived in.
The fire folks are particularly eye-searing. The fire design that may look static on ads is fierily vibrant and animated, truly like living, breathing beings. The fire head, arms and legs are transparently moving, like real fire glowing in the wind. Water dwellers are liquidy and translucent. Air residents are light and fluffy, like clouds. And earth people are solid like soil. All the elements look so alive and fluid.
Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) is the only daughter of an immigrant family. Her father, Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen), has sacrificed so much by leaving their homeland for a better future. In Elemental City, he finally found his place, although not without uneasiness, and was able to build a successful shop. When he retires, he will pass down the shop to Ember. Ember grows up in the shadow of her old-fashioned father's plan. She tries really hard to focus on this vision and repay everything her father has done. She believes she does not have any other option.
Ember's temper though gets the best of her at times and finally catches up with her at one point, causing bursting pipes that flood the shop. She is met by Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), one of the water dwellers, a city inspector no less, who is there to investigate and find that the shop does not meet city code.
If Ember burns bright, to the point that she has to cover herself up in some situations, Wade is a super sensitive guy, easily turning on waterworks at the blink of an eye. He easily connects with people, unlike strong-willed Ember. They strike an unlikely friendship, which soon turns into something more.
Ember and Wade must find a way to prevent the shop from being shut down. Venturing into the sprawling metropolitan, they go on adventures, encountering other elemental people. One scene is bloomingly magical. When they finally find the source of the major water leak, it's a tough fix.
Ember also gets to meet Wade's wealthy family, who is very impressed by her artistic talent in creating handblown glass creations using fire. This is such a creative treat to watch. Moreover, there are also surprisingly cute little activities that are unique to each element.
Ember's encounter with Wade makes her wonder if there's more to life than the one envisioned for her. At the end of the day though, fire and water do not mix, or do they? In this melting pot of the world, could they co-exist harmoniously? Who's to say that you have to dim your light? Is there a way to still honor your parents' sacrifices without burying your own wants and ambitions, having the courage to make your own choices, pursuing your dreams and living your life? The ending wholeheartedly comes full circle.
With dazzling designs, creative highlights, socio-cultural commentary and meaningful message, “Elemental” elevates itself into a whole other level, a must-watch in breathtaking living color on the big screen.