I will start by being direct: GO SEE ELEMENTAL IN THE THEATER. Now I'll tell you why. Brenda is an amazing human, and Brenda more than deserves this win on her first full film. What do you want to hear about first? Brenda or her accomplishment with this film?
When I learned Brenda was the writer for this film, I had seen the trailers, and it totally tracked for me. Suddenly, the tone of these characters stood out from the regular Disney animated cars/ pets/ dog detectives, or whatever else they threw at me. Suddenly, I could see this film reflecting her personality so clearly, once I knew it was her creation. I won't give any spoilers, but this film reflects such emotional authenticity, even though I knew Brenda, now I KNEW Brenda. It is amazing to me - she has accomplished what all creatives truly desire to do, reflect their own stories through their work.
Brenda has always been one of the sweetest people on the planet, and that's why you know that the main character of this film is her. She was always sweet, and a bit quirky and creative. Far from being a straighlaced study all the time Asian student bound for medical school - we had peers who very much fit this stereotype. That's what makes me so excited for her to be releasing her full length feature film, that she beyond deserves it.
I really did not watch HIMYM, and did not really know Brenda was involved. However, I love that she consulted on Turning Red, and I can see her touches in that film now that I know that. She has never been someone who is loud, aggressive, or confrontational, so I know she has put in the work to prove herself, and that makes me proud of her accompilshments being recognized.
What the film Elemental did was paint the backstory of this friend. It painted a common experience of many immigrant families, and I saw her own story of conflict to go in a creative direction versus meeting the expectations of her sacrificial parents. A story so universal, I hope creates inspiration for others. Most definitely, simply, it is a story from the voice of a minority creative who has worked hard to learn her craft and earn her place in the industry. That is worth celebrating, and ensuring her continued success. That is why it is important for you to see the film, apart from all of the amazing reasons that it's a great film. We want Brenda to continue succeeding. As I said, she is not someone I have ever known to ask for things. She asked me to tell you all this! That means it must be VERY important to her, and I respect that.
Non-spoiler preview of characters: I love the humor, and subversion, that she created a male lead who cries. I think I've already said that if you see the film and connect with the main character, then you know Brenda. Hard working, loyal, reserved. Maybe a bit quirky and chaotic at times. If you love the character, then I hope you would also love Brenda.
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