Ellie is the Heart of Up

by Hannah
(Pittsburgh, PA)

I have heard people go on and on about how great 'Up' is and about how it is supposed to be one of the greatest cartoons of all time. I must disagree.

Although, it is excellently executed, it lacks balance throughout. The opening part of the movie, which is supposed to set the tone for a profound film, is the best part and introduces the character which I see as the very soul of the movie: Ellie.

First presented as a spirited young girl, she ends up being the life-long partner of Carl Fredricksen. The two share their lives, as well as their dreams and ambitions. Ellie is the one who wanted to go to Paradise Falls as a kid, and who inspired Carl to fulfill her dream. I see Ellie as present from beginning to end in 'Up'.

What drives Carl to not leave his home and to eventually set on the adventure to Paradise Falls, is Ellie's memory. The reason I love the character so much, is because she is not unlike myself. I am also a young dreamer and I find the fact that Ellie dies without fulfilling either of her dreams (Paradise Falls and having kids) heartbreaking.

The part of the movie which has Ellie in it is so profound that it almost brings you to tears. This is why I was disappointed to see the rest of the movie almost forget what drives the plot, and see Carl all but forget about his life-partner and the love of his life. The very core of the story, Ellie is the most real character in Up, whose hopes are quite similar to the ones we all have.