đĒļ Story & Synopsis
In the animated fantasy film “Coraline,” viewers are introduced to 11-year-old Coraline Jones, who finds herself adjusting to life in the Pink Palace apartments in Ashland, Oregon, after moving from Pontiac, Michigan. Her parents, Mel and Charlie, are engrossed in their work, leaving Coraline feeling neglected and bored. Exploring her new surroundings, Coraline encounters a black cat and Wybie, the landlady’s grandson, who gifts her a lookalike ragdoll that piques her curiosity.
Following a jumping mouse one night, Coraline discovers a small door hidden behind wallpaper, leading her to the mysterious Other World. In this alternate universe, Coraline is greeted by button-eyed doppelgängers of her parents who shower her with attention and lavish meals. Initially enchanted by the seemingly perfect world, Coraline soon realizes that things are not as they seem.
As Coraline delves deeper into the Other World, she uncovers the sinister truth behind the button-eyed inhabitants and their intentions. The Other Mother, a manipulative entity disguised as Coraline’s caring counterpart, attempts to trap Coraline in the alternate reality by enticing her with a permanent stay in exchange for a chilling sacrifice – sewing buttons over her eyes.
Resolute in her refusal to succumb to the Other Mother’s deceitful charms, Coraline must muster her courage and wit to navigate the treacherous realm and rescue her real parents from the clutches of the malevolent entity. With the help of a sassy talking cat, Coraline embarks on a perilous journey to outsmart the Other Mother and safeguard her family.
Against a backdrop of eerie landscapes and uncanny encounters, Coraline’s resilience and determination are put to the test as she confronts the darkest corners of the Other World to secure her freedom and protect her loved ones. The film weaves a tale of bravery, self-discovery, and the enduring power of family bonds as Coraline faces her fears and fights to reclaim her reality from the sinister forces that seek to ensnare her.
đ§ Cast & Crew
Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, Robert Bailey Jr., Ian McShane
Actor | Role |
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Dakota Fanning | Coraline Jones |
Teri Hatcher | Melanie “Mel” Jones and The Beldam (The Other Mother) |
Jennifer Saunders | April Spink and her Other World counterpart |
Dawn French | Miriam Forcible and her Other World counterpart |
John Hodgman | Charles “Charlie” Jones and The Other Father |
Robert Bailey Jr. | Wyborne “Wybie” Lovat |
Keith David | The Cat |
Ian McShane | Sergei Alexander Bobinsky and his Other World counterpart |
Carolyn Crawford | Mrs. Lovat |
Aankha Neal, George Selick, Hannah Kaiser | The Ghost Children |
Marina Budovsky, Harry Selick | Coraline’s friends back in Pontiac, Michigan |
đŦ Reviews and feedback
Are you ready to dive into the whimsical, yet spine-chilling world of “Coraline”? This movie is like a box of chocolates – except some of those chocolates might just jump out and give you a scare! Let’s take a journey down the button-eyed rabbit hole and uncover the hidden gems of this dark fantasy horror tale.
From the get-go, “Coraline” serves up a buffet of eerie scenes and images that are sure to make even adults peeking through their fingers. It’s like walking through a haunted house while wearing 3D glasses – every corner holds a new surprise that sends shivers down your spine. But fear not, dear viewer, for in this case, being spooked is all part of the fun!
The heart of “Coraline” beats with a powerful message about the dangers of falling for appearances and the importance of staying true to oneself. Through the haunting visual motif of button eyes, the film delves into themes of manipulation, conformity, and the need to look beyond what meets the eye. It’s a cautionary tale wrapped in a dark, fantastical package that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.
As Coraline navigates her twisted parallel universe, she faces challenges that mirror our own struggles with identity and self-discovery. It’s like watching a twisted version of “Alice in Wonderland,” where our heroine learns some hard truths about herself while dodging creepy button-eyed versions of her loved ones.
The acting in “Coraline” shines brighter than Coraline’s magical garden. The characters leap off the screen with depth and emotion, making you root for them even as they send chills down your spine. Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Coraline captures both her bravery and vulnerability, adding layers to this already rich tapestry of storytelling.
- Binge-watching Tip: Watch “Coraline” with all the lights on if you’re feeling brave enough!
The direction by Henry Selick weaves together a spellbinding visual feast that dances between whimsy and terror. Each frame is meticulously crafted, drawing you deeper into Coraline’s nightmarish adventure. The production design deserves special mention for creating a world that is both enchanting and unsettling – like stepping into a twisted fairy tale come to life.
