Why Pixar Films Make Adults Cry
The latest theatrical film from Disney & Pixar, `Hoshitsunagi no Erio`, is set to be released on August 1, 2025. Pixar has consistently delivered deeply moving works that have become global blockbusters, including `Toi Sutori 3`, which depicts the bond between toys and humans, `Rimenba Mii`, which portrays family ties through heartfelt music, and `Insai do Heddo`, a story about the “emotions” everyone experiences while growing up. But what is it about Pixar’s films that makes adults weep?
Regarding why Pixar’s stories resonate with adults worldwide, Domii Shii, the director of `Hoshitsunagi no Erio`, explains, “Pixar crafts stories based on personal experiences and events that many people go through. That’s why they resonate with everyone across borders, and I believe that’s unique to Pixar Animation Studios.” In this film, too, the universal feelings of characters like the protagonist Erio and his aunt Oruga are depicted based on the production team’s personal experiences, making it a work that any adult can relate to and be moved to tears by.
In Toi Sutori 3, the production team’s real-life experiences were reflected, such as the feeling of putting cherished toys in a garbage bag and discarding them, or the experience of living separately from a son who goes off to university. The story of the bond between Udi (Woody) and the other toys and Andi (Andy), the boy who grew up with them, is deeply tear-jerking. In particular, the final scene where Andi bids farewell to Udi and the others likely resonated with everyone, bringing back memories of the toys they played with as children.
Rimenba Mii, set in the colorful and lively “World of the Dead,” was created based on the personal experience of co-director Eidorian Morina (who is also involved as a director in the new film), whose family roots included the Mexican culture of celebrating the “Day of the Dead.” The story of the deep love between family members, connected even when apart, colored by the important song “Remember Me” that links family memories, is incredibly moving.
Insai do Heddo, which depicts the “world of emotions” that exists within everyone, was born from Piito Dokutaa (who currently serves as Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer)’s experience of wondering, “What’s going on inside my child’s head?” as he watched his child grow up. As a story portraying the “emotions” that everyone experiences while becoming an adult, it became a massive hit that made adults worldwide cry.
And now, in the latest film, Hoshitsunagi no Erio, the feelings of “loneliness” and the desire to “connect with others” that the production team has felt in their daily lives are reflected. Domii Shii, the director, reveals, “We’ve all felt like we didn’t fit in, like we wanted to escape somewhere. Being involved in this film brought back personal feelings and experiences.”
The story depicted in this film is one of “connection” that anyone who watches it can relate to, through the struggles of Erio, who feels all alone after losing his parents; Guroodon (Gordon), a kind-hearted alien boy who worries about being different from his strong and tough father and others; and Erio’s aunt Oruga, who grapples with trying to understand Erio’s feelings but not succeeding.
Speaking about the story, Director Domii Shii expresses confidence in the “adult-crying” potential of the film, stating, “Whether it’s feeling lonely on Earth or parenting, the challenges Pixar characters face are things everyone around the world can understand. I think that’s unique to this studio.” Pixar, which has moved audiences worldwide, is newly presenting this work that highlights the importance of “connection,” such as friendship and family love. It’s definitely a film worth seeing in theaters.
Set in a colorful, imagination-filled world of stars characteristic of Pixar, what “precious thing” will Erio, a lonely boy on Earth, and Guroodon, a lonely alien boy, find through their connected friendship and adventure? Disney & Pixar’s latest theatrical film, `Hoshitsunagi no Erio`, opens nationwide on August 1, 2025.
Hoshitsunagi no Erio
Opens nationwide on August 1st (Friday)
Distributed by: Walt Disney Japan
Toi Sutori 3 is available for unlimited streaming exclusively on Disney Plus.
Rimenba Mii is available for unlimited streaming exclusively on Disney Plus.
Insai do Heddo 2 is available for unlimited streaming exclusively on Disney Plus.
(C)2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Nakase Koutarou
_
