nagoyasuzukiamerica.com – Trolls (2016) is an animated film produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn. It stands out as one of the most visually vibrant, energetically musical, and heartwarming films in the studio’s catalog. Based loosely on the troll dolls that became a global phenomenon in the 1960s, the movie combines colorful visuals, catchy songs, and messages about positivity, friendship, and self-acceptance. With a star-studded cast, including Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, and Zooey Deschanel, Trolls quickly captured the hearts of audiences of all ages.
Set in a fantastical world filled with magical creatures called Trolls, the movie follows the adventures of two very different characters: Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick), the relentlessly optimistic and bubbly princess of the Trolls, and Branch (voiced by Justin Timberlake), a grumpy, cynical Troll who prefers a more solitary, downbeat existence. The Trolls live in an idyllic, happiness-filled village, dancing, singing, and throwing parties. However, their cheerful existence is interrupted when the sinister Bergens, large, ugly creatures who can only experience happiness by eating Trolls, invade the Troll village. As the Bergens kidnap some of the Trolls, Poppy and Branch set out on an exciting and humorous adventure to rescue them, learning valuable lessons about what it truly means to be happy, embrace differences, and be kind along the way.
What sets Trolls apart from other animated films is its emphasis on music. The film’s soundtrack, which includes a mix of original songs and classic hits, plays a central role in shaping the film’s tone and themes. With catchy tunes like “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake and “True Colors” by Anna Kendrick, Trolls is a celebration of music, color, and positivity that resonates with both children and adults.
Plot Summary: A Journey of Friendship and Self-Discovery
The story of Trolls takes place in a world where the Trolls live in an eternal state of happiness. They sing, dance, and celebrate every day, thanks to their ability to make themselves happy through constant singing and dancing. At the center of the village is Princess Poppy, the ever-optimistic and cheerful leader of the Trolls. Poppy loves throwing parties and spreading joy, always encouraging her fellow Trolls to focus on the positives in life.
However, not everyone shares her outlook. Branch, a grumpy and suspicious Troll, is the complete opposite of Poppy. He’s cautious, serious, and believes that the world is not as safe or bright as Poppy perceives it to be. Branch’s pessimistic nature is fueled by a traumatic past—he once had his own joyous home destroyed by the Bergens, who have been hunting the Trolls for generations. The Bergens, massive and gloomy creatures, can only experience happiness by consuming Trolls. They imprison the Trolls in cages and force them to create joy through their consumption.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when the Troll village is invaded by the Bergens, led by the hapless King Gristle (voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who has been trying to catch the Trolls for years. The Bergens kidnap a number of Trolls, including Poppy’s friends, and take them to Bergen Town, where they are set to be eaten.
Poppy, determined to rescue her friends and restore happiness to her world, embarks on a dangerous journey with Branch. Along the way, they encounter a series of colorful, whimsical characters, including a party-loving Troll named Guy Diamond (voiced by Kunal Nayyar) and a helpful, though somewhat naive, Troll named Biggie (voiced by James Corden). Together, they navigate the perils of Bergen Town, where they discover that happiness doesn’t come from external factors or from consumption but from the internal choice to embrace joy, love, and gratitude.
Through their journey, Poppy and Branch experience growth and discover the importance of balance—while it’s important to be joyful, it’s also vital to acknowledge and deal with the challenges and negative emotions that come with life. Branch, who has lived in a state of fear and doubt, learns from Poppy that happiness is not a fleeting or forced emotion but a choice that is nurtured through connection, kindness, and friendship.
Poppy and Branch: A Tale of Opposites and Friendship
At the heart of Trolls is the unlikely friendship between Poppy and Branch. Their differences drive much of the film’s humor and conflict, but it is also what allows them to grow and learn from each other. Poppy, with her unyielding optimism and carefree nature, represents the lighthearted and fun side of life, while Branch embodies the more cautious, realistic approach, believing that happiness isn’t guaranteed and that one must always be on guard.
Their partnership begins with tension, as Branch is initially resistant to Poppy’s exuberant personality and relentless positivity. He believes that her carefree attitude is naive and reckless, and he tries to convince her of the dangers that lie ahead. Poppy, on the other hand, believes in the power of happiness and refuses to be bogged down by negativity. While their journey to Bergen Town begins with friction, over time, they come to understand and appreciate each other’s perspective. Branch slowly learns that being positive and open to others doesn’t mean ignoring the darker side of life—it means accepting those difficulties and choosing to rise above them.
