Why Pixar's SOUL Is A MASTERPIECE | Soul Movie Review (SPOILER FREE) 

Seriously guys, DON'T sleep on Soul when it hits Disney+ AND don't sleep on this playlist of other great video essays! ➡️ ru-vid.com/group/PLKbDNu16yL9cvea4a-7B_gPy7Sh4htcuP

i was a mess watching this. throughout the film i obsessively thought what’s my spark? is it music, drama, writing, art, photography, filmmaking? and at the end of the movie, i was forced to come to terms with the fact that it didn’t matter. my spark isn’t my purpose. my life doesn’t get its meaning from what i’m good at. I really needed this movie.

I have just finished the movie and I have to say this right now, I am crying so hard. I have suffered from severe depression for nearly 5 years now, just 2 months ago I was really going to kill myself by jumping from a bridge and one of the things that were pushing me was the “what is the purpose of it all, we are all gonna die, might as well cut my suffering short” the only thing stopping me was my family and how they would feel but I was in a really dark dark place 2 months ago and even my family got overshadowed by my severe suicidal thoughts. I just felt like whatever I do, it will mean nothing in the grand scheme of things and even if I die, a year will pass and they will seldom remember my name. I recovered a bit but returned to an even darker place a few days ago and all the suicidal thoughts came rushing in, i heard about the movie and decided to give it a watch since I was interested in it’s themes. While watching it I really didn’t feel anything until a certain moment when “spoilers ahead”.....................................................................................22 realized that life is worth living and that her spark could be sky-looking or walking or eating or just living life, that moment hit me like a truck, while I am stuck in that destructive pattern of thinking, I failed to notice that my purpose could be just to live and make other people around love their lives and be happy and then the story by Dorothea came where she said that a fish seeking the ocean, not realizing that it is already in the ocean thinking that it’s only just water which is not false, it told me something very important, how our perception could shape our lives, the fish is searching for the ocean while failing to realize the reality, I am working to find purpose while failing to notice that by having my life, I already have that core purpose that I wanted to commit suicide over not having. This movie helped me a lot and helped me understand myself and my life much more and whenever I get severe suicidal thoughts, I will remind myself of this movie and it’s message. This is the best Christmas gift I could have ever had.

Now that it's here, I can confirm: This movie is AMAZING.

This was the movie I really needed right now. I went to school to become an animator. And even though I would still love to work in animation, I've had to learn the hard way that I'm just not cut out to be an animator. I feel like I'm a failure, and that I cant seem to do anything right. But I'm really good at writing, so now I am pursuing becoming a screenwriter. I may not be cut out to be an animator, but I can still work in animation. I feel like school and parents often teach that if you want a certain career there's only one way to do it, but that's totally untrue. You don't have to go to college, and the jobs you're good at may seem completely unrelated to what you want to do, but it might just be the 1st starting point. My brother wanted to be a microbiologist, he went to school for it. But he realized he was a really good salesman and now he works for a Nanotechnology company. He got the salesman job because of his passion that seemed completely unrelated.

It was better than I thought it would be. I hate that we’re bombarded with messages about finding your passions and purpose- but this wasn’t that. It was actually the opposite of that. And we need more messages like this.

I feel like the film has three very important messages: 1. Don’t obsess over developing your talent to the detriment of living/enjoying your life 2. Don’t allow feelings of “not enough” prevent you from socializing and sharing your thoughts with other people 3. Always be open to learning something new and see the world around you.

This is beyond a masterpiece. It's so sad we didn't see it in the cinemas. This is visually one of the most stunning animation movies in existence. I actually forgot I was watching something that wasn't and isn't real. The scene in the barbershop blew me away. Also the scenes on the streets. There is so many people in the background and they all seem to have their own personalities.

Your review is beautiful. This movie speaks so much to me. As a 36 year old single teacher who is "struggling to achieve something", sometimes I forgot to just enjoy the moment, live my day to the fullest and just be ready to live, you know, be out there. This is one of those pick-me-up movies that I will rewatch whenever I'm down or stressed out. Bravo Pixar.

*Writes an extensive video essay about a film's themes without spoiling* I'm impressed!

This movie made me shed a tear in a certain montage which many films can’t say they achieved. I tip my hat to this film.

I've been depressed and suicidal for years and cause it's Christmas and I don't have my dad around so it gets pretty bad but I just finished watching Soul and it made me cry but feel a little better. I'm glad I didn't sleep on this movie

This Deserves The Oscar Animated Feature Film

I feel like this film was written by someone who had access to my memories and deepest fears/anxieties. Affected way more than I thought it would.

