"Be careful what you wish for."
Coraline - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
When you're scared but you still do it anyway, that's brave.
— Coraline Jones
Context:
This quote is first said by the Other Father, telling Coraline what her real father said after being attacked by wasps but going back to get his glasses. Coraline later internalizes this and repeats it to herself, steeling her resolve before confronting the Beldam in the final game.
Meaning:
This line, originally spoken by Coraline's Other Father paraphrasing her real father, encapsulates the film's central message about courage. It defines bravery not as the absence of fear, but as the act of persevering despite being terrified, which is precisely what Coraline must do to save her family.
You probably think this world is a dream come true... but you're wrong.
— The Cat
Context:
The Cat says this to Coraline in the Other World, after she is amazed by his ability to talk. He serves as the voice of truth, cutting through the Beldam's enchanting illusions to expose the danger that lies beneath.
Meaning:
This is the Cat's first major warning to Coraline, explicitly stating that the alluring Other World is a trap. It marks a turning point where the idyllic fantasy begins to reveal its nightmarish underbelly, forcing Coraline and the audience to question the nature of the "perfect" world she has found.
She's as cute as a button in the eyes of everyone who's ever laid their eyes on Coraline!
— Other Father
Context:
The Other Father sings a cheerful song for Coraline on a self-playing piano upon her first visit to the Other World. The tune is catchy and fun, designed to charm Coraline, but the lyrics contain a dark, hidden warning about the Beldam's plans.
Meaning:
This line from the Other Father's welcoming song is a piece of sinister foreshadowing. The seemingly innocent compliment contains the word "button," directly hinting at the Beldam's true, horrifying intention for Coraline's eyes. It highlights how the Beldam twists words of affection into threats.
I don't want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted, just like that, and it didn't mean anything?
— Coraline Jones
Context:
Coraline says this to the Cat as she resolves to go back and rescue her parents. It's a moment of profound maturity, where she fully grasps the emptiness of the Other World's promises and embraces the value of her flawed but real life.
Meaning:
This quote signifies Coraline's character growth and her rejection of the Beldam's philosophy. She realizes that instant gratification is hollow and that true satisfaction comes from effort, challenge, and genuine connection, not from having every desire magically fulfilled.
Be clever, Miss. Even if you win, she'll never let you go!
— Ghost Child
Context:
One of the ghost children whispers this to Coraline after she agrees to the Beldam's "game" to find their souls' eyes and her parents. It alerts Coraline to the fact that the Beldam has no intention of honoring their deal, forcing her to devise a trick to win her freedom.
Meaning:
This is a chilling warning from one of the Beldam's previous victims, revealing the villain's treacherous nature. It informs Coraline that she cannot beat the Beldam by simply playing the game; she must outsmart her. This piece of advice is crucial for Coraline's ultimate escape.