[Namsan Stroll] The Warm Assurance Needed in an Age of Anxiety: Zootopia 2

Disney's animated film "Zootopia 2" is receiving an enthusiastic response worldwide. In Korea, it surpassed 6 million viewers within just three weeks of release, establishing itself as this winter's biggest box office hit. Globally, it topped the North American box office during its opening weekend, once again proving the strength of Disney animation. In an era where sequels do not automatically guarantee success, what is the charm of "Zootopia 2"?

Personally, the most moving line in this film was, "We will succeed." This line is spoken by Gary, a snake who leaves his family to embark on a journey in search of the truth. Although Gary's journey is not depicted in detail, there are scenes that allow us to imagine it. He is likely at an age equivalent to a young adult in human terms, traveling to reclaim lost truths. He hides out in a ruined villa, secretly gathering evidence and waiting for the right moment. He seeks to uncover the conspiracy that drove his entire family out, aiming to change the world, his own life, and his family's destiny.

This dreaming snake must have always told himself such words. We will succeed, we can do it, the truth will surely prevail-believing this, he has endured all kinds of hardships and anxieties. Certainly, at some point in life, we need such groundless faith. Our era is filled with anxiety. These days, when I give lectures, many people say their greatest worry is 'anxiety.' In particular, young people are deeply concerned about employment and being replaced by AI, leading to significant anxiety and worry.

In an age of anxiety, sometimes we need an unfounded certainty that we can make it. That belief helps us endure and overcome life. There are times when we must hold that star-like belief in our hearts, look to the future with sparkling eyes. That is why the line from this dreaming snake resonates so deeply.

If "We will succeed" is Gary's first memorable line, the second is equally beautiful: "Can I give you a hug?" For a cold-blooded animal like a snake to persevere through the cold and achieve his dreams, he must embrace someone with warmth. This metaphor is truly beautiful. As we stake our lives on pursuing a truth or a dream, the warmth we feel from the hand of someone who firmly holds ours gives us the strength to move forward. Gary hugs the protagonist Judy, finds strength, and ultimately saves her, the world, and his own life.

Ke Huy Quan, the voice actor for Gary, introduces him as "a character who faces prejudice head-on but never loses his kindness or curiosity." Gary's journey is a time of self-discovery, confronting the world, achieving dreams, and reclaiming his family's truth. Everyone, to some extent, faces the world's prejudices, finds their own place, and embarks on a journey to realize long-held dreams. If we do not lose our kindness and curiosity along the way, someone will gladly nod in response to the gentle question, "Can I give you a hug?" Together with them, we walk our own path.

The reason 6 million people went to the theater is not simply to watch an entertaining animation. Perhaps, in this anxious era, we all wanted to hear Gary's quietly confident words, "We will succeed." And to endure and get through this winter-like age, perhaps we all needed someone's warm embrace.

Jung Jiwoo, cultural critic and attorney