This dynamic between Poppy and Branch is not just comedic but also emotionally resonant. Their contrasting personalities provide the perfect foil to each other, allowing the film to explore themes of friendship, trust, and personal growth. As they bond over the course of the movie, they also learn to trust each other and value what they both bring to their friendship. Their evolving relationship teaches viewers the importance of understanding, compromise, and finding balance in the way we approach life and relationships.
Music: The Heart of the Film
The music in Trolls plays a crucial role in both the film’s tone and its storytelling. The soundtrack is a vibrant mix of original songs and reimagined pop classics, making the movie feel like an exhilarating musical experience. The songs help to convey the characters’ emotions, advance the plot, and create an immersive world where music is more than just entertainment—it’s a means of connection, healing, and expression.
One of the standout tracks from the film is Justin Timberlake’s hit song “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” which became an instant anthem. The song’s upbeat, feel-good melody and lyrics embody the film’s themes of happiness and the infectious joy that comes from dancing and singing. The catchy tune has a jubilant, celebratory vibe that matches the vibrant visuals and fun tone of the movie.
Additionally, Anna Kendrick’s rendition of the song “True Colors” is a poignant and emotional moment in the film. As a ballad, the song highlights Poppy’s growth as a character, where she learns that true happiness comes from embracing who you are—flaws and all. The song’s message about accepting yourself and showing your “true colors” is a powerful theme that resonates with the overall narrative.
Other songs like “Hair Up” and “One More Time” (the latter being a remix of Daft Punk’s famous hit) further add to the film’s energy, encouraging the characters to keep pushing forward in their quest to find happiness and rescue their friends. These high-energy musical numbers provide a thrilling, feel-good experience while also enhancing the film’s emotional depth.
Themes of Positivity, Self-Discovery, and Acceptance
One of the primary themes of Trolls is the importance of choosing happiness, even in the face of adversity. Poppy’s relentless optimism serves as both the driving force of the plot and the lesson at the core of the movie. While the film doesn’t shy away from addressing the darker emotions that accompany life’s struggles, it emphasizes the idea that joy and contentment come from within.
Through their journey, Poppy and Branch learn that happiness isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about finding joy in the small moments, embracing imperfections, and choosing to love and support others. The film encourages viewers, particularly children, to believe in the power of positivity and to realize that true happiness comes from being true to themselves.
Additionally, the movie explores the theme of self-acceptance. Branch’s character arc is a testament to this, as he learns to let go of his fears and emotional baggage, which have prevented him from being happy. By the end of the movie, Branch understands that he doesn’t have to live in isolation or suppress his emotions to be strong. Instead, embracing his feelings, learning to trust others, and letting himself enjoy life are what bring him peace and fulfillment.
The film’s positive messages extend beyond the characters’ personal growth to their relationship with each other. Poppy and Branch’s friendship shows that people with different perspectives can come together and learn from one another. Their evolving bond is a reminder that we can find strength and support in our relationships, even when we seem worlds apart.
The Visuals: A Colorful, Whimsical World
The animation in Trolls is an explosion of color, creativity, and whimsy. From the fantastical world of the Trolls to the gritty, dark landscapes of Bergen Town, the visuals are bright, playful, and designed to reflect the film’s cheerful tone. The Trolls themselves are delightfully eccentric, with their rainbow-colored hair, exaggerated facial expressions, and playful designs. The animation creates a visually immersive world where every scene feels full of life, energy, and fun.
The contrast between the Trolls’ vibrant world and the drab, colorless Bergen Town serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the film’s central message. The Bergens, with their dull gray color scheme, represent the absence of happiness, while the Trolls’ world, filled with vibrant hues, symbolizes the boundless potential for joy and positivity. The use of color in Trolls effectively enhances the storytelling and reinforces the emotional beats of the movie.
Conclusion: A Heartwarming Celebration of Joy and Friendship
Trolls (2016) is a delightful, feel-good animated film that blends humor, music, and heart in a celebration of happiness, friendship, and self-acceptance. With its vibrant animation, catchy soundtrack, and memorable characters, the film captivates audiences of all ages while delivering powerful messages about choosing joy, embracing differences, and finding strength in relationships. The unlikely friendship between Poppy and Branch is a testament to the value of understanding, compassion, and the beauty of shared experiences. Ultimately, Trolls reminds us that true happiness comes not from external sources but from within, and that together, we can spread joy to the world around us.