What would you do if your 4 year old child, who once was chatty and super active started to act differently – his motor skills started declining as did his language skills? Life Animated is a true story about a family who learns that the best way to communicate with their son, Owen, is a very uncustomary way.
As in the trailer above, Owen is playing Peter Pan and Captain Hook with his dad and then shortly after he becomes recluse and not the same child he used to be. His parents did everything they could to find out what was happening to their little boy.
An a-ha moment came when Owen did finally “find his voice” and said a line from a Disney movie. It was realized then that Owen used Disney animated movies to make sense of the world around him. He spoke in Disney “dialogue” and would watch a movie that would appropriately reflect what he was feeling at that time. Once his parents recognized this as the way to communicate with him, a whole new world opened up for the family!
At one point Owen created a story, The Land of the Sidekicks, where he is trapped and looking for a hero. The animation throughout the movie is beautifully drawn – especially so in this part. I enjoyed how it was intertwined with real life video!
Life, Animated shows the progression of how his parents and therapists help Owen get ready to move out of his parents house and gain independence. When asked what independent means, he states, “Independent means great and fabulous.”
[Tweet “Independent means great and fabulous. – Owen Suskind, Life, Animated”]
You want to hug Ron and Cornelia when they openly talk about their sadness and what they were going through. BUT, then you want to cheer when you see advancements in Owen’s communication skills. It was a very emotional movie, one I highly recommend.
Directed by Roger Ross Williams, Life, Animated is PG and is out in theaters now! I didn’t get a chance to preview this movie with my boys but I want them to see it. It is amazing how there are more vehicles to help people communicate other than the spoken word. I think we should all be thankful for that.
Check out the movie’s website at http://www.lifeanimateddoc.com.
Lauren says
I can not watch these types of movies in theaters…I’ll cry my eyes out. Sounds like a great one to watch at home though for sure!
Dana says
Lauren, I definitely recommend watching it (at home if you’d like ;).
Fatima says
What a sweet story. I’m too sensitive and would probably cry the entire time. It’s amazing how there are people who struggle with day-to-day things. We should always be thankful for all the blessings in our lives.
Dana says
It was sweet, Tima 🙂 I completely agree with you that we should be thankful for what we have!
Samantha says
What a cool movie, I would be crying my eyes out though!
Dana says
Samantha, it was sad but at the same time you feel proud that Owen is learning and progressing!
Chei says
What an awesome movie!
Dana says
It truly was – so moving!
Shirley says
Sounds like a great movie and worth watching. Thanks for sharing and yes we must be thankful to what we have,
Dana says
Shirley, my pleasure. I hope you get a chance to check it out – it’s worth it for sure.
Carmen Baguio says
I love watching movies where you see how people learn to compensate for themselves. Will have to watch this!
Dana says
I wanted to go through the screen and hug Owen and his family. Highly recommended!
Angela Quisumbing says
Wow! This looks like it’s going to be a great story. It’s amazing that the parents were able to find a way to communicate with their son. I wonder if they talk about why he stopped being himself in the movie to begin with? Thank you for sharing.
Dana says
Angela, I agree. Owen is lucky to have parents that are such amazing advocates for him!
Adaleta Avdic says
Oooh sounds like an interesting one. I need to watch more movies! xx Adaleta Avdic
Dana says
Adaleta, this documentary is both interesting to see how Owen handles different life situations and also is super heart-warming.