The special effects in “Coraline” are top-notch, adding an extra layer of magic to this already enchanting tale. From the intricate details on every button-eyed character to the mesmerizing Other World, every visual element feels like it has been plucked straight from a dream (or perhaps a nightmare).
- Binge-watching Tip: Keep an eye out for subtle details in each scene – you never know what hidden gems you might uncover!
The pace of “Coraline” keeps you on the edge of your seat without ever feeling rushed. It’s like riding a rollercoaster through a haunted house – thrilling, chilling, and utterly captivating from start to finish.
The dialogues sparkle with wit and charm, adding an extra layer of depth to each character. Whether it’s Coraline exchanging barbs with her eccentric neighbors or facing off against the sinister Other Mother, every word spoken feels like it carries weight in this dark fairy tale.
In conclusion, “Coraline” is not just another animated movie – it’s a haunting masterpiece that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve bid farewell to its button-eyed characters. So grab your popcorn (and maybe an extra night light), buckle up for a wild ride through this dark fantasy world!
Rating: 9/10
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Visually stunning animation | Likely to scare children with its dark and creepy themes |
Strong message about staying true to oneself | May be too intense for young viewers |
Exploration of manipulation and dangers of conformity | Some scenes might be too frightening for sensitive individuals |
Engaging storyline with a unique twist | Not a traditional feel-good children’s movie |
Excellent voice acting performances | Does not feel the same as the original book |
Feedback
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Coraline (film) - Wikipedia
Coralineis a 2009 American stop-motion animated dark fantasy film written and directed by Henry Selick, based on Neil Gaiman’s novella of the same name. Produced by Laika, as the studio’s first feature film, it features the voice talents of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, John Hodgman, Robert Bailey Jr., and Ian McShane. The musical score is by Bruno Coulais. The film tells the story of its eponymous character discovering an idealized alternate universe behind a secret door in her new home, unaware that it contains something dark and sinister.
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Watch Coraline | Prime Video - amazon.com
OSCARÂŽ nominee
Coraline
A secret doorway leads a little girl into a fantastic alternate world that is both dazzling and dangerous in this animated tale.X-RayPG
Subtitles CcAudio Descriptions
The price before discount is the median price for the last 90 days. Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 7 days to finish once started.
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Coraline | Rotten Tomatoes
Critics ReviewsAudience ReviewsRelated Movie NewsVideosCoralinePhotosCoralineMore Like ThisMovie Info
- Director
- Henry Selick
- Producer
- Bill Mechanic,Claire Jennings,Henry Selick,Mary Sandell
- Screenwriter
- Henry Selick
- Distributor
- Focus Features
- Production Co
- Pandemonium,Laika,Focus Features
- Rating
- PG (Some Language|Suggestive Humor|Scary Images|Thematic Elements)
- Genre
- Kids & Family,Fantasy,Animation
- Original Language
- English
- Release Date (Theaters)
- Feb 6, 2009, Wide
- Rerelease Date (Theaters)
- Aug 15, 2024
- Release Date (Streaming)
- Feb 12, 2014
- Box Office (Gross USA)
- $75.3M
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
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Coraline (2009) Official Trailer - Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher Movie ...
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Coraline (2009) - Plot - IMDb
- Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, an 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
- When Coraline moves to an old house, she feels bored and neglected by her parents. She finds a hidden door with a bricked up passage. During the night, she crosses the passage and finds a parallel world where everybody has buttons instead of eyes, with caring parents and all her dreams coming true. When the Other Mother invites Coraline to stay in her world forever, the girl refuses and finds that the alternate reality where she is trapped is only a trick to lure her.âClaudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Coraline moves to a new home where she feels bored and alone. She finds a bricked up passage in the wall, but during the night it opens up. She discovers a world that seems to be an alternate version of her life with only one slight difference- everything is better. And everyone has buttons for eyes. Coraline’s “other mother” invites her to stay forever if she lets her sew buttons, and Coraline begins to realize that this alternate universe is a trick to lure her in so her Other Mother can essentially “eat up her soul.” She has to rescue her parents from the Other Mother and make it home safely, relying on her tricks- and the help of a sassy talking cat, naturally.âsavrudy
- A 11 year-old girl named Coraline just moved to her new house in the summer and thought that her house will be so boring. At midnight, Coraline found a door leading to a world that’s better. Soon, Her family and neighbors started to act very creepy, even The Other Mother. Coraline must stop the Other Mother and save her real parents.
