Soul (2020)

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In the ending of the movie "Soul," Joe Gardner finally realizes the importance of living in the moment and appreciating life's simple pleasures. After a transformative journey, he decides to return to Earth, ready to embrace his life with a new perspective. 22, having found her spark, chooses to go to Earth as well, excited to experience life for the first time.

As the story unfolds, Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher with dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician, has been on a journey that takes him from the afterlife back to Earth. After a series of events that lead him to understand the value of life beyond just pursuing dreams, he finds himself in a moment of clarity.

In the final scenes, Joe is given a second chance at life. He stands on a rooftop, looking out over the city, filled with a sense of gratitude and appreciation. He reflects on his experiences and the lessons learned, feeling a deep connection to the world around him. He is ready to live fully, embracing every moment.

Meanwhile, 22, who has been a lost soul throughout the film, finally discovers her passion and purpose. After spending time with Joe and learning about the beauty of life, she finds her spark and is ready to experience Earth. As she prepares to go, she expresses her excitement and curiosity about what lies ahead.

The film concludes with Joe returning to his life, filled with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for the little things. He walks into the jazz club, ready to perform, but this time with a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live. The final moments emphasize the importance of enjoying life's journey, rather than just focusing on the destination.

As the film "Soul" reaches its conclusion, the narrative unfolds with a series of poignant scenes that encapsulate the characters' growth and the overarching themes of the story.

Scene 1: Joe Gardner, having navigated the complexities of the afterlife and his own existential crisis, stands on a rooftop in New York City. The skyline stretches before him, a vibrant tapestry of life. He takes a deep breath, feeling the pulse of the city, a stark contrast to the sterile environment of the Great Before. This moment signifies his newfound appreciation for life, a culmination of his journey.

Scene 2: In a reflective moment, Joe recalls his experiences with 22, the soul who had been reluctant to find her purpose. He remembers their adventures, the lessons learned, and the joy of simple moments. The weight of his previous obsession with success begins to lift, replaced by a sense of gratitude for the everyday experiences that make life rich.

Scene 3: Meanwhile, 22 is preparing to embark on her journey to Earth. She stands in the Great Before, filled with excitement and nervousness. The other souls around her buzz with anticipation, but 22 is uniquely ready. She has discovered her spark through her time with Joe, realizing that life is not just about finding a singular purpose but about experiencing the world in all its complexity.

Scene 4: As Joe is given the opportunity to return to Earth, he feels a mix of emotions--excitement, fear, and a profound sense of responsibility. He understands that this second chance is not just about pursuing his dreams of being a jazz musician but about living fully and appreciating every moment. He reflects on the lessons learned from 22, recognizing that life is about connection, joy, and the little things that often go unnoticed.

Scene 5: The moment arrives for Joe to step back into his life. He finds himself in the jazz club, the stage set for his performance. As he walks on stage, he feels a sense of calm and purpose. The audience is there, but this time, he is not just playing for recognition; he is playing for the love of music and the joy it brings. The notes flow from him, infused with a new understanding of what it means to truly live.

Scene 6: The film closes with 22 entering the world for the first time. She is filled with wonder and curiosity, ready to explore the beauty of life. The screen captures her first moments on Earth, filled with vibrant colors and sounds, symbolizing the endless possibilities that await her.

In the final moments, Joe and 22 have both transformed. Joe has learned to embrace life beyond his ambitions, while 22 has discovered her spark and is eager to experience the world. The film ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and cherishing the journey of life, rather than merely focusing on the destination.

Yes, "Soul" features a post-credit scene that adds a light-hearted touch to the film's themes.

As the credits roll, the scene opens with Joe Gardner, who has recently returned to Earth after his transformative experience in the Great Before. He is seen walking through the streets of New York City, filled with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for life. The vibrant city is alive with music and energy, reflecting Joe's newfound outlook.

In this scene, Joe encounters a group of musicians playing in a park. He watches them with a smile, feeling the rhythm and joy of the moment. The camera then shifts to show 22, the soul who had accompanied Joe on his journey, now in the Great Before. She is seen exploring her own interests and passions, having finally found her spark.

The scene captures the essence of the film's message about living life to the fullest and finding joy in the little things. It concludes with a sense of hope and possibility, emphasizing that both Joe and 22 are on their own paths to discovering what it means to truly live.

Joe Gardner is a middle school music teacher with a deep passion for jazz music. His profession reflects his internal struggle between pursuing his dreams and fulfilling societal expectations. He feels unfulfilled in his teaching job, longing for the opportunity to perform on stage as a jazz musician, which drives his motivation throughout the film.

Joe Gardner falls into a manhole after experiencing a life-changing moment when he finally gets a chance to perform with his jazz idol, Dorothea Williams. In the Great Before, he meets 22, a soul who has never found her passion for life. Joe learns about the importance of living in the moment and appreciating the small joys of life, which contrasts with his previous obsession with achieving his dreams.

22 is a soul who has been in the Great Before for a long time and has never found her 'spark' to live on Earth. Throughout the film, she embarks on a journey with Joe, experiencing life through his eyes. Initially cynical and disinterested, 22 gradually learns to appreciate the beauty of life, ultimately discovering her own spark and desire to live.

Music is central to Joe Gardner's identity and serves as a means of expression and connection. His love for jazz drives his ambition and shapes his character. Throughout the film, music becomes a vehicle for Joe's emotional growth, allowing him to connect with 22 and understand the value of life beyond just achieving his dreams.

Joe's relationship with his mother, Libba, is complex and deeply influential. She wants him to have a stable career and often discourages his dreams of being a musician, which creates tension between them. This dynamic highlights Joe's internal conflict between pursuing his passion and adhering to his mother's expectations, ultimately leading him to realize the importance of following his own path.

"Soul," produced in 2020, is generally considered family-friendly, but there are a few elements that might be potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Themes of Death and Existentialism: The film explores deep themes related to life, death, and the purpose of existence. These concepts may be complex and potentially unsettling for younger audiences.

2. Visual Representation of the Afterlife: The depiction of the afterlife and the "Great Before" features abstract and surreal visuals that might be confusing or frightening for some children.

3. Emotional Moments: There are scenes that evoke strong emotions, such as feelings of loss, disappointment, and longing, which may resonate deeply and could be upsetting for sensitive viewers.

4. Character Struggles: The protagonist, Joe Gardner, faces significant personal challenges and moments of despair, which may be intense for younger viewers to process.

5. Minor Scary Elements: Some characters, particularly the "lost souls," are portrayed in a way that could be perceived as eerie or unsettling.

Overall, while "Soul" is designed to be uplifting and thought-provoking, parents may want to consider these elements when deciding if it is suitable for their children.