Hair Love by Bruce W. Smith: A Heartwarming Tale of Love and Acceptance

Main Cast and Crew:

• Director: Matthew A. Cherry
• Writers: Matthew A. Cherry, Jason Marino, and Everett Downing Jr.
• Voice Cast: Issa Rae as Zuri’s mother, Jordan Peele as Zuri’s father, and Keegan-Michael Key as the neighbor
• Music Director: Daniel D. Crawford
• Director of Photography: Bruce W. Smith
• Producers: Karen Rupert Toliver and Stacey Newton

Hair Love is a heartwarming animated short film that tells the story of Zuri, a young African-American girl, and her journey to embrace her natural hair. Directed by Matthew A. Cherry, the film explores themes of self-acceptance, love, and the importance of family.

The story revolves around Zuri’s desire to style her hair in a special way for a big event. However, her mother is unavailable, leaving her father to take on the challenge. As Zuri’s father struggles to recreate her mother’s intricate hairstyle, he turns to an online tutorial for guidance. With determination and love, he manages to create a beautiful hairstyle that makes Zuri feel confident and proud.

Throughout the film, Zuri’s father learns the importance of embracing his daughter’s natural hair and the significance of being present in her life. The bond between father and daughter is beautifully portrayed, emphasizing the power of love and support within a family.

Central Themes and Motifs:

• Self-Acceptance: Hair Love explores the journey towards self-acceptance, particularly in relation to one’s natural hair. Zuri’s desire to style her hair in a specific way reflects her longing to fit in and feel beautiful.
• Love and Family: The film highlights the unconditional love between a father and his daughter. It emphasizes the importance of family support and the impact it has on an individual’s self-esteem and confidence.
• Cultural Identity: Hair Love addresses the cultural significance of hair within the African-American community. It challenges societal beauty standards and encourages individuals to embrace their unique features.

Upon its release, Hair Love received critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and beautiful animation. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2020, showcasing the film’s impact and recognition within the industry. The film’s positive reception and success have paved the way for more diverse and inclusive stories in animation.

Recommendation:

Hair Love is a must-watch for audiences of all ages. Its universal themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery resonate deeply, making it a touching and relatable experience. The film’s stunning animation and powerful storytelling make it a standout in the world of animated shorts.

Memorable Quote:

“You can do it, Daddy!” – Zuri

This simple yet powerful line encapsulates the film’s message of love, support, and the importance of overcoming challenges. It serves as a reminder that with determination and the support of loved ones, anything is possible.