Toy Story: Fantasy Soul: Realistic Fiction

Someone can fight me on this but, this is the most beautifully animated Pixar movie . It is stunning !

The reason why I’m interested in this movie is because of the premise. I love how this time the main character is a teacher which is something Pixar hasn’t done prior. I also love how he’s voiced by Jamie Foxx

This will probably be one the best movies that I will ever watch. Obviously this is not 100% real. But the animation and the story is amazing. I don’t really like Moana because it’s like every other princess movie. But for once this is an animated movie that the characters dont have powers, it’s about living. And it features a guy just wanting to live a life. And finally when he got to his highest point in life, something unfortunate happened, because stuff like that happens. Now he’s gotta try to find a way back. “Is this living really worth dying for?” Is one of the best Pixar quotes I have ever heard.

while Joe is dying the screen shows “Disney Pixar Presents:” but then it continues with the movie. No credits or anything after that screen until we get to the very end of the movie. When Joe Gardner walks out of his apartment alive that’s when they show the Title screen “Soul” because that’s when the story begins, now with his knowledge to live his life every moment.

As an aspiring teacher, this movie made me feel seen. I hope I can help a Curly or two find their spark one day :)

I didn't realize how much I needed to see it.

I just watched it, it is amazing! A real eye opener. It covers the main issue I have been dealing with for the last few years and the movie is like looking in a mirror. Will definetely watch it again.

I will definitely be watching with my family on Christmas day so I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed it so much.

Its a lil sad that people were going to pass on this because they saw the dancing blue blob and thought it was going to be for kids only. And sadly I was one of them. But I watched the film and I canNOT recommend it enough!

The great beyond scared me without even being a character

Just your analysis of the themes in this review got me emotional. I'm both completely unprepared and cannot wait for this one.

pixar doesnt miss. really challenges the traditional idea of “finding your purpose” instead of living being your purpose. my only real complaint was I felt that sometimes there were some really drastic tonal shifts from serious to comedy that were too abrupt. other than that I really enjoyed

I just watched the movie, I’m crying it was so beautifully written.

Pixar is one of the most great movie company’s ever

I watched soul just now, and the ending to me just felt..... bittersweet. I wanted to know what happens to 22 and Joe. My heart felt heavy and unsatisfied. Which Soul was the first Pixar movie that ever made me feel that way. Maybe that's why, we don't know what happens to them cause they still have a story to tell, a life to live. Maybe that's why it feels like the ending is in the middle and the rest is just"to be continued". And it feels nice to not have another similar ending as many Pixar movies do, but it's a good movie nonetheless (Though I wish joe was the one to become a lost soul monster thing, he was acting pretty selfish during the middle of the movie)

I love that one of Soul’s central points is that people don’t have a singular purpose, at least not in the way we often are led to believe. Your reason for existence isn’t your art form, talent, or career, you exist to live and to make connections with other people. It’s my personal belief that we exist for each other. That the path for my life isn’t to go to a certain college, get a certain degree, and get to a certain position in a certain career, but to go and to meet people and encourage them and make them feel appreciated and make them think and remind them of who they are. Learn something from them and let them learn something from their time with you and that you leave them changed ever so slightly.

Moral of the story enjoy the little things in life the most simple can sometimes be the most insightful

This made me cry and it just shows how meaningful life is. The music was so beautiful. I used to love NYC, but now I love it more because of this.

loved this review. Came upon it after watching the movie. But I would like to point out that it is NOT spoiler free. Most of what I got from this video I would not have known before seeing the movie. This review literally states the major themes that I absorbed by the END of the movie. If I had seen this review before, it would DEFINITELY have taken away from the experience. In the first half of the movie, I was asking myself "I wonder if they'll find 22's purpose, what will it be?" And slowly gathering the theme of what the spark was, is part of the beauty and the trip of the movie. I LOVE this review. But it bothers me that it is supposed to be spoiler free. A spoiler free review should give away the themes of the movie shown in the end, nor explain how the theme is displayed. A good example of an ACTUAL spoiler free review for Soul is Sean Chandler's

This movie is going to make me bawl. I have covid for Christmas this year so I'm spending it alone and found out my grandma died today.

