Life, Animated 2016

imdb-logo 7.4 / 10

Life, Animated

At three years old, a chatty, energetic little boy named Owen Suskind ceased to speak, disappearing into autism with apparently no way out. Almost four years passed and the only stimuli that engaged Owen were Disney films. Then one day, his father donned a puppet—Iago, the wisecracking parrot from Aladdin—and asked “what’s it like to be you?” And poof! Owen replied, with dialogue from the movie. Life, Animated tells the remarkable story of how Owen found in Disney animation a pathway to language and a framework for making sense of the world.

At three years old, a chatty, energetic little boy named Owen Suskind ceased to speak, disappearing into autism with apparently no way out. Almost four years passed and the only stimuli that engaged Owen were Disney films. Then one day, his father donned a puppet—Iago, the wisecracking parrot from Aladdin—and asked “what’s it like to be you?” And poof! Owen replied, with dialogue from the movie. Life, Animated tells the remarkable story of how Owen found in Disney animation a pathway to language and a framework for making sense of the world.

Videos & Photos

All 2 Videos & 4 Photos

User reviews

See All 1 Reviews

23 Jun 2021 by Reno

**Where the sidekicks rules...** This is life and it is animated. We all grew up watching animations believed they are real. They are our first friends and also the first step to understand between the real and unreal. So what happens if you have never got as far as to know they are simply the fictional characters. This film is not about that, but there's a reason to I bring that up in here. This film is about a boy named Owen Suskind, who developed autism at the age of 3. Since then the journey of his life has been very hard, especially for his family who had tried to understand and find a solution for it. But until at one stage of his childhood, after years of observation, they have found a way to connect with their lost son in his own world as the way he desired to meet/accept them at last. It was not the permanent cure they have been looking for, but it enabled an access to what so far we had struggled to make that kind of progress. All we common people know is that autistic people are sensitive, but genius or mastered in one particular thing they love the most. There's a pattern, and we have to jump in onto it to clear the way to bring both the worlds together. This had been done in the past, so in the present, but this film gives a new perspective to learn new methods. This is not some medical achievement, but the desperate Owen's family found a way. That's a lovely family, they never gave up on him. His big brother as well, trying to teach the grownup's form of love was honest and realistic. Beyond that, his plan for their future together, which eventually one day would come. I know that some of the scenes were recreated from the Owen's life, just for this documentary film. Particularly, I was impressed by the romance parts which reminded me 'Gabrielle'. But hearbreaking at certain satge. > ❝I created a story about sidekicks searching for a hero in my head, and I called it 'The Land of the Lost Sidekicks'.❞ I don't know who did the animation for this, but I loved it all. They used them to narrate the tale very beautifully. There are many fans in the world who love the sidekicks from their favourite films/animations. Even sometimes, I love them more than the film's heroes. If you do as well, try this, but this film is not about them and they were mostly the blurred animation version. Or you can say, except the film clips, the remaining original animations were simple sketch and acceptable quality. In reality, I don't know the whole life story of Owen, but according to this film, what I learnt, I truly admire his father Ron. He's lucky to have such a father. This film was based on the book he wrote of the same name. And the whole family's effort given a new life to Owen. This film is nominated for the Oscars in the Best Documentary Feature list. But I'm not sure it'll win. Anyway a big thanks to the filmmakers to bring this up. I know Disney is aware of this film since they allowed their contents to use in it. They can make a feature film out of it, a neat biopic. That would be a great honour for such a big fan of their works. But I'm particularly interested in the Owen's vision about his 'The Land of the Lost Sidekicks'. It's nothing less than the Marvel's 'The Avengers', but for the kids and for the fans of Disney's 2D animations like me from the pre 2000. This film is not under-appreciated, but under-recognised as of now. So I hope you put this into your watch list. It is a good family film, a message in it. We're surrounded by all kinds of people, so it does not matter if the film is not for us, at least you will learn something out of it. That's the any documentary film's notion, as always. You might have seen films about autism like 'Rain Man' to 'I Am Sam' to many more and this one is real as most of them are. Definitely worth giving it a try. _8/10_

Release Date:

Jul 01, 2016 (United States)

Run Time:

1hr 31`

MMPA Rating:

PG

Original Language:

English

Production Countries:

United States

Status:

