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Obviously, like in WALL*E, filmgoers will see in Ember very clear environmentalism messages. After all, Ember is a city with finite resources running low. But there's something greater here that taps into the supernatural worldview of Christianity. The world around Ember is broken and crumbling—and all around it is darkness. There are many different thought processes among the citizens about their fate. Some believe the Builders had a plan and will—somehow—guide them to a better world. The kind, cheerful woman who cares for Lina and her sister (Mrs. Murdo) is one of those who believes. She tells the worried, distraught Lina, "The Builders will come again."

Bill Murray as Mayor Cole

One character believes that there may be a reality beyond the darkness, but she chooses to focus solely on life in the broken world. She says, "I thought it was our duty to stay here and make things better." Some characters are beaten down by the bleakness; Doon's dad says, "The builders abandoned us."

Doon's response? "No they didn't. They left instructions."

These instructions are what lead Lina and Doon to realize that their tiny, crumbly world is not the whole story. Once they find the truth, they must find a way to share this path of truth with those still bound in the broken world. My favorite scene occurs in the midst of this: The entire city of Ember is congregated in the center of town when bizarre, seemingly devastating things begin to happen. It's clear that most people think that Ember has finally reached its end. But Mrs. Murdo and her believing friends begin to joyfully hug and celebrate. They know that there's a greater world awaiting them. This isn't the beginning of the end. It's a new beginning.

Talk About It

1. How is the city of Ember like the world we live in? If Ember is seen to represent our world, then how would you compare and contrast the Builders and God?
2. Doon's dad repeatedly says, "If you have truth, you have to pursue it." What does this mean?
3. While Lina and Doon want to leave Ember for a promising better place, one character says she's always stayed in Ember to "make things better." While Christians anticipate going to heaven, how can they do their duty to make things better? How do they, as the Bible says, bring God's kingdom to earth?

The Family Corner

Rated PG for mild peril and some thematic elements, City of Ember is very clean and family-friendly. The kids are put in some scary situations—including scenes with a giant, vicious mole and an adult physically restraining (and even pushing around) a young girl. Parents of younger children will want to be aware that two young girls discover their dead grandmother in bed. The grandma is shown still and discolored. There is very little discussion of the death, mourning or loss before the film moves on.

Photos © Copyright Walden Media

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