Much like the Peruvian bear himself, the movie Paddington (2014) is a warm and cozy film that feels like the perfect companion for the fall and Christmas seasons. With some cookies and hot chocolate on the side, with some warm lighting, you will surely enter a state of serendipity. From the moment Paddington arrives in London until he puts on his iconic rich blue duffle coat with wooden toggle buttons, along with his red hat, the movie envelops you in a comforting embrace. The autumnal cityscapes of Windsor Gardens and London create a visually pleasing atmosphere that matches the heartwarming story.
Beyond its charm, Paddington carries a deeper meaning that resonates particularly well with this season, a time that is often associated with family and acceptance. At its very core, the story is about belonging and the challenges of trying to fit into a new environment. Paddington is an immigrant bear from Peru who represents anyone who feels a bit out of place, trying to seek a new beginning. His encounter with the Brown family, a very dynamic family in fact, highlights the themes of empathy and openheartedness, reinforcing the concept of a ‘found family’, the idea that family isn’t just about blood ties, but about the love and care people show each other. As Mr.Brown had said: “It doesn’t matter that he comes from the other side of the world, or that he’s a different species, or that he has a worrying marmalade habit. We love Paddington, and that makes him family.”. However, Mr.Brown at the beginning of the movie would not believe that he himself said this. In fact, he was portrayed as a very stern and pragmatic character, upholding his beliefs as to what a father is. Contrastingly, Mrs. Brown was a very whimsical and fantastical character as she was a children’s book writer. Their children, Judy and Jonathon Brown, were interesting characters of their own. Judy faced anxiety and embarrassment as she had just entered her teenage years, and Jonathon was a free-spirited and quite chaotic kid who felt trapped at home due to his father’s stern measures. Though they had loved each other very much, they were simultaneously diverse, making them incompatible and creating a divide. Paddington had changed this narrative. His distinct background and his wondrous charm had won over the Browns and made their home a much warmer place.
An interesting aspect of this is how the movie emphasized this through using color. At the start, the house was colorful and vibrant, which represented the new beginning for Paddington; however, when Paddington departed, the house was cold and blue, and when Paddington returned, the house was warm with yellow/orange hues.
Adding to the already fruitful storyline, Paddington bursts with comedic charm. The humor is both lighthearted and clever. Whether it's Paddington’s misadventures in an unfamiliar city or the playful interactions with the Brown family, the film balances comedic scenes and heartwarming scenes. The Peruvian bear himself is endearing, a little awkward, and endlessly optimistic, which makes every step, whether a misstep, of his journey, delightful.