Disney in the Classroom
What Can We Learn From Lilo and Stitch

 

Lilo and Stitch (at least I think it's them ;o)

 

 

When I took my children to Lilo and Stitch I was expecting a safe, family friendly film. As the film progressed I began to worry that taking them to the movie had been a mistake. Lilo's problems were so serious that I doubted that a cartoon could show them being worked out in a positive way. It in fact looked like Lilo's behavior (and her attempts to help Stitch) would cause her to lose everything. When the movie reached its climax, and everything seemed to work out, I was happy but emotionally exhausted. I left the theater feeling overwhelmed; not sure whether I thought Lilo and Stitch was a great movie or just a very strange movie. Yet there was no doubt that the movie had affected me and that I needed to see it again to understand why. So I did see it again, and I discovered that Lilo and Stitch is more than just another cartoon. In fact, I think Lilo and Stitch can be a model of how to deal with the sadness, anger and confusion that often overwhelms us when someone we lose someone we love.

   

Ask and you shall receive

 

Of course, the first step in dealing with the loss of a loved one is to admit that you need help to do so. That's what Lilo is doing when she wishes on the "falling star". Lilo knows that her life is a mess. The death of her parents has left her with feelings of anger and sadness that she doesn't know how to handle. Her inability to deal with how she feels causes her to act out in negative ways. This alienates everyone around her. Lilo feels like no one understands her or cares about her. So she wishes (or prays?) for a friend, a perfect angel who will mend her broken life. At first it doesn't seem like her prayers have been answered.  

 

 

Nani was right, he does look like an evil Koala ;o