by Simone H, Year 12
A globally loved character, Paddington Bear, started his spotlight career in 1958 when he was published by Micheal Bond as the main character in A bear called Paddington. 56 years on, Paddington hit the cinemas with a budget of £38 million and the voice of Ben Whishaw. It was an instant success, storming cinemas globally, with people drawn to Paddington’s immersive plot and loveable characters. He went on to inspire two more movies (Paddington 2 and Paddington in Peru) and a musical. The friendly bear acts as a comfort character and role model for people of every age, he spreads a positive and powerful message including many appreciable traits such as kindness, perseverance and respect.
Paddington, most frequently in his second movie, quotes his famous line ‘Aunt Lucy said if you are kind and polite, the world will be right’ and inflicts his hard stare not to punish those who have forgotten their manners but to remind and encourage a better mannerism. Most memorably, he delivers this line to Knuckles McGinty to defend his polite nature at the scrutiny of the rough-around-the- edges prison chef. Knuckes, despite his initial gruffness, softens in his response and attitude demonstrating the success that a simple but meaningful statement can have on one’s outlook and behaviour. This line wholly sums up Paddington’s character as evidence of his commitment to a harmonious and just society starting with one reformation at a time. It communicates to the viewers through innocence and humour and succeeds in projecting out a powerful and important message to all ages watching. As it does not target one specific demographic of viewers, it also provides evidence that the positive reformation of the world does not have to start with the younger generations to come but can start in the now, with people of all ages changing their ways and not relying on a new wave or era. While Paddington’s catchphrase appears seemingly innocent, his message can be evolved onto a bigger picture where the world needs more pleases and thank yous.
Paddington also embodies a second message of perseverance. Across all his films he encounters drastic levels of danger: in his first movie he is hunted repeatedly by a taxidermist and yet manages, over and over, to escape with his life; in his second movie he stops at nothing to retrieve the picture book which he is determined to gift Aunt Lucy for her 100th birthday; and in his third movie he bravely continues through the dangerous Peruvian jungle seeking answers about his past among the wild creatures and difficult terrain. His perseverance is not only important for the plot lines and his survival for a sequel movie, but once again models a positive trait onto a likeable character. His perseverance not for his survival but for helping others and his selfless determination opens up a neighbourhood where positivity blooms and where the community is connected. It transforms people’s days and ultimately transforms their lives. With his nature of pursuing the right thing or the right way, Paddington creates charming chaos, making the film increasingly more watchable with humour and heart. He subtly makes a firm point: virtue can endure.
Lastly, a notable characteristic of Paddington is his respect which he holds at many levels. For instance his subtle respect for etiquette and mannerism and his predominate respect for the people around him and the virtues he holds dearly. Perhaps a more forgettable scene is when he tackles the London underground with respect to its rules: he comes across a sign reading dogs must be carried and dutifully picks up his Chihuahua to abide by the rule. It is a humorous scene due to its comedic contrast of simply a bear carrying a tiny dog but shows Paddington’s desire to do the right thing even when the result doesn’t quite make sense. He acts on respect throughout his day with the simplest of actions showing his devotion to etiquette. Paddington consistently tips his hat like a true gentlemen across his books, movies and cartoons denoting the action as his trademark. The trivial politeness encapsulates his entire personality: a thoughtful and respectable bear. It shapes his identity into a idealistic representation of a society where merriment keeps the world spinning and conflict and gloom are avoided. He reminds his audience that even the smallest acts of respect and virtue can amount to a brightened world.
Paddington is a global figure appearing now across the west end and as marketing strategies and as teddies. His innocent and positive demeanour shines throughout all his media and he holds true to the virtues he believes in. Through his light and comforting movies he lays down the foundations for key lessons of morality and positivity which he hopes will be consumed by people of all ages and ultimately lead to a brightened day, life, neighbourhood and world.