Then movie came out my freshman year of college after I had my first semester with online classes because of the pandemic. I share it with everyone I can. It's my favorite movie, resonated greatly with me, and even opened a door for me to explore how to be more creative with my engineering degree by learning animation. This movie affected me greatly

I believe this movie will be essential memory of looking back in 2021 saying like this “man last year with that Movie Soul was a masterpiece of art that instructs the basics of emotions and fundamentals of happiness and achieving everyday

Always looking forward to a new Pixar film! I could not pick a favourite for the life of me

I'm so excited to see this movie!! I am so stoked that Disney/Pixar decided to release it on Disney Plus on Christmas day. It'll be such a wonderful way to spend time with the family.

Hi, first time viewer here... SO appreciated your very meaningful, but pleasantly upbeat commentary on this film I just saw advertised today...and am so looking forward to seeing. As a musician, presently (especially involved in the "sound healing" aspects) and having been an educator for decades... I had a feeling that this film would be one of keen interest... and, thanks to your most helpful commentary... I have no doubt it will speak to much of what the "soul" of music, of teaching, and yes, of life itself...may be about--a message that feels so very needed about now...as we continue to regain or retain some sense of "soul"...nationally, globally...and individually. Thanks again! Gladly liked and subscribed! Looking forward to your insights and meaningful and passionate, (dare I say, "soul-full"?) descriptions! All the blessed to you as you obviously follow your heart, your passion...your soul journey... in sharing with us...and, with this obvious winner... encouraging us to do the same!

I saw this movie on Christmas Day and i can confidently say it’s one of the best Pixar films ever and is definitely in my top 10 movies of all time it’s heart warming and explores a lot of interesting ideas about meaning definitely a must watch!

Wow great great great work. Can’t wait for the film. Also - and you might be saving this for your awards season show - but do you think this has a chance at actually W I N N I N G best picture ? I ask because this seems like the only film this year that has hit every spot and seems like the response is gonna be unanimous. And if this is a film that Pixar has kinda been building towards as you say, it seems that this would be a great opportunity to award Pixar with that top honour. Looking forward to seeing how it fares .. I know it’s early days but I can’t help speculating. Again , grrreeeeaaattt video. Keep em coming !!

Well, he used a jazz pun, so I have to watch this video.

First time viewer here! I absolutely loved your non spoiler breakdown! I am 18 and currently applying for colleges. I aspire to be a character designer within the entertainment industry. This movie not only hit home for me but, similar to Inside Out, it came out in a perfect time in my life. I have been so incredibly caught up in my work concerning my illustrations for my artistic portfolio, that I oftentimes needlessly stress over minute problems and inadvertently ignore the purities in life. This film not only inspires but serves as a needed reminder that success in life doesn't always come from achieving great goals but rather taking each day one step at a time and appreciating every experience you have. I am so glad I was able to catch this film on Disney plus yesterday and that it's getting so much deserved attention. Thank you again for the wonderful review and I am happy to say I am now a subscriber!

THANK you for this review, it’s one of the more thoughtful ones about Soul on RU-vid. I just finished watching it and wanted to hear what people had to say about it, and I felt like a lot of the reviewers I watched didn’t really feel the same resonance that you did. And that I did as well lol. While watching it I just felt SO nice, like this movie is kind of a summation of what I’ve been realizing more and more... it’s such a great movie and I felt such a resonance with it. It has great comedy, I laughed out loud at a few points, beautiful visuals, and a really just INCREDIBLE message. There’s so much I love about it, I can’t possibly put it in one comment, but also I feel I don’t really need to..... this movie is just, simply put, wonderful. I recommend it easily to like. Everyone. Because I feel like a lot of people need to hear this message. I personally think this movie is one of the greatest of all time. I know filmmaking is an art and art is subjective, but this is truly a film for everyone, and a film about life and what it means to be human. And in being all of this I consider it to be in a different category entirely. It’s so deep and refreshing. Thank you for this wonderful review, I enjoyed watching it. I hope you have a lovely day

Sir, I just stumbled on your channel. You just orated and organized the thoughts that have been scrambled in my head for the last 7 hours. Thank you. This is a fantastic analysis! Definitely subbing to your channel!

I love your review as much as I love the movie 😭❤ As a college student who is still finding her passion, this movie hit hard during the morning of christmas.

This was such a fantastically put together video, I am shocked you don't have more subscribers. My favorite pixar film is inside out so I am so excited to see Soul. Thank you for making this!!

Hey man! Geez you absolutely NAILED IT with this review!! All I can say is that Soul became not only my all time favourite Pixar film, but probably THE best Pixar film in ALL sense of the word. Thank you for sharing this man!

