Up is a movie about a boy named Carl Fedricksen who looks up to a man named Charles Muntz who is an adventurous soul that believes there is a beast located in South America by Paradise Falls. Charles was disliked by the public because of how much funding was put into this discovery that never happened. Carl couldn’t believe his hero was being discharged. Carl soon met a new friend who loved adventure and exploring just as much a he did. Their friendship grew stronger with every minute and they married each other. They bought the club house they would play in and made it into their new home. They had a dream of moving their house to Paradise Falls as children and planned to make it a reality. Both Ellie and Carl put aside a money jar that would help them budget the move. While the years passed they had to take money out repeatedly to replace or fix things they needed. Ellie grew old and passed away one day leaving Carl by himself. Carl was depressed, lonely, and he didn’t trust anyone. His town was being destroyed by construction and he was receiving mail from Shady Oaks which is a retirement home. One day this little boy scout named Russell went to Carl’s door and was determined to assist the old man. Carl was annoyed and told Russell he had a snipe under his house eating his flowers and he wanted Russell to catch the snipe. Carl assaulted one of the construction men one day when they accidentally damaged his mail box. Carl now was being forced into Shady Oaks retirement home by the court. When the Shady Oaks staff came to pick up Carl he had a plan to escape. Carl released a million balloons out of the chimney of the house making the house rise up into the sky. Carl steered the house towards Paradise Falls. He then was surprised to find that Russell was on his porch. Russell claimed to be chasing the snipe under the house. Carl and Russell then made their decent to Paradise Falls. When they arrived they realized the house wasn’t right by the falls like he and Ellie dreamed. They started the journey on foot toward paradise falls guiding the floating house. On this journey they’re relationship grows stronger and they start to rely heavily on one another. They make new friends but face a lot of danger trying to protect one. A friend becomes a foe and a hero becomes a villain. In the end Carl and Russell symbolize a father and son relationship. Carl even awards Russell his assisting the elderly badge which turns out to actually be Carl and Ellie’s Grape soda bottle cap.
The Hidden Messages
Hope: Carl and Ellie had hoped they would someday make it to Paradise Falls.
Love and Friendship: Carl and Ellie both explorers at heart made promises to each other as kids and adults. Carl always kept his promises by crossing his heart and swearing he’d do whats asked of him. Russell and Carl became close by saving each others lives on multiple accounts. Kevin and Russell developed a friendship by protecting each other and playing with each other.
Trust/Loyalty: Carl was loyal to Ellie during the entire movie keeping promises. Russell was loyal to Kevin even putting himself in danger to protect him.
Bravery: Carl and Russell fight in the end to protect Kevin from being captured.
Disrespect/ Deception: After Ellie had passed away, Carl became very disrespectful to people around him by saying heartless things to people and playing practical jokes on Russell. Charles Mutts is deceptive toward Carl and Russell when he starts to get the feeling that Carl’s lying to him about seeing the mysterious bird. Dug also plays a part in betraying his new friends Carl, Kevin, and Russel when he alerts his colleagues.
This movie is heavily concentrated on friendship and loyalty toward one another. It demonstrates that life is an adventure and if you make a promise stay loyal until the very end. If you want a movie that focuses on the bond of friendship, adventure, and loyalty this movie is is right for you.
This link talks about a real story that’s similar to the creation of this film.
Hidden Messages Inspired Through Disney Movies. 