shadetreeinc.com – DreamWorks Animation’s Abominable (2019) is a charming and visually stunning animated film that takes audiences on an unforgettable adventure across China, blending heartwarming themes of friendship, discovery, and self-empowerment with breathtaking animation. Directed by Jill Culton, who previously worked on Monsters, Inc. (2001) and Toy Story 2 (1999), Abominable is a film that feels both timeless and fresh, offering a compelling story for children and adults alike.
The film’s central story revolves around a young girl named Yi, who discovers a mythical creature, a yeti, living on the rooftop of her apartment building in Shanghai. This discovery sets off a chain of events that sends Yi, her friends Jin and Peng, and the yeti, whom they name “Everest,” on a thrilling journey to return Everest to his home in the Himalayas. Along the way, the trio encounters various challenges and adversaries, while deepening their understanding of themselves and the world around them. At its core, Abominable is a tale of resilience, friendship, and the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness.
Plot Overview: A Magical Adventure Unfolds
The story of Abominable begins with Yi (voiced by Chloe Bennet), a teenage girl who lives with her mother and grandmother in Shanghai, China. Yi is an independent and introspective girl who has been struggling with the loss of her father, a theme that resonates deeply throughout the film. She finds solace in playing her violin and exploring the rooftops of her apartment building. One evening, while exploring the rooftop, Yi encounters a mysterious creature— a young yeti that has escaped from a group of scientists who are hunting him.
The yeti, whom Yi names Everest due to his connection to the mountains, is gentle, kind, and has magical abilities, including the power to heal with a touch and the ability to create clouds of mist. Everest’s appearance triggers an unexpected bond between him and Yi, who becomes determined to help the creature return to his home in the Himalayas. As Yi embarks on this mission, she is joined by her two friends, Jin (voiced by Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (voiced by Albert Tsai). The trio, along with Everest, forms an unlikely and heartwarming team as they venture into the unknown, encountering a host of challenges, both environmental and emotional.
However, they are not the only ones searching for Everest. A group of scientists, led by the unscrupulous Mr. Burnish (voiced by Eddie Izzard), are intent on capturing Everest to exploit his magical abilities for commercial gain. The trio must stay one step ahead of Mr. Burnish and his team, all the while learning valuable life lessons about trust, empathy, and the importance of accepting others for who they are.
As they travel through China’s picturesque landscapes—from bustling cities to remote mountain villages—the group faces numerous obstacles, including treacherous weather, fierce predators, and the relentless pursuit of Burnish and his team. Along the way, Yi, Jin, and Peng learn more about themselves, with Yi coming to terms with the loss of her father, Jin discovering his own courage, and Peng learning to be more self-reliant. The relationship between Yi and Everest, in particular, becomes the heart of the film, symbolizing the deep bond that can exist between humans and animals, as well as the importance of protecting and nurturing those we love.
Ultimately, the journey culminates in the discovery of Everest’s home, a hidden sanctuary high in the Himalayas, where the magical creature’s true origins are revealed. The film’s emotional climax emphasizes themes of family, letting go, and the powerful connection between humans and nature.
Themes of Friendship, Loss, and Healing
At its core, Abominable is a deeply emotional story about friendship, loss, and healing. Yi’s personal journey of coming to terms with her father’s death is a central theme in the film. Throughout their adventure, Yi grapples with feelings of grief and loneliness, often retreating into her music and solitude. Everest’s arrival in her life represents a turning point for Yi—he helps her heal and rediscover the importance of connecting with others, especially those closest to her. Through her experiences with Everest, Yi learns that it’s okay to feel sadness, but it’s also essential to open oneself to love, support, and connection from those around us.
The bond that forms between Yi and Everest is heartwarming and symbolic of the healing power of friendship and compassion. Everest, despite being a magical creature with extraordinary powers, is also portrayed as vulnerable, gentle, and full of wonder, which allows Yi to view the world through a new lens. As they travel together, Yi’s relationship with Everest mirrors her personal journey, as she learns to let go of her sorrow and embrace life’s joys and challenges.
The theme of loss is also explored through the relationships between the other characters, including Jin and Peng. Jin, initially portrayed as a somewhat selfish and self-absorbed teenager, gradually opens up to the people around him, recognizing the value of loyalty and selflessness. Peng, who is much younger, represents the innocence of childhood, but his growth throughout the adventure shows how even the smallest among us can make a big impact through courage and compassion. Together, the three friends learn the importance of supporting one another and the power of human connection.
