Inside Out (2015)
PG | 1h 35m

After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.


I had to rewatch this movie to prepare my movie review for our GEED 001: Understanding the Self class. I’ll be submitting it later.


Joy:  the vibrant and enthusiastic emotion in Riley's mind. 

Throughout the film, she learns that happiness doesn't always come from avoiding negative emotions, but rather from embracing a full spectrum of feelings. She represents the pursuit of happiness and the importance of acknowledging the significance of sadness in life. Joy's journey teaches us that it's okay to feel sad and that it's an essential part of emotional growth.


Sadness:  initially seems like an unwanted and burdensome emotion in Riley's mind. 

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that her role is crucial for Riley's emotional well-being. Sadness teaches us the importance of acknowledging and processing difficult emotions, demonstrating that sometimes it's okay not to be okay. Her character emphasizes the necessity of allowing oneself to feel sadness and the healing power of expressing vulnerability.


Anger:  portrayed as a fiery and impulsive emotion, often leading to humorous situations in the movie.
 
Despite his initial tendency to cause chaos, Anger showcases the significance of acknowledging and appropriately channeling frustration. He highlights the necessity of expressing anger constructively and learning to manage it in a healthy way. His character demonstrates the importance of understanding and controlling strong emotions without letting them overpower rational thinking.


Disgust:  serves as a protective mechanism for Riley, preventing her from engaging in situations that might be harmful or unpleasant.
 
Through her witty and quick-thinking demeanor, Disgust highlights the significance of setting personal boundaries and making sound judgments. She emphasizes the importance of self-respect and the need to avoid compromising one's values or well-being. Disgust's character teaches us the value of discernment and the importance of maintaining personal integrity.


Fear:  portrayed as a cautious and vigilant emotion, constantly alerting Riley to potential dangers.
 
His character highlights the importance of being aware of potential risks and the need to approach unfamiliar situations with caution. Fear teaches us the significance of healthy risk assessment and the necessity of taking calculated steps to ensure safety and well-being. His role emphasizes the balance between being cautious and embracing new experiences to foster personal growth.


These characters collectively symbolize the intricate nature of human emotions and provide valuable insights into the significance of understanding and managing them effectively. "Inside Out" beautifully portrays the importance of embracing a full spectrum of emotions, acknowledging their roles in shaping our experiences, and learning to navigate life's challenges with resilience and emotional intelligence.

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