Inside Out is indeed amazing!

Dear Journal,

I am such a drama queen.

I'm on plane EY 0074 from SGN to ZRH, 9 hours away from the dream I've longed for since... well, four. Lucerne is getting closer and I can already feel freedom in the air. This is exactly what I've wanted and worked my pretty ass off for. The only problem is that it doesn't feel as good as I thought it would because of this movie I just finished watching. Simplicity and sophistication all at once, aka fucking awesome, that movie! The plot contains no twist, no thrilling storyline, simply tells us to embrace all emotions we feel because of their vital role in our well-being, period. Yet it shakes me to the core and I just sat there, during meal time wept like a retard.

Everyone is sleeping now, I calmed down and my curiosity kicked in. What makes me like this movie so much? What did I see that could trigger me so genuinely? Is it because I see myself in Riley? Or the Mom? Or the Dad?

Dear Journal, I saw all of us in all of them. The kid, the mom, the dad, the mean kids in school, all - of - them. I have to give Pete Docter the biggest applause as he nailed a profound journey inside Riley's mind, where her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust personify. The complex and often conflicting experiences that shape her life are extremely familiar to us.

Narrative and Character Dynamics

The central narrative of Inside Out revolves around Riley's struggle to adapt to a new life after her family relocates from Minnesota to San Francisco. This upheaval triggers a cascade of emotions within Riley, depicted as distinct characters that reside in her mind's control center.

Joy is an optimistic leader, always striving to keep Riley happy. Sadness is initially marginalized and perceived as a hindrance to Riley's well-being. As the story unfolds, the film poignantly illustrates that each emotion has a vital role to play in managing life's challenges.

When Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept away from the control center, they must navigate the vast landscape of Riley's mind to return. This journey takes them through various facets of Riley's consciousness, such as Long-Term Memory, Imagination Land, and Abstract Thought. Along the way, they encounter forgotten memories and subconscious fears, emphasizing the intricate nature of the human mind. Our mind.

Dear Journal, it always feels good to be understood.

Psychological Insights

This lovely treat also offers profound psychological insights, particularly in its portrayal of how emotions interact to shape our experiences. One of the film's key messages is that sadness is not just a negative emotion but an essential part of the human experience.

Joy's initial attempts to suppress Sadness ultimately backfire, leading to greater turmoil for Riley. It is only when Joy understands and accepts the importance of Sadness that they can work together to restore balance in Riley's mind.

This concept resonates with psychological theories that emphasize the necessity of experiencing and processing all emotions, including those that are uncomfortable or painful.

Dear Journal, remember when we tried to press sadness by summoning pain or excitement? Didn't turn out great for us huh? Seeing Joy hugging Sadness and telling her "It's fine to be here" hits me how terrible we've been to our Sadness.

Edited note, 1/11/2015: LOL embraces our sadness my ass. I finished a bottle of vodka right after checking in the dom and stayed in a coma for the entire next day and missed orientation =)))))))

Moral Lessons

Inside Out, what a cool and appropriate name, beyond its captivating animation and heartwarming story, imparts significant moral lessons that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. The film's exploration of emotions and their intricate interplay offers valuable insights into mental health, empathy, and personal growth. Here are some implications I noticed

1. 
   

One of the central moral lessons I get after the movie is the importance of embracing all emotions, including those that are often perceived as negative, such as sadness, fear, and anger.

Throughout the film, Joy's initial attempts to marginalize Sadness reveal the pitfalls of ignoring or suppressing uncomfortable feelings. The turning point comes when Joy realizes that Sadness plays a crucial role in helping Riley cope with her new reality, leading to emotional healing and growth.

2. The Interconnectedness of Emotions

It was illustrated how our emotions are interconnected and how each one contributes to the overall well-being of an individual. Joy and Sadness must work together to restore balance in Riley's mind, underscoring the idea that no single emotion is inherently good or bad but that they all have a purpose.

3. The Role of Sadness in Healing

It was shown that sadness is integral to empathy and healing. Sadness helps Riley process her experiences and connect with others on a deeper level. This lesson emphasizes the value of vulnerability and the power of sharing one's emotional struggles.

Dear Journal, does it mean we shouldn't hide the fact that we're fucking vulnerable?

4. Adapting to Change

Riley's journey in Inside Out highlights the challenges of adapting to change and the emotional turmoil that often accompanies it. It is normal to struggle with transitions and seeking support is crucial during such times.

Dear Journal, I guess that's it for today, I'd better get some sleep.

But out of curiosity, do you think we'll meet someone someday whom we can share all of this with, and he'll listen to our childish excitement over an animated movie and like us despite the fact that we are silly?

Somewhere in the air, 30/10/2015