Abominable also deals with the theme of environmental preservation, particularly through the character of Mr. Burnish, the antagonist. While Burnish is initially portrayed as a villainous character obsessed with capturing Everest for profit, his character arc reveals a deeper, more reflective side. Burnish’s initial motivation stems from a desire to prove his value and legacy, but as he grows to understand Everest’s significance in the natural world, he eventually realizes that some things are meant to be left undisturbed. This change of heart speaks to the broader message of respecting nature and understanding that true greatness lies not in possession, but in the ability to protect and preserve.
Stunning Animation and Visuals
Abominable is a visually stunning film that showcases DreamWorks Animation’s ability to create beautiful, immersive worlds. The film’s settings, from the bustling streets of Shanghai to the lush, serene landscapes of rural China and the towering peaks of the Himalayas, are meticulously crafted and full of life. The vibrant colors, dynamic lighting, and intricate details create a visually rich experience that enhances the film’s emotional and narrative depth.
One of the film’s most remarkable achievements is its depiction of Everest, the yeti. Designed with a lovable and gentle appearance, Everest’s animation captures both the majesty and the vulnerability of the creature. His expressive face, large, soulful eyes, and graceful movements make him an endearing character, and his magical abilities, such as the creation of clouds and healing powers, are beautifully rendered with dazzling special effects. The relationship between Everest and Yi is conveyed through subtle animation choices, such as the way the two characters communicate without words, their bond growing through physical gestures and shared experiences.
The breathtaking landscapes, particularly in the later stages of the film, are a visual treat. The film’s portrayal of the Himalayas, with its snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers, and hidden caves, provides a sense of wonder and awe. The animators’ attention to detail in capturing the majesty of these landscapes, combined with the fantastical elements of the yeti’s world, creates a seamless blend of reality and magic.
Music and Soundtrack
Music plays an integral role in Abominable, with a soundtrack that complements the emotional depth of the story. The film features a score by Rupert Gregson-Williams, whose music enhances the film’s sense of adventure and emotional resonance. The music swells during key moments of tension and joy, providing a dynamic backdrop to the characters’ journey. In addition to the score, the film features the song “Beautiful Life,” performed by the K-pop group EXO, which adds to the film’s theme of embracing life’s beauty, even in the face of hardship.
The use of music also plays a significant role in Yi’s character development. Throughout the film, Yi uses her violin to express her emotions, especially her grief and longing for her late father. The violin becomes a symbol of her inner world, and the act of playing music serves as both a form of healing and a way for her to connect with Everest. The film effectively integrates Yi’s love for music into the story, highlighting how art and creativity can help individuals process emotions and overcome difficult circumstances.
A Celebration of Culture and Diversity
One of the unique aspects of Abominable is its celebration of Chinese culture. The film draws inspiration from various Chinese traditions, landscapes, and folklore, offering an authentic and respectful portrayal of the country. From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the rural villages and towering mountains, the film showcases the diversity and beauty of China’s cultural and natural heritage. Additionally, the character of Yi, a young Chinese girl, serves as a powerful representation of cultural identity and the importance of embracing one’s heritage.
The film’s setting in China is not just a backdrop for the adventure; it’s an integral part of the story. The characters encounter local customs, food, and traditions as they travel across the country, which adds depth and authenticity to the world-building. The filmmakers’ attention to detail in depicting Chinese culture, along with the film’s universal themes of friendship, loss, and healing, makes Abominable an inclusive and diverse film that resonates with global audiences.
Conclusion: A Magical Journey of Friendship and Discovery
Abominable (2019) is a beautifully crafted animated film that combines heartwarming storytelling, stunning visuals, and memorable characters to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. With its themes of friendship, resilience, and the healing power of love, the film resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. Through the bond between Yi and Everest, the film teaches the importance of embracing change, letting go of the past, and cherishing the connections we make along the way.
Ultimately, Abominable is a celebration of the beauty of life, the magic of friendship, and the courage to follow one’s heart, no matter how daunting the journey may seem. With its captivating animation, heartfelt story, and powerful emotional beats, Abominable is a film that will leave audiences feeling uplifted, inspired, and ready to embark on their own adventures with a renewed sense of wonder.