In Inside Out, the creators explain that the reason Riley moves to San Francisco is because moving is a sign of growing up. This is also seen in Spirited Away. This article can analyze the use of this trope, and how the characters changed because of the parents' decision to move away. This can focus on several movies or one movie.
Very interesting... I think that's because moving is a transition from the familiar (childhood/Minnesota) and toward the next phase of life(growing up/SF). I want to write about Inside Out...so I will have to give this topic some thought. Where did you get the information about the creators? – Constellation9 years ago
I found that fact through this Youtube video: https://youtu.be/IGcMoM_QlDI?t=8m3s Fact number 46. – YsabelGo9 years ago
It also seems to be about the start of an adventure. I'm thinking of the great adventure stories of the past - the classic ones like the Iliad and the Odyssey. The story starts when one leaves their comfort zone. It is also a good technique in writing when you write yourself into a wall--put your character somewhere uncomfortable and see what he does. It seems with kid movies and kid characters, the easiest way to get them out of their everyday routine, and their comfort zone, is to make them move away from home. That's when the fun starts yes? An adventure to get back to that place....but is it ever really the same? – HeatherDeBel9 years ago