Author: Jennifer Asensio Published
Steven Spielberg’s classic Gremlins Released in 1984, it ultimately made cinematic history, in part because it was so anachronistic. Parents take their kids to the movies expecting a fun farce, not realizing it’s actually directed by famed horror director Joe Dante. Howler. The chaos caused by the Mogwai eating after midnight helped introduce a PG-13 rating to movie theaters, when parents felt the violence exceeded a PG rating but wasn’t strong enough for an R.
However, even though the movie is released in June, it also takes place during the Christmas season. Does this make it a Christmas movie?
Christmas elements
There are a few things every Christmas movie has to have in order to be a holiday-appropriate film. Obviously, Christmas imagery such as trees, lights, snow and snowmen, gifts, etc. must be present.
The holidays should have a theme of redemption, a “moral of the story” involving family, giving, or love. Christmas must be part of the plot, not just a backdrop; many movies, such as the Harry Potter films, have scenes or even plots that take place during the Christmas period, but only use it as a backdrop.
So how about Gremlins Reflect these themes?
The film begins with inventor Randall Peltzer searching for a unique Christmas gift for his hard-working and artistic son Billy. He discovers a creature called a “Mogwai” in an old Chinese antique shop and convinces the wise old shopkeeper’s sassy little grandson to sell it to him.
The grandson told Randall that there are three rules for raising Mogwai pets: don’t expose them to strong light, especially sunlight; don’t get them wet; and don’t feed them after midnight. Although Billy received the gift before Christmas, the rules were broken before the holiday even arrived and the evil deformed Mogwai began to run amok.
All the halls in the town where Billy lived were beautifully decorated. Kingston Falls is getting ready for Christmas, Mrs. Pelzer is doing Christmas baking, the neighbor Futtermans have their lights on, and mean Mrs. Diggle is mad at Billy because his dog broke her fancy ceramic snowman.
Gremlins are the miracle of Christmas
Gizmo, the adorable Mogwai, becomes Billy’s companion and a Christmas gift. The entire plot revolves around the festival.
When a mischievous Mogwai led by Spike terrorizes Billy’s dog, they tie the poor pup to Christmas lights. Mrs. Peltzer even used her Christmas tree to attack with the song “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Playing in the background. In the summer of 1984, Christmas imagery confused audiences as it became prevalent in summer blockbusters.
If there is morality Gremlinsit’s about being responsible and following the rules. Everything that happens in the movie happens because rules are broken, not just the three Mogwai rules; even selling Gizmo to Randall is an instance of rule breaking.
The film’s other recognized themes are about unfettered capitalism, technological intrusion, and how humans have a contempt for nature. Billy’s love interest Kate experiences a Christmas awakening, redeeming the holiday from her tragic past. The most important reason is Gremlins is a Christmas movie where love, family and community save the world.
Gremlins It’s currently available to stream on Hulu and HBO Max. Make it a part of Christmas every year.
