We’ve watched Disney’s Mary Poppins probably a zillion times, and every time we watch it, we love it!
Every one of those songs are fun to sing along and we are amazed at the special effects that Disney was able to do without CGI.
I don’t know how I missed it, but last night when we watched it again, I saw for the first time the transformation of the father Mr. Banks.
Mr. Banks was preoccupied with his own life to give much notice to his children other than a perfunctory pat on the head before they go to bed. He follows a rigid precise schedule, from his work at the bank to the way he treats his family at home.
When Mary Poppins came, she shook his world-view. The climax came late at night on the quiet street on the way to the bank. He ponders the words spoken to him by both Bert the chimney sweep and Mary Poppins. Was he missing something in life? What really matters in life? Did he place his work more important than his family?
The next morning, he calls to the children – “Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest heights…” Spending time with his family changed him as well as his wife and children.
Bert the multi-talented friend of Mary Poppins had deep insights into family life as well. When the children thought their father did not love them, Bert explained to the children the father’s perspective. His behavior has to be understood in light of the burden of responsibility that he has to carry for the family. I learned something from that.
Mary Poppins is a great movie classic that every one should watch, more than a zillion times.