9. Finding Nemo (2003)
Finding Nemo was a 2003 release by Pixar and was directed by Wall-E creator Andrew Stanton. Starring the voicing talents of Albert Brooks as Marlin, Ellen Degeneres as Dory and Alexander Gold as Nemo, the story follows the ever curious Nemo who deciding to ignore his fathers warnings, swims into waters where he is captured by divers and placed in a fishtank in a dental practice. The ever protective and neurotic Watler's then must race to find his son while encountering the dangers of the open seas. The story, while very conventional manages to branch two separate plots strands and devises its own varying personality in each. Marlin's journey across the sea is littered with a range of characters, from friendly to dangerous all the while accompanied by the friendly Dory. Her volatile memory but caring disposition is a good contrast against the anxious, desperation of Marlin. While Nemos story is far more contained and almost claustrophobic in that it takes place entirely in a fishtank. The heist like plans to escape are brilliantly done and demonstrates the sheer contrast between each story, yet both contain the same ultimate goal of rediscovery and love. The animation is absolutely stunning; there really is no other superlative to describe the vibrancy under the sea. While The Little Mermaid harnessed the potential of colour, Finding Nemo spots its point in refining it, bringing depth and a polished sheen to provide one of the prettiest aesthetics in film. Coral reefs are brought to life, plants and fauna glisten and other fish are portrayed as either cuddly and cute or frighteningly evil, everything is beautifully presented. When the film shifts to a darkened environment, there is the sense of being unable to see past the character, unable to distinguish any figure, while in the brightness, the scale of the ocean can be fully realised. This shifting of perspective is brilliantly done. Ultimately, Finding Nemo manages to find a perfect equilibrium of appealing to both children and adults. Its message of love, loss and hope is welcoming and like Up, Finding Nemo begins with a particularly evocative opening that automatically inspires sympathy and a lasting connection with the characters. A glorious piece of cinema, heres hoping the sequel is just as good.