Lilo & Stitch (Feature Film)

Bibliographic Information

DeBlois, D., Sanders, C. (Directors) & Clark, S. (Producer). (2002). Lilo & Stitch. USA: Disney.

Plot Summary

Lilo is an unusual little girl. A native Hawaiian, she participates in hula class and goes surfing, but she always says the wrong thing. Her personality has an awkwardness and morbidity that cause the other girls her age to avoid her or tease her. Even her sister, her sole caretaker sometimes wishes Lilo would just be normal. But Lilo will never be normal. A car accident killed her parents, leaving her grieving. When her sister suggests the two adopt a dog to help Lilo have a friend, Lilo chooses Stitch, who is not a dog at all. He's a monster from another world, created by a mad scientist for one purpose: destruction. He's on the run from other aliens who want to capture him and bring him back to their world. Lilo and everyone around her get caught in the crossfire.

Review

This film talks about how sometimes strange behavior that can make kids the targets of bullies can be a result of emotional trauma. It also plays up the importance of family support and the need for friends when standing up against bullying behaviors.