Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

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Walt Disney Animation Studios has produced several fairy-tale favorites over the years. A few such films are Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen. However, only one started it all.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was not only Disney's first animated feature, but it was the first cel-painted technicolor animated film ever. It also featured Disney's first princess (Snow White), first "I Wish/Want" song ("I'm Wishing"), and, first lovable sidekicks (the dwarfs).

Snow White's childlike innocence and motherly nature make her likable. She especially shines when helping a tiny bird return to its parents and expressing sympathy for the parentless dwarfs. Snow White even prays for the dwarfs, which I especially appreciate as a Christian. She also expresses a lot of emotion, especially her fear as she runs through the creepy forest. Snow White later hints at her fear of the evil queen's attack when first meeting the dwarfs. 

Yet, not surprising for a protagonist from a 1937 film, Snow White is difficult to fully connect with. She is mostly a passive participant who desires only to be rescued by a prince. Snow White does make the decision to clean the dwarfs' cottage before they come home, but that has nothing to do with her desires. Her dreams came true when a prince kissed her on the lips while she slept in a coffin-without consent. 

Otherwise, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has stood the test of time. Perhaps I can even forgive the film's one-dimensionality since it was made during a time when audiences desired escapist stories about winning against all odds. The film is not only escapist, but it has a lot of mystery that enhances it (especially when Snow White discovers the dwarfs' cottage).  

Another reason Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is so great is the animation. Snow White is rotoscoped, meaning she was drawn over footage of a live actor. That explains her smooth animation. Plus, while most animated Disney movies have bright colors, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is delightfully neutral. It's colors are not too bright, but the visuals are still easy-on-the-eyes.

The soundtrack is another highlight. The film begins and ends with instrumentals and features several songs in between. My favorites are the dwarfs' "Heigh-Ho" whistling tune and their yodeling-dancing song ("The Silly Song"). 

The dwarfs' distinct personalities and names make them memorable. There's Doc, the leader; Sleepy, Bashful, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy (the only one who changes), and Dopey (the mute one).

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs may be a fairy tale, but it also has some scary scenes. The first one involves Snow White running through the creepy forest. The evil queen's transformation and journey to and from the dwarfs' cottage are also creepy. However, none of these scenes sends me as many thrills as the donkey transformation scene in Pinocchio.

There's a point to the horror; Walt Disney believed children could handle scary moments as long as there's a happy ending. Hence, they learn that everything will be okay in the end.

That's what Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs taught us; good can always overcome evil. Snow White won in spite of the evil queen; at the right time, her dreams came true. In today's animated fairy tales, the protagonist would work for their dreams. However, during the Great Depression, people could only hope to win; Snow White's journey gave them optimism and their struggle ended at the right time: the dawn of World War II.

Disney's first animated film is full of music, innocence, mystery, joy, fear, magic, and victory; all these elements have been prevalent in many Disney movies since. For Disney fans (or general film fans) who want a glimpse of how Disney fairy tales began, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a must-watch.

Have you seen Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? What do you think about it?

The Slipper and the Rose

Besides Rogers and Hammerstein's version, other musical adaptations of the Cinderella tale do exist. Perhaps there is even a British film version with the same songwriters as Disney's Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book: Richard and Robert Sherman.

The Slipper and the Rose has engaging songs throughout. All of them develop the story, characters, and/or themes, but the rhythmic What a Comforting Thing was not as necessary. Prince Edward (this version's Prince Charming) sings about his future burial with the other kings, which adds nothing to the story. As much as I enjoyed the beat and choreography of the song, the story would be the same without it. 

Unlike other Cinderella adaptations, The Slipper and the Rose is mainly focused on the prince's desire for love. The scenes focusing on him can drag at times. Besides, I feel like I've seen this type of prince in many other Cinderella movies. I love Prince Edward's willingness to fight for what he wants, though. 

As for Cinderella, her stepfamily turns her into a servant and sends her to the basement after coming home from her father's funeral. She leaves flowers at her parents' grave singing about losing love but keeping optimism. Gemma Craven does a great job performing as Cinderella; I also like her hairstyle. At first, I was not too into her singing, but I warmed up to it. 

The stepmother speaks to Cinderella like an angry parent would (i.e. "Why don't you answer my call?"); she also claims to be kind when turning her stepdaughter into a servant instead of sending her to the orphanage. Her daughters are your typical wicked stepsisters with beautiful names: Isobella and Palatine. 

The movie has elegant costumes with wigs and a slightly Gothic set design. Not only are these visuals nice to look at, but they also suggest a specific time period: the eighteenth century. The film is well-lit, too.

