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Positives

This whole movie is a transformation from dark to light in two different ways. First of all is the obvious plot line of Lina and Doon's journey for the light of the sun of our earth and out of the darkness of Ember. The audience and two heroes, along with a few others, know the danger the city is in and feel their pain. Like Lina and Doon, we, too, live in a world full of darkness where we must fight towards the light—the light of God. And, although our trials might be less visible to others, we battle just as great, if not greater, forces of evil in our lives that we must overcome with God's grace.

The second transformation is from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Mayor Cole (Bill Murray) is unwilling to believe that his glorious city might ever be destroyed. He has convinced the people that nothing can hurt them. As Doon's manager Sul (Martin Landau) says “I don't know. It's not my job.” is what most of the citizens of Ember are living out in their lives. And to ensure that no one ever comes close to leaving Ember, the Mayor sets up strict rules. On the other hand, Doon's father Lorris Harrow (Tim Robbins) tells his son to “pay attention to everything and notice everything; then you'll know things no one else knows.” Doon follows his advice and searches for the truth. We should stretch our minds and fill them with knowledge and wisdom.

As mentioned above, Lina and Doon search for the truth. They won't compromise their beliefs, just to follow the crowd. They are willing to risk their lives, well-being and freedom to find the truth and do the right thing.

And speaking of risking things, every good character in this movie risks immensely for others. Although Doon sometimes goes a bit far by putting himself in grave danger and stealing things, he always returns the things, and his intentions are good; he is trying to save the human race. They are also fighting against a corrupt government, so many of the things that they do should have been legal, but were too restricted.

Doon saves Lina from a giant mole moments before it eats her. Lina, on her part, works just as hard and tries to get help from Barton Snode (Toby Jones), the mayor's top man, when she finds out that his boss is corrupt. She also cares a lot for Poppy. And Poppy does her part by helping them solve some problems and by being sweet and cheerful. It is also very sweet to see the two older children carrying her throughout the movie.

The grownups also play an important part in sacrificing themselves. The builders, for one, left clues for everyone and cared enough for humanity to help them. *SPOILER* When Lina, Doon and Poppy get to the room where the builders started, they see many signs about how to care for others (e.g. “Carry the babies”, “For the good of all mankind,” “No pushing,” etc.). *SPOILER OVER* Granny (Liz Smith) helps the girls get started with the box left by the builders. Farmer Clary (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) protects both children from the police, even though she knows she will be punished. Lina's father dies trying to find a way out.

Job assignments are drawn out of a hat when children reach a certain age. Although there is small chance of getting what one wants, everyone works hard. Every job is shown as important. Lina proudly carries messages, and Doon makes the best of working in the pipes. As Loris says, “It's not what you get; it's what you do with what you get.” Family life is shown in a very positive light. We see how much Poppy, Granny, and Lina love each other. Also we see how much the girls miss their parents; every night Lina plays her sister their answering machine with their parent's voices recorded.

The Mayor’s selfishness and greed is shown for what it is. It doesn't try to make it look good in anyway.

Doon helps a hurt moth.

Resourcefulness is rewarded. And hope lives on in the end.