- A young girl walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life – only much better. But when her adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents (including Other Mother) try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.âMegan
- As the credits appear, a pair of metallic hands with spindly fingers summons a doll from the dark abyss outside a window. The hands dismantle the doll, which is wearing a pink dress and has curly brown hair, and reassemble it into a new doll with blue hair, a yellow raincoat, and galoshes. Then they send it back into the void.Coraline Jones (voice: Dakota Fanning), a girl of 11 or so, moves with her parents, Mel and Charlie (voices: Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman), from their house in Michigan to their new home at the Pink Palace Apartments in Oregon. It is a rather dilapidated pink Victorian house divided into three flats, surrounded by forest and shaded by an almost constantly overcast sky. While her parents assist the movers, Coraline goes exploring, taking a stick and using it as a dowsing rod. She lets it guide her along a trail beyond the house until she arrives at the top of the hill. A black cat emerges from the woods and studies her on its perch. Coraline asks if it knows where the old well is before she is startled by an air horn. A bicyclist wearing a skull-painted helmet appears and circles Coraline. After she knocks him off his bike, he removes his helmet and introduces himself as Wybie — short for Wyborne — Lovat (voice: Robert Bailey Jr.), grandson of the owner of the Pink Palace. He shows Coraline the location of the old well, right under her feet, and admits surprise that his grandmother would allow a family with a kid to move in; not even he is allowed near the Pink Palace, though he says he’s not supposed to explain why. He pets the cat and explains that he cares for it despite the fact that it’s feral before he hears his grandmother calling to him. He mounts his bike and informs Coraline that the stick she’s holding is actually poison oak.Back at the house, as it starts to rain, Coraline attempts to gain the attention of her parents who are busy writing pieces for a gardening catalog (which Coraline finds absurdly ironic since her parents dislike handling dirt). Her mother gives Coraline a doll that looks just like her, telling her that it was left on their porch. Attached to the doll is a note from Wybie explaining that he found it in his grandmother’s trunk and thought she would like it since it looks like her. Coraline takes the doll and goes to see her father who tells her to explore the house and write down what she sees … as long as she will let him work. Doll in hand, Coraline takes note of everything in their flat, including a painting of a sullen-looking boy in blue clothes above the fireplace. Finishing her notes, she discovers that her doll, which she’d left on a nearby table in the drawing room, has mysteriously moved beneath a mattress leaning against the wall. Coraline moves the mattress to find the outline of a small door behind the wallpaper. Noticing a keyhole and no other way to open it, Coraline begs her mother to help her. They find a black skeleton key in a kitchen drawer with a button end and find that it fits the keyhole perfectly. However, when they open the door, they see nothing but a solid brick wall. Irritated, Coraline’s mother tells her to let her finish her work.That evening, Coraline is sent to bed early after complaining about the grimy-looking dinner her father prepared. In the middle of the night, she is awoken by a squeaking sound and looks down to see a mouse in her room. She follows it out of her room and downstairs to the drawing room where it disappears behind the small door in the wall which has been cracked open. Coraline opens the door and discovers that a wide and colorful passage has opened up. She crawls through it and emerges out the other end to find herself in the drawing room again, however, this one is brighter and even the painting of the boy above the fireplace looks cheerful. She smells something from the kitchen and wanders over to find her mother cooking. When her mother turns to greet her, Coraline sees that she has black buttons for eyes. Coraline’s shock subsides when her ‘mother’ explains that she’s her Other Mother and that everyone has one. She tells Coraline to collect her Other Father in his study before dinner. Coraline obliges and finds her Other Father, looking lively and fun, playing piano with a pair of puppet hands protruding from it. He sings a song for Coraline, bringing a smile to her face, before they all sit down to dinner.The Other World food is delightful and served with plenty of flair. Coraline can hardly contain her excitement at finding that her Other parents are more fun than her real ones, showing their enjoyment for mud and explaining that it’s a natural remedy for poison oak. When Other Mother offers to play a game, Coraline expresses concern that she’d better go back home and to bed. Other Mother takes Coraline up to her ‘other’ room, which is strewn with colored streamers and toys that speak, including a picture on her nightstand with her two best friends from Michigan (voices: Harry Selick and Marina Budovsky). Her Other Mother rubs mud on