However, the fairy godmother is the real highlight of The Slipper and the Rose. She first meets Cinderella as a traveler seeking shelter. The fairy godmother has a dog that allows her to help Cinderella multiple times, even while she does her chores. Besides, the fairy godmother does not even look like a fairy; she looks like a typical traveling woman. She also has an office full of fairy-tale references, including doves named Hansel and Gretel and a quote from Robin Hood. Annette Crosbie really makes the typical fairy godmother her own. 

One more aspect of The Slipper and the Rose I enjoyed was the old-fashioned text that appeared in the beginning and end credits. The end credits, especially, stand out since the characters step out as their actors' names appear. 

The Slipper and the Rose is longer than many other Cinderella movies with a run time of two hours and twenty-two minutes. As a result, the plot can sometimes drag, especially at the end. When I thought the movie was ending, more conflicts arose. This is not a bad thing, but viewers who can't sit down for two hours straight might want to break up their viewing of the film. 

Here is one last comment: a slipper is more relevant in the film than a rose. If Cinderella looks for Prince Edward's rose while he searched for the glass slipper, the title would've described the story better.

The Slipper and the Rose is not as enjoyable as the 1997 Rogers and Hammerstein's musical nor Mary Poppins, but it ages better than the 2021 Cinderella film. All fairy-tale fans can get something out of this movie, but those who also love period dramas and musicals will enjoy it the most. 

Of course, the film is live-action. I could not find a free image from the movie to use here, so I drew a picture of the movie's symbols instead.

Have you seen The Slipper and the Rose? What do you think about it?

 

Beauty and the Beast (2014 Live-Action)

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Alongside Disney's animated version, there are several live-action versions of Beauty and the Beast. Disney's live-action remake is one example, but there are also some versions from France. The most recent French adaptation is Christophe Gans's 2014 film. 

The film is overall faithful to the original fairy tale with Belle living with her merchant father, two mean sisters, and three brothers. They also move from a mansion to a country house at the beginning of the film. Plus, Belle's father also goes to the Beast's castle and picks a rose only to have the Beast send him back. The Beast makes Belle eat dinner with him a few times before they fall in love, too.

Beauty and the Beast may be faithful to its source material, but it also has several interesting twists. For instance, Belle chooses to go to the Beast's castle after her father returns instead of passively following instructions. Belle also claims her mother died giving birth to her, revealing an interesting if brief backstory. There are also a lot of cartoony dogs living in the castle. The problem with these dogs, though, is that they look more fit for an animated film. 

There are even some nods to Disney's animated film. For example, there is a scene in which a bunch of men play games at a bar. The Beast also destroys his own property, prompting Belle to run away. As Belle runs on cracked ice and drowns, the Beast follows and rescues her. An army of men also go to the castle in with weapons during the climax. They use a log to break into the castle as well. This nods to "The Mob Song" from Disney's version. 

Belle wears several elegant dresses throughout the film, from her peasant dress to her red gown. She is also fiercer than her classic literary counterpart. Not only does she choose to go to the Beast's castle to save her father, but she also yells at the Beast and stops two stone giants. Although I love her active role and desire for a happy life, I wish there was more depth to Belle's character. 

The Beast also has elegant costumes and detailed face design, but his character is problematic. First, he threatens to kill his family before Belle's father goes home. The Beast also forces Belle into a relationship and shows no signs of regret over his actions. Even though Disney's Beast was also initially abusive, he clearly expressed guilty over his own behavior. Plus, while Disney's Beast saved Belle from the wolves, Christophe Gans's Beast pushed Belle onto the ice before saving her. Since he did not reflect over his actions much, the Beast overcame his abusive nature too quickly.

Three backstory segments occur throughout the film. These reveal, over time, how the Beast got cursed for killing a deer, who turned out to be the daughter of the forest god. I appreciate how these dreams prompted Belle to save the Beast. However, there should've been more clarity about his relationship with the girl he killed and how she turned into a deer. 

I find it interesting how Christophe Gans took a more animalistic approach to the story. Since the Beast killed a deer-woman, he became a Beast so that he could learn that animals can be loving. With this approach, the dogs' presence makes sense. 

This version of Beauty and the Beast is more violent and disturbing than other film adaptations, hence the PG-13 rating. For instance, a giant stone face scares Belle's father away after he plucks a rose. Plus, branches move apart from each other and invade the castle later in the film. Yet, this movie is also well-lit to an extent at which it could be the Beauty and the Beast equivalent to Disney's live-action Cinderella. 

The actors all shine in their performances as well. I especially appreciated Léa Seydoux's performance as Belle, especially with her hair down. 

One more unique element of this feature is how it follows a woman reading the tale from a storybook with her two children. Storybook introductions are rare in modern fairy-tale movies. Perhaps the last time it happened in a Disney movie was in 2007's Enchanted. The credits begin with drawings as well. 

