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Have you seen the Trolls movie yet? A few weeks ago my kids begged me to take them to see it. At first, I was taken aback because when I was growing up in the 80s, trolls were mean, scary, and unappealing.
Before I even considered buying any tickets, I watched the movie trailer. I was shocked at how colorful the trolls were and that the theme of the movie seemed to center around happiness. All of a sudden, I was geared up for this movie and ready to take notes, being Happy Science Mom and all.
Well, I was blown away by this kid’s movie, much in the same way that Inside Out and Zootopia touched my heart. It was filled with so many compelling lessons about happiness, which I am excited to share with you.
Power Of Music And Laughter
So much of the Trolls story relies on the power of music and laughter to show how the characters feel and relate to each other. Poppy, the troll princess, leads the other trolls in singing and dancing throughout each day. She is always throwing festive parties to express her joy and excitement for life.
She tries to cheer up Branch, the only grumpy troll, by giving him silly party invitations and telling him jokes. For much of the movie, Branch is reluctant to let in any of this fun. Shockingly, he ends up breaking his musical silence towards the end of the movie by singing the touching song True Colors.
Bullying
A major theme addressed throughout this film is bullying. The troll community is threatened by the Bergens, large monster-like creatures, who believe that eating trolls will make them happy. It really struck me how the Bergens so blindly believed that they had to destroy trolls for their own happiness even though they didn’t have any real evidence that this approach worked.
Happiness Can Be Found Within
So, how do the Bergens find happiness? They learn that happiness can only be found within their own heart. This is such an important lesson pointed out in this movie because it helps children understand how they can control their own lives. We often hear that our happiness and inner peace depend on our reaction to what is happening around us. We have the power to guide our thoughts and feelings during challenging and stressful times.
One way that we can all get in touch with our inner voice to find happiness is through mindfulness. Children can learn how to manage their emotions using yoga, mindful breathing exercises, lovingkindness meditation, and color meditation.
Overcoming Fear With Self-Esteem
Another key topic addressed in the movie is how to overcome fear by feeling better about ourselves. Bridget is a Bergen who struggles with her unappealing looks and feels badly about her lowly job as a maid. She is pretty down on herself until Poppy and the other trolls dress her up and even use themselves to give Bridget beautiful rainbow hair. She wins the king’s love and realizes that she is special and important, even without the fancy clothes and rainbow hair.
We can use this scene to talk to our children about loving and appreciating themselves, no matter their flaws. Let’s teach our children that when we know our purpose and have confidence in who we are, we can go out in the world and accomplish our goals, which will ultimately lead to finding true happiness.
Positive Peer Pressure
The movie also focuses on how vital friends are in boosting our mood and making us feel happier. Poppy was persistent in trying to cheer up Branch throughout the movie. Eventually, her hard work paid off so much so that he found happiness and then channeled it to make Poppy feel better as well. Scientific research in the world of positive psychology indicates that one of the most critical components of happiness is the relationships we have with others.
I can honestly say that I was crying happy tears by the end of this movie. I was so incredibly grateful for the writers and artists who put this film together because it truly is an incredible teaching tool for our children. It is uplifting, inspiring, energetic, and colorful. With so many lessons about how we can live happier lives, I have a feeling that my family will be watching this movie many more times in the future.
Bonus Tidbit: Color plays an enormous role in this movie and in our lives. The creators clearly put a huge emphasis on color because it can really change how we feel. Learn how to improve your child’s mood with colors.
I love this post and the way you used the movie to highlight everyday issues that are so real and so prevalent in peoples’ lives. Sadly, these aren’t issues for kids alone, and this is why even adults can benefit from movies of this caliber. I loved your mention of Inside Out as another great source of emotional intelligence too - that was an amazing movie that led to some powerful discussion between my daughters and I.
I need to see this one! Loved Inside out and Zootopia, the stories were much deeper and emotional than most of the drama movies I saw this year.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Ana,
http://www.365beautytips.com
I still have to watch the movie. I am enjoying the deep lessons that today’s animations are bringing to our children. I find them very deep and often sit in wonder as I watch these movies. I can’t wait to see the Trolls. Thanks for also sharing your thoughts on the movie. It’s good to hear good reviews
we love this movie one of my grand-daughters favorites and yes these lessons are important in life
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Wow! This post took the words right out of my mouth. When me and my 8yo went to see Trolls I had no idea the message would be so profound, I loved it!
Thank you for showing me I was not alone with those feelings.
Aja Alia
http://fashionfetishandflavor.com/
I’m so glad to see wholesome programs and movies that are giving kids positive lessons. I’m glad they mixed bullying in the theme with that becoming a growing problem with kids and teens these days.
Now you have me wanting to see the movie!
It’s amazing how all these hidden messages are in a kids film . Perfect time to learn life lessons
I look forward to watching it with my kids and talking to them about these topics. Thanks for the encouragement to open up real conversations with them.
I loved this movie and so did my kids. And I love all the Trolls swag!
I loved Inside Out. Most of it was over my kids’ heads and I think Trolls will be as well.
I don’t remember Trolls being scary in the 80s. I remember their wild and crazy hair and naked little dolls. Haha.
Great post!
I’ve been so excited about this movie, but then since it came out have not had the opportunity to take my four year old daughter to see it yet. Hoping to make it before it leaves theaters….the clocks ticking I know.