October 10th, my little family and I headed over to “The Grove LA” in Santa Monica to celebrate the joint venture of American Girl and Amazon Video. The partnership created An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win, a movie that is available to stream on October 21st via Amazon Prime.
When we entered the theater, I thought I was going to see a short sweet movie about the forever collection American Girl Doll, Melody. I could not have been more wrong. I was in for a real treat and a real piece of American History. The new American Girl Movie about Melody Ellison shared so much accurate historical insight about the Civil Rights Era of American History.
Melody 1963 takes place in Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement. The movie showcases both the magical points of being an imaginative child as well as exposing the real issues that affected young African-American girls. Melody has a vivid imagination and innocent optimism which has been thoughtfully created by her mother who wants nothing more for her daughter than a life full of endless possibilities. Mama Ellison desires a life unlike her own, a life where Melody can make dreams a reality versus the life she lives as seamstress who wished to be a concert pianist. Melody’s mom indulges her in costume making and creativity, sharing her love of music and this idea that while is a young black girl who faces more obstacles than promise…that the world is truly her oyster despite the realism/negativity Melody’s grandfather displays. As sad events happen to Melody she has to dig deep to find her inner strength to remain optimistic that the world will be a better place in her lifetime.
By the time the hour-ish movie was over…I was speechless. Melody was beautifully done and gave such good insight into the Well, not speechless enough to not ask my hubby what his thoughts were. We were both floored by how far we have come in the United States as far as Civil Rights and how far we have to go. This movie was so thought provoking, it has been the topic of conversation several times in our household.
Kudos to American Girl, Mattel and Amazon Video for stepping outside the box, showing diversity on screen and most importantly for creating conversation sparking content.
This was my first foray into American Girl Dolls since I am a boy mom and I am very impressed. Love the stories that each and every one of the dolls tells. What a great way to share empowering stories about amazing women to young girls. Huge Fan!
PS. The after party at the American Girl Store was OFF THE HOOK! We ate good food, met amazing people and even went home with our own Melody Ellison doll.
You guys are the cutest! E’s face in that picture still cracks me up! You have to get more clothes and accessories for your new doll!!!!