For fans of Beauty and the Beast who want to go beyond Disney's versions, this French take on the story is a stunning and mature, if imperfect, treat.

Have you seen Beauty and the Beast? What do you think about it?

50 Fairy Tale Movies

Fairy tales have moved from oral transmission to the page and, eventually, cinema. Cinematic fairy tales, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, have become some of the best movies of all time. 

What defines a fairy tale movie? It must either be based on at least one fairy tale or have fairy tale elements (magic, princesses, witches, etc). A fairy tale movie must also feel at least slightly old-fashioned.

The movies in this list are divided by fairy tale and listed in order of recommended age ratings (found on Common Sense Media). If there is not an age recommendation for a movie, I will list the MPAA rating. 

the age rating, I will list available streaming service(s) is there aren't any. Otherwise, you will have to purchase or check out a DVD from the library. I will list each movie's release date and production studios or director(s) in parentheses as well.

Here are 50 fairy tale movies that will satisfy various tastes and ages, from young children to adults. 

ALADDIN:

• Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996, DisneyToon Studios)
• Age rating: 5+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Aladdin (1992, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Aladdin (2019, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 8+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Wish Dragon (2021, Netflix)
• Age rating: 8+
• Streaming service: Netflix

ALICE IN WONDERLAND:

• Alice in Wonderland (1951, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 4+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Alice in Wonderland (2010, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 10+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Alice in Wonderland (1966, BBC)
• Age rating: 14+

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:

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• Beauty and the Beast (1991, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Beauty and the Beast (2017, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 8+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Beauty and the Beast (1946, Jean Cocteau)
• Streaming service: Max
• Beauty and the Beast (2014, Christophe Gans)
• Rating: PG-13 for sensuality, nudity, and violence
• Streaming service: Peacock

CINDERELLA:

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• Cinderella (1950, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 4+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007, DisneyToon Studios)
• Age rating: 4+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997, Walt Disney Television)
• Age rating: 5+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Cinderella (2015, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 6+
• Ella Enchanted (2004, Miramax Films)
• Age rating: 8+
• Ever After (1998, Twentieth Century Fox)
• Age rating: 8+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Three Wishes for Cinderella (2022, Storm Films)
• Age rating: 8+
• The Slipper and the Rose (1976, Universal Pictures)
• Rating: G
• Streaming service: Peacock

THE FROG PRINCE:

• The Princess and the Frog (2009, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

THE LITTLE MERMAID:

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• The Little Mermaid (1989, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• The Little Mermaid (2023, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 8+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD:

• Hoodwinked! (2005, Weinstein Co.)
• Age rating: 7+

THE NUTCRACKER:

• The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 8+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

PETER PAN:

• Peter Pan (1953, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 7+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Peter Pan (2003, Columbia Pictures)
• Age rating: 9+
• Hook (1991, TriStar Pictures)
• Age rating: 10+
• Streaming service: Netflix
• Peter Pan and Wendy (2023, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 10+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

PINOCCHIO:

• Pinocchio (1940, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Netflix
• Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022, Netflix)
• Age rating: 11+
• Streaming service: Netflix

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA:

• Once Upon a Mattress (2005, Disney)
• Age rating: 8+

PUSS IN BOOTS:

• Puss in Boots (2011, Dreamworks Animation)
• Age rating: 6+
• Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022, Dreamworks Animation)
• Age rating: 8+
• Streaming services: Netflix, Peacock

RAPUNZEL:

• Tangled (2010, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 5+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

SLEEPING BEAUTY:

• Sleeping Beauty (1959, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 5+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Maleficent (2014, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 8+
• Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 10+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

THE SNOW QUEEN:

• Frozen (2013, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 5+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Frozen II (2019, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

SNOW WHITE:

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• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937, Walt Disney Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 5+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Mirror Mirror (2012, Relativity)
• Age rating: 8+
• Streaming service: Max
• Snow White and the Huntsman (2012, Universal Pictures)
• Age rating: 14+
• Streaming service: Netflix

SWAN LAKE:

• The Swan Princess (1994, Rich Animation Studios)
• Age rating: 5+

THE WIZARD OF OZ:

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• The Wizard of Oz (1939, MGM)
• Age rating: 6+
• Oz the Great and Powerful (2013, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 10+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

MASH-UP:

• Disenchanted (2022, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Enchanted (2007, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus
• Shrek (2001, Dreamworks Animation)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Peacock
• Shrek 2 (2004, Dreamworks Animation)
• Age rating: 6+
• Streaming service: Peacock
• Into the Woods (2014, Walt Disney Pictures)
• Age rating: 10+
• Streaming service: Disney Plus

What are your favorite fairy tale movies?