the poison oak on her hands before putting Coraline to bed. Coraline quickly falls asleep. She wakes up the next morning to find herself back in her old room. She is disappointed but sees that the poison oak has disappeared from her hands. When she tries to open the small door again, she finds that it’s bricked up as before.She tries to tell her parents all about her adventures the previous night, but they dismiss it as a vivid dream. Her mother suggests she tell her dream to the actresses living downstairs, although she calls them ding-bats. Out on the porch, Coraline trips over a pile of mail addressed to a Mr. Bobinsky; the man who lives upstairs. She goes to his door but is prevented entry by the eccentric Bobinsky (voice: Ian McShane), a tall and acrobatic Russian man with a blue complexion; possibly due to his role in the Chernobyl cleanup which is indicated by the medal worn on his shirt. He accepts the packages which contain foul-smelling cheese. He tells Coraline (whom he misnames ‘Caroline’) that he is training circus mice and hopes the cheese will alleviate their apparent musical difficulties. Before Coraline leaves, he leaps down from his balcony to issue a warning from his mice: “They say, ‘do not go through little door’.”Halfway accepting her experiences as nothing but a dream, Coraline dismisses the message and heads to the lower flat to visit Miss Spink and Miss Forcible (voices: Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French), two retired burlesque actresses who clearly have not gotten over their past days. Coraline is offered tea as the actresses reminisce and tend to their many Scottie dogs, some of which are dead and stuffed on shelves on the wall, dressed in ang
â ī¸ Explanation (Spoiler)
In “Coraline,” the 2009 stop motion animated film directed by Henry Selick, the story revolves around a young girl named Coraline who discovers a portal in her apartment leading to a magical duplicate of her home. This parallel world is tended to by the Other Mother, who resembles Coraline’s real mother but with button eyes. The Other Mother’s intention is to lure children into her web, steal their humanity, and drain them of their life force over time.
The Pink Palace, where Coraline and her family move, is a gloomy and isolated place surrounded by a sense of decay and lifelessness. Coraline, with her vibrant appearance, stands out in this drab environment, symbolizing her search for a sense of belonging and home in a world where she feels like an outcast.
As Coraline explores her new surroundings, she encounters eccentric neighbors like Mr. Bobinsky, who trains mice for the circus, and retired actresses Miss Spink and Miss Forcible. Despite the colorful characters, the Pink Palace and its surroundings exude a feeling of something sinister lurking beneath the surface, hinting at the dark secrets hidden within the walls.
Throughout the film, Coraline longs for love, affection, and excitement, feeling neglected by her busy parents and isolated in her new home. Her journey is one of self-discovery and bravery as she navigates the dangers of the Other Mother’s world and learns the importance of family and home.
With its intricate plot, rich visuals, and themes of courage and resilience, “Coraline” is a captivating tale that appeals to both children and adults, offering a mix of fantasy, mystery, and adventure wrapped in a visually stunning animated masterpiece.
đĒ Parents Guide & Age Rating
PG
Age Rating: PG
Parental Guide for Coraline Movie:
Sex and Nudity:
There are no explicit sexual content or nudity in the movie. The film focuses more on dark and eerie themes rather than any sexual elements.
Violence and Gore:
The movie contains some intense and scary scenes involving fantastical creatures and situations. There are moments of peril, suspense, and creepy imagery that may be disturbing for young or sensitive viewers.
Profanity:
Some mild language and suggestive humor are present in the film. While not excessive, parents should be aware that there are instances of such language throughout the movie.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking:
There are no instances of alcohol, drugs, or smoking portrayed in the movie.
Frightening and Intense Scenes:
Coraline is known for its dark and eerie atmosphere, which may be unsettling for young children. The film’s themes and visuals can be intense, and the overall tone is more suited for older children who can handle suspenseful and creepy elements.
Parents should consider the maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch Coraline, as it is rated PG for thematic elements, scary images, some language, and suggestive humor. The movie may not be suitable for young or sensitive viewers due to its dark and eerie nature.
đē Streaming and where to watch
streaming service | extra information |
---|---|
Prime Video | Watch Coraline on Prime Video on Amazon.com. Rentals include 30 days to start watching and 7 days to finish once started. |
Apple TV | Coraline is available on Apple TV. Coraline Jones is bored in her new home until she finds a secret door that leads her into a world that’s just like her own… but better! The movie is categorized as Animation 2009, with a runtime of 1 hr 40 min and a 91% rating. |
â Quotes and Cult
Cat: Walk around the world.
