Polar Express Girl is a Feminist Icon - Change My Mind

     You probably didn't wake up this morning expecting to learn that the popular 2004 animated film "The Polar Express" is a perfect example of a subverted oppositional reading of feminist theory, but here we are. It may not seem so from the surface, as the cast is almost entirely male (It's actually mostly just Tom Hanks), and the main character is a young boy as well. It we look closely though, we can see that there are subtle character and plot choice that undermine the status-quo of traditional gender roles in a subtle and effective way. In the film, the only female character is a young girl that befriends the main boy. Side note, none of the children have names except for Billy, young small night-gown clad boy from a poor family. I will refer to the characters as Main Boy, Train Boy, Billy, and Girly. 

    It is common for the single female character in a film to be the romantic interest for the main male character, or for her to rely on him for protection and leadership. This is not the case in this movie, Girly is often shown taking the lead in reaching out to Billy and including him in the other children's activities. She thinks of others when she saves a hot chocolate for him when he misses out. She keeps a level head when her ticket is lost, and even is entrusted to drive the train while the engineers fix the front light bulb. She remains brave while the train goes on a highly improbable off-the-rails detour and is decisive in their side quest for Billy's gift once they get to the North Pole. Something special about her character is that she is never portrayed as bossy or annoying, as often women in leadership are portrayed. She is shown as thoughtful, intelligent, and trusting. She is also the clear leader of the children, even though she is not the lead character of the film which I think is really uncommon and neat.

     While the other three boys highlighted in the film all have something that they must learn from their polar express adventure. Main Boy is full of doubt and uncertainty, and so he must choose to have faith. His ticket at the end of the film is punched with the word "BELIEVE". Train Boy must learn to be humble and listen with real intent. His ticket is punched with the word "LEARN". Billy is frequently mistrustful and prefers to be ob his own. With the help of his new friends, he learns to open up and be vulnerable. His ticket is punched with the word "TRUST". Girly learned to trust her instincts and be decisive. Her ticket is punched with the word "LEAD". 

    What I appreciate about this movie is that it is not faux-girl power in your face, but is subtle, suggesting that there is nothing abnormal about having this girl be the natural leader of her friends, because that is a perfectly normal thing to be. She also does not have to take on any inherently male traits to be a great leader, she does not have to be angry and tough to be taken seriously. That is something that many modern filmmakers can't seem to figure out and this was a cartoon made in 2004 with zuckerbergian empty eyed animation. 

    Take notes Marvel.