Aww man I can’t wait to see this

This video has gotten me so excited for Soul now even more than I was great job!

this is literally the best reviews I‘ve ever heard!! your thoughts are exactly in line with mine. thank you for making this.

This is why when someone asks me what I want to be when I grow up, I could never answer that question, because I've always loved to do many things! :)

This movie better get an oscar for best screenplay.

I've been waiting for Soul for 3 years. I need it now

Holy CRAP! You have got to be the best reviewer I've heard since Siskel and Ebert graced our airwaves, back in the day. I always toyed with being a film reviewer, but ended up writing books and doing voice work in several projects around the world, instead. ;) Regardless, this is a film I look forward to seeing, as even the visual is outstanding. One knows the level of story and voice that comes from Pixar, so the combination should be par excellence, as usual. Anyway, just a quick note (if you even get to it) to let you know YOU chose the right path on your journey, and a thank-you from someone who stumbled upon your genius. Keep up the fine work! ;)

The funny thing about using Jazz as a vehicle to bring this meaningful and true message, Is that all the Jazz musicians that really know how to play the music, all understand that it is the act of playing itself , is where all the beauty and joy and fulfillment comes from. Of course anybody would love to be successful doing what they love to do. But when you can Express everything you are into music at will, that is literally the most beautiful place you can be in the entire world! You forget about all the bad things that trouble you in life, and more than that, you can resolve them! It's hard to explain, but it's a place where everything is perfect and right! Somehow explains to you that the under riding structure of reality is good in its entirety.

This is a pretty incredible mini-video essay. Nice review. Really looking forward to this film.

This review was sooo well done. Great job!

As someone who is constantly struggling to find passion and that one thing that would make me happy, this movie was like the single most thing that I ever needed to see. I've had monthlong episodes of depression because of this need for my "spark", but this film might have helped me to understand, that I don't need to pursue that ONE thing. It feels actually freeing. I really hope I won't forget about this. The little story of the fish in search for the ocean is the epitome of this idea, I think. I will hold it dear in my heart.

Thank you for this Absolutely Honest and Warming review. As a creative for me, you hit Spot on my feelings about this movie. I have watched multiple times already and seen reviews but for me, u eliqently brought my exact feelings to the fore front and I really enjoyed how you disected this film.

Can’t wait!! Great review, Griffin! Looking forward to this!

Trailer made it look like it was going to be serious at first and then all jokes and keep the characters as the little guys and not the humans. I watched this with my mom (but she fell asleep at the ending) and I'm glad it wasn't like that. Yeah there are jokes but the jokes are great, and the mix of something serious, heartfelt, and funny reminds me of ratatouille, and I love ratatouille, but what kinda sperated it but for a good reason, was that Soul made me tear up twice. Q - Q

I saw the movie yesterday! Really amazing! And this is a really great review. I have to say, though, that if I'd watch this video before watching the movie, I would feel spoiled, because this talks about these deep themes that are only clearly showed at the end of the film, and they were surprising in a way that I didn't expect by the middle of the story. Even though, this is my personal concept of spoiler, and it's impressive to being able to talk about themes without spoiling anything of the actual plot. So, I have to say this is a really great video review and a great discussion,. But personally, I wouldn't say it's totally spoiler free.

Up and inside out are two of my favorite Pixar movies ( which were also done by Pete docter) so I am really anticipating this one and I’m glad to hear that it’s as good as I was hoping it was going to be ( and sounds like it’s quite deep might come back again to this video after my personal viewing;)

Soul is probably on my top 5 movie list, i enjoyed it so much. feel like multiple viewings will allow for multiple individual takeaways

Just loved the whole review. Can't wait to watch the actual soul movie, now. I am excited. This is gonna be best Xmas movie gift ever.

The best review I've seen on this film. I love this film so much. An instant Pixar classic for me. I watched this with my husband and 5 children ages 6- 13. We all loved it!

You made me definitely have to see it. Thinking about your exploration of the film, I think it's got some depth messages for me.

inside out and coco. I've been looking forward for this movie since it's teaser and I knew it has the potential to be one of the best pixar films

Great film. ⭕ You're Jazzing. I like it. Subbed.

I genuinely think Soul might be one of the best films I’ve seen. Definitely a high for Pixar, and as somebody who doesn’t know what to do with my life I feel the film really spoke to me especially with where I am at right now.

Honestly, an amazing and insightful video (I'd say podcast, tbh). Thank you for your appreciation!

