This movie is about the life of Frida Kahlo, who grew up in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico, and is considered one of the most charismatic artists of the twentieth century. She is also a symbol of strength, resilience, and creativity. The feminist expressed herself through her unique blending of various painting styles, including Expressionism, Surrealism, and Mexican Culture. She revolutionized modern art.
The animation is colorful, and the voice actors vividly bring the characters to life, featuring Emma Rodriguez as a young Frida, and Olivia Ruiz as the adult version of Frida. And Olivia Ruiz pens the catchy song, “Hola Frida”, as well as performing the peppy song.
Sophie Faucher voices Frida’s mother, Matilde, and she is a firm but guiding hand to her daughter, as is her kind father, who is a photographer. The opening sequence features animation and a monkey swiping Frida’s paint brush. Imagination will help Frida navigate the difficult times of her life including several battles regarding her health.
In the beginning, a legend of their culture is shared by Matilde, of a god of wind, rain, and sun, and when their ancestors prayed to him to send rain, hail arrived in its place, and it destroyed their crops. The next time they prayed it is said this god understood them and the clouds took the forms of animals to communicate with them. One morning as Frida wakes up, she says, “Buenos Dias, Mr. Sun.” She is carrying a drawing to class and the wind captures it, blowing it away from her. She winds up injuring her leg while retrieving the drawing from a tree and she is fitted with a leg brace. Ultimately, Frida is diagnosed with poliomyelitis, and it is her imagination that helps her cope with her various physical battles. She is also diagnosed with epilepsy in one scene. Before she learns that painting is her true calling, she has aspirations of becoming a doctor.
Frida continues to deal with hardship, including a boy at school who says, “Bak! Bak! Bak!” and refers to her as “Chicken Leg,” because her bad leg is thinner than the other one. But this film does a good job in showing Frida’s perseverance and fortitude as she and the boy eventually become friends – a positive point that parents can focus on.
She keeps working in order to improve her bad leg, and she actually enters a roller skating race. We won’t give any spoilers, but she shows a winning spirit.
Content Analysis: The movie does show two crosses in a scene, but the worldview is not overtly Christian. In fact, a talisman is mentioned for Frida to place around her wrist. It is supposed to absorb negative thoughts and transform the thoughts into courage. And Frida is told she can pass this on one day to her children. In addition, the Day of the Dead is celebrated, in which the dead are honored, and it’s stated that the dead spirits can help guide the living. In one scene there is talk about giving food to a deceased grandmother so she can enjoy the food in the afterlife. Prayer is mentioned once in the movie.
Think About It: Obviously there are some good discussion points for parents to chat with their children about, including what the Bible says about praying and the afterlife, compared to the traditions held in this movie. Also, the fact that forgiveness and perseverance are themes in the movie and how these virtues are essential to living a good Christian life. There is a sequence about crossing over to the other side, the side of the dead, and the “flower bridge” of crossing over is briefly discussed. Speaking of the hope that Christ gives in entering the next life would be a good discussion point regarding this particular scene. Also, as Frida is diagnosed with epilepsy in one scene, dealing with physical ailments is also a good discussion topic. The line about fear and doubt can drag us down is another worthy topic for discussion. Fans of Frida Kahlo’s work will enjoy the biography sections near the end of the movie.
The Dove Take: Kids can relate to the kids in this entertaining movie, based on the accomplishments of a real-life painter who overcame great odds to leave a lasting impression behind. We are awarding this TV-G movie our Dove Seal for All Ages, with the caution that parents should consult our content listing to make their own informed decisions regarding their kids viewing it.