Released

Related Movies To

Life, Animated

Write Review

Found 1 reviews in total

23 Jun 2021 by Reno

**Where the sidekicks rules...** This is life and it is animated. We all grew up watching animations believed they are real. They are our first friends and also the first step to understand between the real and unreal. So what happens if you have never got as far as to know they are simply the fictional characters. This film is not about that, but there's a reason to I bring that up in here. This film is about a boy named Owen Suskind, who developed autism at the age of 3. Since then the journey of his life has been very hard, especially for his family who had tried to understand and find a solution for it. But until at one stage of his childhood, after years of observation, they have found a way to connect with their lost son in his own world as the way he desired to meet/accept them at last. It was not the permanent cure they have been looking for, but it enabled an access to what so far we had struggled to make that kind of progress. All we common people know is that autistic people are sensitive, but genius or mastered in one particular thing they love the most. There's a pattern, and we have to jump in onto it to clear the way to bring both the worlds together. This had been done in the past, so in the present, but this film gives a new perspective to learn new methods. This is not some medical achievement, but the desperate Owen's family found a way. That's a lovely family, they never gave up on him. His big brother as well, trying to teach the grownup's form of love was honest and realistic. Beyond that, his plan for their future together, which eventually one day would come. I know that some of the scenes were recreated from the Owen's life, just for this documentary film. Particularly, I was impressed by the romance parts which reminded me 'Gabrielle'. But hearbreaking at certain satge. > ❝I created a story about sidekicks searching for a hero in my head, and I called it 'The Land of the Lost Sidekicks'.❞ I don't know who did the animation for this, but I loved it all. They used them to narrate the tale very beautifully. There are many fans in the world who love the sidekicks from their favourite films/animations. Even sometimes, I love them more than the film's heroes. If you do as well, try this, but this film is not about them and they were mostly the blurred animation version. Or you can say, except the film clips, the remaining original animations were simple sketch and acceptable quality. In reality, I don't know the whole life story of Owen, but according to this film, what I learnt, I truly admire his father Ron. He's lucky to have such a father. This film was based on the book he wrote of the same name. And the whole family's effort given a new life to Owen. This film is nominated for the Oscars in the Best Documentary Feature list. But I'm not sure it'll win. Anyway a big thanks to the filmmakers to bring this up. I know Disney is aware of this film since they allowed their contents to use in it. They can make a feature film out of it, a neat biopic. That would be a great honour for such a big fan of their works. But I'm particularly interested in the Owen's vision about his 'The Land of the Lost Sidekicks'. It's nothing less than the Marvel's 'The Avengers', but for the kids and for the fans of Disney's 2D animations like me from the pre 2000. This film is not under-appreciated, but under-recognised as of now. So I hope you put this into your watch list. It is a good family film, a message in it. We're surrounded by all kinds of people, so it does not matter if the film is not for us, at least you will learn something out of it. That's the any documentary film's notion, as always. You might have seen films about autism like 'Rain Man' to 'I Am Sam' to many more and this one is real as most of them are. Definitely worth giving it a try. _8/10_

Cast & Crew of

Life, Animated

Directors & Credit Writers

Cast

Produced By

... Executive Producer

... Producer

... Associate Producer

Videos & Photos of

Life, Animated

Videos ( 2)

Photos ( 4 )

Related Movies To

Life, Animated

Found 12 Movies in total

poster-USA: Life in a High Security Prison
USA: Life in a High Security Prison (2019)

0 /10

In the United States, there are more than 2 million people behind bars. That's more than anywhere else in the world. The Anamosa State Penitentiary, granted us exceptional, round-the-clock access. Here, three quarters of the prisoners have been convicted of violent crimes and serve an average of 27 years. How is the prison managed?

Run Time: 57` . MMPA: . Release: 05 Jun 2019

Director: Gaelle Schweller

Producer:

Stars:

poster-My Massive Cock
My Massive Cock (2022)

0 /10

An extra-large penis is an object of desire for many. But for some men, extra-large seriously complicates their lives and relationships, and penis reduction surgery seems the only answer.

Run Time: 47` . MMPA: . Release: 24 Oct 2022

Director: Mike Nicholls

Producer: Robyn Stephenson , Claire Gooding , Mike Nicholls

Stars: Matt Barr , Julia Davis

poster-Terrifier 2: Behind the Scenes
Terrifier 2: Behind the Scenes (2022)

0 /10

The making of "Terrifier 2" (2022)

Run Time: 43` . MMPA: NR . Release: 27 Dec 2022

Director:

Producer:

Stars: Damien Leone , Lauren LaVera , David Howard Thornton , Elliott Fullam , Sarah Voigt , Kailey Hyman

poster-X-Rated 2: The Greatest Adult Stars of All-Time
X-Rated 2: The Greatest Adult Stars of All-Time (2016)

6 /10

Documentary sequel that offers a close-up look into the personal lives of the legendary porn stars who've survived the test of time and influenced popular culture. Blends rare interviews with erotic clips and additional appearances by Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Soderbergh and a host of adult stars, directors and trendsetters.

Run Time: 1hr 35` . MMPA: R . Release: 28 Oct 2016

Director: Eli Cross

Producer: Paul Fishbein , Eric Mittleman , Windy Nites

Stars: Mr. Skin , Alana Cruise , Nadia Jay , Leigh Raven , Chad White , Ron Jeremy

poster-Stand
Stand (2023)

0 /10

Raw and unflinching examination of the courageous life of basketball star and social justice activist Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. Born Chris Jackson, he overcame tremendous adversity to reach the NBA and found his true calling when he converted to Islam. His decision not to stand for the national anthem, however, turned him from prodigy to pariah. Told candidly by Abdul-Rauf himself more than 20 years later it’s the remarkable story of one man who kept the faith and paved the way for a social justice movement.

