Paddingtonis a 2014 live-action animated comedy written and directed by Paul King. The story is developed by that of King and Hamish McColl, which is also based on the stories of a character named Paddington Bear, created by Michael Bond. The film tells the story of the titular anthropomorphic bear who is sent by his Aunt Lucy to London from the jungles of “Darkest Peru” for a better life; there, he is adopted by the Brown Family. The first movie dropped in the UK in late 2014 and was so successful with both adults and children that a sequel,Paddington 2, was released in 2017 and has gained just as much love and success, even hilariouslyovertakingCitizen Kaneon Rotten Romatoes.
Though, what exactly is it about this adorable talking bear that makes him so lovable? It came as a genuine surprise that, despite their predictable stories, both movies have won the hearts of children and adults alike, and little Paddington is just so darn sweet that every family will want one of their own. So what is it about these movies thatmakes us (and Nicolas Cage) weep, and why are they so sweet and enjoyable to watch?
Paddington Gets Adopted
The first movie shows a scared Paddington standing by the lost and found department with a sign around his neck reading, “Please look after this bear.” As he waits patiently, the viewers' hearts are almost breaking at the thought of no one wanting to take him. People pass by without a second glance and just as we think he won’t get picked, the Brown family notices him, yet Mr. Brown doesn’t seem to take an interest. Mrs. Brown however cannot turn her back on this adorable bear, and stops for him.
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At that moment, with a vulnerable bear alone and in search of a new home, something so entirely innocent and devastating is portrayed. This kind of sweet innocence is something that the audience (both adults and children) can attach themselves to, not to mention Paddington’s undeniable charm. The storyline may be simple, but it is because of this that thePaddingtonfilms are so effective in pulling at our heartstrings. With us being surrounded by complicated anddramatic or intense movies, it is almost refreshing for us to be shown something so simple, innocent, and heartwarming for a change.Director Paul Kingand his cast certainly succeeded in bringing us something unique, joyful and extremely hard not to love.
The Sweetness Continues in Paddington 2
EvenPaddington 2did not disappoint, and some might even say it exceeded the first film, garnering an initial 100% on Rotten Tomatoes when it was released. The clever sense of humor is something that makes these films so charming, and there is no denying that this sequel strengthens the quiet comedy ofPaddingtonand continues to make us giggle all the way through. Still, the heart of the second movie is that sweet Paddington Bear, who brings all the lovable qualities of the movie together. The faith that he has in the world is truly heartwarming, and again celebrates that sense of innocence in a world filled with violence and drama (both in entertainment and in reality).
This might be a result of the simple mantra that Paddington lives by, passed down by his Aunt Lucy: “if we’re kind and polite, the world will be right.” The audience cannot help being swept up with the warmth that Paddington brings, when he is confronted with hostility, he never fails to be kind and believes in the good in everyone, no matter how unfriendly they can be, and hopes to change the cruelty and indifference of the world, one person at a time. Perhaps what makes both movies so sweet is that we all hope to be like Paddington, always kind and loving, no matter what we’re faced with. Let’s admit it, it might not put the world to right, and it’s hard to be kind all the time in a world that seems designed to create anger and bitterness, butPaddingtonshows that kindness doesn’t cost anything.
Paddington Teaches Kindness
Between both movies, the fact that the lessons in kindness come from a little talking bear makes it all the easier to listen to. If we look at our world right now, and how we treat each other as a society, we’d probably want to become a little more like the marmalade-loving bear. BbothPaddingtonfilms are a reminder that the world doesn’t always have to be the way it so often is in social media, politics, and even our daily interactions with people, and that the change might actually start right with us being a bit more open-minded. Right from the minute Mrs. Brown stopped for Paddington, amongst all of those people who didn’t care enough to give a second glance,Paddingtonshows that everyone can be a bit kinder.
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What is interesting about these lessons is that they’re shown in a way for both adults and children to understand, which makes the films so enjoyable to watch and brings such a sweet atmosphere to the movies. Children might watch it and learn to be just like Paddington, and adults are able to see it as a bigger picture, to make a change to our society. After two brilliant films,Paddington 3is comingand bringing more sweetness and more lessons to be learned. Yet, we will never forget the first two films, and their heartwarming moments and comedic elements that are sweet enough to bring light and joy to the viewers' life, even in the darkest times.
