Friday, November 10, 2017
Thor: Ragnarok Adoption Movie Review
Thor’s home is threatened by the fire demon Surtur who promises
to bring a time of destruction; meanwhile, the universe is threatened by the
release of Hela, a long-imprisoned goddess intent on ruling all worlds. Thor
and his trickster brother Loki form a tentative alliance to work against Hela
and save their home world.
*SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY*
The Adoption
Connection
Loki is the adopted son of Odin, Thor’s father; Thor and
Loki are adoptive brothers, and their relationship is often contentious. When
Thor returns home, he finds that Odin is missing, and Loki has fooled his
father’s subjects by disguising himself as Odin and convincing his subjects
that Loki died nobly.
Odin reveals that he is dying, and his death will cause the
release of his daughter Hela. Loki and Thor had not previously known that they
had a sister; Hela was banished from her home and written out of her homeland’s
history because of her ambitions of dominating others.
In order to save his people, Thor must ultimately choose to
allow the destruction of his home. He realizes that the people are what defines
his home, rather than the location.
Bruce Banner is locked into the “Hulk” mode – in a way, his
anger keeps him safe, but he has not been able to return to normal, and it
takes hearing the voice of a loving friend to return to his normal self.
Strong Points
Thor inherits his father’s throne, and it appears that he
will rule with wisdom and bravery.
In spite of the contentiousness of their relationship, Thor
and Loki do work together, and it seems likely that their fraternal relationship
will continue.
Challenges
Loki and Thor have a contentious relationship. Each has
desired the throne. Now they must work together to fight against a sister that
they never knew they had. Loki and Thor betray each other at various points of
their journey.
Thor loses an eye.
Odin dies, which could be hard for viewers who have lost a
parent.
After Odin dies, Thor and Loki question the continuation of
their brotherly bond. They decide to go away from each other, in a scene that
could be heartbreaking for adoptive families. They express that “[our father]
brought us together; it is fitting his death sets us apart… it’s probably for
the best if we never see each other.”
Hela is the goddess of death, and she slaughters many.
Odin tried to erase his daughter’s name from the history of his world. It would have been healthier to acknowledge the truth and learn from it. Another character speaks a strong indictment against secrecy, “It hurts being told you’re one thing and learning it’s all a fiction.”
Thor’s home world does end in fire.
Recommendations
Thor: Ragnarok is a fun and engaging film, but it is
probably pushed out of bounds for most young viewers touched by adoption by the
violence, parental loss, home loss, and the discussion in which
Thor and Loki appear
to decide that their relationship should end now that their father has died. This
one should be OK for most teens and adults, although parents should still check
in with their teens about the conversation between Thor and Loki.
Questions for
Discussion
Why did Odin keep Hela a secret from Thor and Loki? What
would have been different had he told his sons about her?
After Odin dies, why are Loki and Thor still brothers?
What makes someone a part of your family?
What makes a place your home?
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