Run Time: 1hr 47` . MMPA: . Release: 03 Feb 2023

Director: Joslyn Rose Lyons

Producer: Vinnie Malhotra , Jennifer Kern , Sarah Allen

Stars: Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf , Shaquille O'Neal , Ice Cube , Olden Polynice , Stephen Curry , Steve Kerr

poster-Minecraft: The Story of Mojang
Minecraft: The Story of Mojang (2012)

7.1 /10

Minecraft: The Story of Mojang is a feature-length documentary that follows the young company over the course of its first year as their profile expanded across the world stage and into the homes of millions of gamers. Featuring insights from industry icons, journalists, tastemakers, and players profoundly impacted by the game, the film serves as a time capsule for one of this generation's most unorthodox success stories.

Run Time: 1hr 44` . MMPA: . Release: 23 Dec 2012

Director: Paul Owens

Producer: Peter De Bourcier , Burnie Burns , Paul Levering

Stars: Markus Persson , Jens Bergensten , Jakob Porser , Carl Manneh , Peter Molyneux , Tim Schafer

poster-X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All Time
X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All Time (2015)

5.6 /10

The evolution of adult cinema through the most influential films in history, a journey that begins in the 1970s and ends nowadays. An in-depth analysis of the success of the most prestigious erotic films, their impact on industry and society, and their influence on cinema and contemporary culture.

Run Time: 1hr 34` . MMPA: . Release: 06 Feb 2015

Director: Eli Cross

Producer: Paul Fishbein , Casey Calvert , Darren Roberts

Stars: Chanel Preston , Christy Canyon , Georgina Spelvin , Janine Lindemulder , Jenna Jameson , Jessica Drake

poster-Swingers
Swingers (2020)

6.1 /10

Observational documentary unlocking the doors of Britain's hidden swinging scene via access to one of the country's most popular swinging clubs and candid interviews with the club's founder, staff and clientele.

Run Time: 47` . MMPA: . Release: 24 Aug 2020

Director: Tom Green

Producer:

Stars: Belinda Stewart-Wilson

poster-Thinking XXX
Thinking XXX (2004)

6.1 /10

For a book project, photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders took photographs of 30 stars of adult movies, each pair of photographs in the same pose, clothed and nude. This film records the photo shoots and includes interviews with the performers and commentary from eight writers (and John Waters). The actors and writers discuss economics, nudity and exhibitionism, careers, and private lives.

Run Time: 58` . MMPA: NR . Release: 27 Oct 2004

Director: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Producer: Evan Schechtman , Zennia M. Barahona , Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Stars: Jenna Jameson , Ron Jeremy , Tera Patrick , Belladonna , Sunrise Adams , Briana Banks

poster-Class of Her Own
Class of Her Own (2024)

0 /10

A teacher in a disadvantaged community rebels against a system that neglects many of its vulnerable students. Gloria Merriex transforms into a trailblazer, using rap, dance and other innovations to enable children to thrive in school—and beyond.

Run Time: 1hr 26` . MMPA: . Release: 16 Apr 2024

Director: Boaz Dvir

Producer:

Stars: Tamara Tunie , Gloria Jean Merriex , Don Pemberton , Leanetta McNealy , Angela Terrell , Isiah Blount

poster-Hendrie
Hendrie (2024)

0 /10

Documentary on the legendary talk-radio comic legend Phil Hendrie, who influenced a legion of great comedic minds through his innovative and relatively short-lived, off-the-wall radio show.

Run Time: 1hr 46` . MMPA: NR . Release: 15 Mar 2024

Director: Patrick Reynolds

Producer:

Stars: Phil Hendrie , Bill Hader , Judd Apatow , Kevin Pollak , Henry Rollins , Wayne Federman

poster-The Science of Interstellar
The Science of Interstellar (2014)

7.1 /10

Matthew McConaughey narrates a fascinating look at Christopher Nolan's sci-fi film, 'Interstellar', including scientific foundations, the work of consulting Scientist Kip Thorne, basic film themes, the science behind the search for planets capable of hosting life, space-time and the theory of relativity, the science of wormholes and black holes, crafting the film's visuals based on real scientific observation, the birth of the universe, the Dust Bowl and the evolution of dust as a toxin, the likelihood of future dust storms, the prospects of escaping a dying or doomed planet and the possibilities of colonizing Mars.

Run Time: 51` . MMPA: . Release: 13 Nov 2014

Director: Gail Willumsen

Producer: Carey Ann Strelecki , Sara Hutchinson , Gail Willumsen

Stars: Matthew McConaughey , Kip Thorne , Christopher Nolan , Jonathan Nolan , Emma Thomas , Natalie Batalha