I thought inside out had me in my feelings. But this movie..my lord!😭😂

Awesome review Griffin, I can't wait to see Soul on Disney + on Christmas Day it's going to be a special Xmas gift. Which Pixar movie this year did you prefer Onward or Soul?

I just turned 18, and Soul is the film I needed, and it's quite difficult to explain why because it's such a complicated theme. This film is truly brilliant.

I just finished this movie and wow. I'm blown away. This was particularly timely for me. I love the message how well crafted it is. Even if you're not deep into literature the message is very clear on the surface and if you choose to dive deeper you get even more from it. I love it.

I just got done watching Soul. It was excellent. Will watch it again ❤️

Not only do I think this will be the best Pixar movie ever made, but I think this will be a best picture Contender and hopefully will win.

"Soul is a film made by creatives for creatives" I couldn't agree more. As someone pursuing a creative field, this movie hit hard

Just finished watching the movie, it was nice! I happened to notice something in your description with your "youtube gear" the microphone.. looks like you're using the Shure SM7B? There might even be more that you need to update, just a little friendly reminder, or how you wanna put it, haha. (Yes I am one of few who actually reads the description on videos 😁)

Favorite is soul. Haven’t watched it yet.

This movie is the greatest movie I’ve ever seen I went into it thinking it would be a normal kids movie and it turned out to be a inspirational masterpiece I can say that covid and being inside all the time and all the school work has taken away all my motivation for every away but this movie brang it all back and truly showed that there’s more to life. Like when 22 got yelled at on the train she said she liked it and for me it sat with me. And it’s a reason I can’t put into words . Needless to say this is my favorite movie and nothing can top this, it had me in chill the whole way thru

It touched me like no film I’ve ever seen in all my life. It is none other than another Pixar masterpiece.

finnally a good review where you talk about what matters, i saw two other youtube channel man, i dont wanna compare but man i just hated them both complaining about the look of the souls, heck i bet they dont even understand the message of this film, and whats wortst is they have mil views. what a world we live in, Where being simple is much more appreciated than being deep

It was a masterpiece, definitely my top 3 Pixar movies

I wasn't expecting the movie to hit me harder than it was going to. Pixar is known for making those emotionally packed and tears shredding scenes nearly in every movie they make, but I never really felt tears welling up in my eyes till I saw this movie. Right now idk what it was exactly man, but it made a knot in my throat

Haven't seen it, but just the synopsis done here was encouraging! Thanks!

The feature films guide me back in time I was born in Oct 22 1995 since the first toy story came I love Steve's style of imagination which brings me hope I have a hard time being an adult it was hard to come by of the odds are against me my weakness is being negative, guilty, being tormented by adults making me and my life miserable getting mad against them for what I didn't do anything right and over thinking sometimes I give up on life to admit defeat it was hard for me cause I have a hard time learning.

that intro 😂

I agree. You did an amazing job on this review...especially after seeing the movie. Soul shot to the top for my favorite movie of the year. It is a masterpiece. When it hits, it hits in the best way possible. That wow moment.

I’m glad I saw this very good review after I saw the movie. Although you declare it be spoiler free, you do tell us what happens to the main character at the beginning, and I was happy to be surprised by that. Had I seen your review, I would have expected that moment and I think my enjoyment would have been diminished. As both a musician and a teacher (and hopefully mentor to at least some of my students), the movie truly resonated with me. :) Two small constructive criticisms: 1. your mic does have a windscreen but your “p” sounds (p-pops) are still a little problematic. I would recommend a pop filter too. 2. Although I agree with your general point of jazz being rooted in improvisation and living in the moment, it still very much has chord changes charts; they are just not treated as set, note specific scores the way classical music does. :) I enjoyed your review. Thank you for sharing. :)

Can't wait for this!

You have a terrific channel

Thank you for your beautiful review. I send much love

watched soul last night and i really enjoyed it, it really reminded me of the good place from nbc , but for kids! happy holidays !!!

Pixar is almost always amazing (except maybe 2015) but I love almost all their movies and every single one is still really good I loved Onward this year but even if soul isnt better for me, im sure ill love it cant wait to check it out

You got me really excited about Soul! My favorite Pixar movie is Onward by the way.

Pixar has been hitting close to home. I am a Latino American Middle and High School Band Director with two small kids under 5. First with Coco and the realization that family matters more than any fame and fortune could possibly get you. And now with this incredible film about realizing what true success means and what should really occupy our time and meaning for life. The line he tells his mom when she is refusing to help him broke me.

'I will live every minute of my life', last lines were soul touching