Nobody is ever given more to shoulder than he or she can bear.
The names are the first things to go after the breath has gone and the beating of the heart. We keep our memories longer than our names.
Makin' up a song about Coraline/ She's a peach, she's a doll, she's a pal of mine/ She's as cute as a button in the eyes of everyone who's ever laid their eyes on Coraline/ When she comes around exploring/ Mom and I will never ever make it boring/ Our eyes will be on Coraline!
đ¤Coraline Reddit Talks
Coraline Movie Summary
“Coraline” is an animated film that explores the dangers of deception, illusion, and succumbing to appearances. It highlights the importance of questioning what lies beneath the surface and trusting one’s instincts.
Themes and Meanings
The film’s central theme is the value of parents and the illusion of perfection. It illustrates that even parents who may seem boring in an imperfect home are still valuable, and that it’s important to appreciate what one has. The film also warns against the dangers of seeking perfection, as it can lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction.
Critical Reception
Redditors generally have positive opinions about the movie Coraline. They praise it as an incredible animated film, with great voice acting, music, and visually stunning stop-motion animation.
Controversies and Concerns
Some adults find Coraline scary due to its fantastical alternate reality, which presents the same level of anticipated danger as the real world. The film also includes some creepy characters and acts that seem violent but don’t have graphic consequences, as well as some mild language and scantily dressed actresses.
Positive Reviews
Many Redditors love the Coraline movie for its well-written and well-drawn lead character, as well as its ability to bring the novel’s bizarre world to life without compromise. They appreciate the film’s unique style and its ability to approach a horror-based story in a unique way.
Negative Reviews
While most Redditors have positive opinions about Coraline, some have expressed concerns about its appropriateness for children. They argue that the film’s scary elements and mild violence may be too intense for younger viewers.
Overall
Coraline is a well-received animated film that explores important themes and offers a unique take on the horror genre. While it may be too scary for some children, it is generally considered to be an excellent film that is appealing to both children and adults.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/comments/13bo5gk/coraline_and_the_dangers_of_control/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/xz7ye7/coraline_is_an_incredible_animated_film/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/tnk65k/why_is_coraline_loved/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Coraline/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/p922ij/something_i_noticed_about_the_movie_coraline/
â Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coraline too scary for a 7-year-old?
There are many scenes and images in “Coraline” that are likely to scare children. It is recommended as the cultivation of fright can be a great pleasure of youthful moviegoing.
What is the message of the movie Coraline?
The message of “Coraline” is a stark warning about the seductive power of appearances and the importance of remaining vigilant and true to oneself. The film explores manipulation, dangers of conformity, and the need to see beyond surface appearances through the visual motif of button eyes.
Is Coraline a dark story?
Yes, “Coraline” is a dark fantasy horror children’s novella by British author Neil Gaiman.
What is the story behind the movie Coraline?
The film tells the story of its eponymous character discovering an idealized alternate universe behind a secret door in her new home, unaware that it contains something dark and sinister.
What is the main point of Coraline?
The strong themes in this story are home, appreciating what you have, and courage. Coraline learns to love her imperfect home and to be strong and fight for those she loves.
Why does Coraline have button eyes?
For Coraline to remain in the other world, she must allow her eyes to be stitched over with buttons. Once she refuses, the world begins to twist and become darker as she sees it for the trap it is.
đ Recommended Movie and TV Show
Here is a list of movies similar to Coraline:
- Spirited Away: A young girl finds herself trapped in a mysterious and magical world.
- Edward Scissorhands: A gentle man with scissors for hands tries to navigate the complexities of suburban life.
- Pan’s Labyrinth: In post-Civil War Spain, a young girl discovers a mysterious labyrinth and encounters mythical creatures.
- The City of Lost Children: A dark fantasy film about a mad scientist who kidnaps children to steal their dreams.
- Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit: A stop-motion animated film about a man and his intelligent dog solving a vegetable-related mystery.
- Where the Wild Things Are: A boy escapes to a fantasy land inhabited by large creatures after feeling misunderstood at home.
- James and the Giant Peach: A young boy embarks on a magical adventure inside a giant peach.
- Anomalisa: A unique stop-motion animated film exploring themes of isolation and human connection.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas: A stop-motion musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick with a dark and whimsical tone.
- Corpse Bride: Another stop-motion animated film directed by Tim Burton, featuring a dark and romantic story.