Us Again is An Explosion of Art and Love

Disney’s Short Us Again is An Explosion of Art and Love! Yes, there are amazing films out there that rob our hearts and evidence the passion put into it (think Coco, or Raya and The Last Dragon, for example). But, being that this is a short, I am overwhelmed at how incredibly powerful it is. Moreover, at how art and its many aspects deeply touches us.

Disney’s Short Us Again is An Explosion of Art and Love 

Fortunately, I have had the privilege to talk to many movie makers.  Both live action and animation.  Indeed, it always blows my mind to learn about the way they craft their art.  Many times, we have seen movie push the boundaries of technology to deliver epic stories that speak to us somehow.  Us Again is no exception.  Yes, I have told you a few times that I have a soft spot for short animation movies. But, believe me you need to watch Us Again over and over again. Mark your calendars:  it steams on Disney + June 4th.

Beautifully, this short overloads us with fantastic pieces of art that ultimately come from a big place of love.  How so?  I had the pleasure of talking for a second time to the creators of this movie:

• Zach Parrish (Director)
• Keone & Mari Madrid (Choreographers/Dancers)
• Bradford Simonsen (Producer) 
• Pinar Toprak (Composer) 

and they shared:

Art

Hands down, there are many forms and expressions of art that are required to make an animation film.  Drawing, lighting, sculpting, to mention a few.  That said, here are a couple that jump out throughout the 7 minute movie.

Music

I was best explained by Pinar when she said: “It all comes to the heart. I love working on the quieter more intimate scenes because it is where we get to connect to the audience.  (And) this film is heart all over the place so it was making sure it comes across with music and explains their connection in a beautiful way also making it fun.  The first scene was very tricky but it hits everything and captures the emotional arc.”  There is no doubt that the music set ups a lot, the world, the age, the conversational style and just about everything.  Every note is really specific and it sends off the rest of the film.

Dance

The expression and conversations of the art of body movements are translated phenomenally.  This musical tells the story that is easy to understand as we feast our eyes on a beautiful glimpse into the life of a couple that has a history to share. And, this is done under a magical rainstorm.  Zack kept mentioning Keone & Mari Madrid as and example when sharing his idea.  In the end, they invited them over and the rest is history.

Animation

It is impressive to the choreographers that their dance piece is perfectly represented by animated characters.  They are blown away by how the characters not only perform their dance moves perfectly, but tailored to their age.  So, the body expression is accurately represented.  This film is full of vibrant colors and upbeat movement which translates into youthful happiness.  The characters go from young to old all while draped in wet clothes. The details are impressive.

Writing

Taking inspiration from his own life, Zach wrote a heartfelt piece that reminds us to  to seize the moment, dive into now and enjoy the present.   As you watch the film, his words come to life on the screen fantastically.

Love

Us Again totally made me tear up with joy.  It injected a boat load of optimism and left me on a high feel good note.  This film, speaks to a big  love that was and is. Also, it makes us reflect on the passions that drive us – what makes us happy.  Nevertheless, when I asked Zack what he hoped children watching this short took away from it, I was given another wow moment. 

“I really hope that younger kids realize that their parents and grandparents were kids once and become curious.  In the process of making this film I realized how much I missed about my parents and grandparents. I hope it helps people look at their families and people in their lives.” 

 As you can see, Disney’s Short Us Again is An Explosion of Art and Love. And, after 5 years, this is the first Disney short.  Definitively, not one you want to miss out on!

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