when orson welles said, the cinema has no boundary; it is a ribbon of dreams
i felt that
I still remember all the films I watched as a child, and how they inspired me. Whenever I think about my childhood films and shows, sweet nostalgia arises in me. They are not just “kids’ films,” they were windows into different possibilities and avenues for my imagination to explore. These early cinematic encounters left a lasting imprint on me, some shaping my dreams. I would pause films to draw little doodles and drawings from scenes I enjoyed. These films morphed into dreams as I grew up.
In our formative years, the stories we watch onscreen often resonate deeply, blending beautifully with our own experiences and emotions. These films become a part of our narrative, influencing our sense of wonder, and understanding of the world and how we interpret our lives. The magic from these childhood films can linger, providing comfort, inspiration and sometimes even guiding principles as we navigate adulthood.
I want to share four of my favourite childhood films with you. Happy watching! Hopefully, it brings back sweet nostalgic memories!
sleeping beauty (1959)
Sleeping Beauty is a visual and auditory marvel, with its lush animation and Tchaikovsky’s spellbinding music. When I first watched this film, the dreamscape captured me in its embrace. The presence of magical elements from faires, and enchanted sleep aligned with my younger self’s dreams of boundless imagination. As a little girl, this film embodied the themes of coming-of-age and shining girlhood.
To me, the film’s narrative unfolds in a manner reminiscent of a dream. The seamless transitions between scenes and timeless story arc drew me into its magical world. The film blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, much like a dream does, allowing me to immerse myself in its enchanting storyline. I will always treasure Sleeping Beauty.
my fair lady (1964)
At its core, My Fair Lady is a film about dreams and transformation. Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, dreams of a better life and a high social standing. Her journey from the streets of London to the refined settings of high society is a modern-day fairy tale. Professor Henry Higgins’ experiment to transform Eliza into a “proper lady” through speech and etiquette lessons is akin to a magical transformation. It shows how inspiring it is when characters transcend their initial circumstances.
The first time I watched this as a small girl, I was completely enamoured by the elaborate sets, costumes and musical numbers that created a sense of magic and spectacle. The lavish costumes and meticulous choreography transformed ordinary events into extraordinary cinematic moments for me. My favourite songs in this film have to be ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ and ‘Just You Wait, Henry Higgins.’
mary poppins (1964)
The arrival of Mary Poppins brought the same sense of wonder in me that she brought into the lives of the Banks children, Jane and Michael. The narrative is filled with fantastical adventures. Its limitlessness in creating dreamlike worlds was captivating. When I first watched this film back in South Africa, I was very impressed with the blend of live-action with animated sequences, enhancing the magical quality.
The entire structure of Mary Poppins felt like a series of adventures, following from one story to the next. The storyline is cohesive and has an enchanting narrative. ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ and ‘Feed The Birds’ always left me with an overwhelming sense of wonder and joy. ‘Supercalifragilisticexpidalidocious’ is the most iconic song.
barbie fairytopia magic of the rainbow (2007)
I will always have a soft spot for the old Barbie films but this one has my heart. I adore it. It is amazing how animation brings fantastical elements to life in an immersive way. The film also resonates with the concept of girlhood and friendship. Throughout the film, Elina faces challenges, learns about the importance of teamwork and friendship, and gains confidence in her abilities.
Her character development reflects the transformative experiences often associated with girlhood, where dreams and aspirations begin to take shape. The film’s focus on female characters and their friendships shows the importance of girlhood and the unique experiences that come with it. The pacing and progression are perfect!
“I think cinema, movies, and magic have always been closely associated. The very earliest people who made film were magicians.” — Francis Ford Coppola
These recs are everything