The latest animated Disney film, Frozen, is movie that is about much more than the typical princess finding Prince Charming.
The #2 movie at the box office breaks away from stereotypical damsels in distress by featuring two strong, female leads who handle pain and stress with grace and wisdom. Although there are princess and prince characters in Frozen, the film caters to both young girls and boys, and also offers a theme that can be appreciated by adults, too.
While other recently released Disney films include some catchy soundtrack songs, Frozen goes back to Disney’s roots when it comes to how its characters include music into the actual theme of the film. Just as in how Beauty and the Beast used lyrics in song to help tell the story, Frozen offers some great songs sung by its characters to make it more than just a soundtrack of sorts.
Instead of music playing in the background, the characters break out into song during the film in a way that makes audiences want to sing along.
The two main characters in the film are two princess sisters who start off with a great relationship. The younger sister, Anna (Kristen Bell), wins over hearts with her enthusiasm and rambunctiousness while the elder sister, Elsa (Idina Menzel), is enchanting with her ability to manipulate the cold through magic.
An incident involving Elsa’s magical ability causes her to hold back in fear of hurting those around her she loves. In an attempt to protect both of their daughters, the King and Queen give Elsa the advice of inhibiting her powers by not feeling and subsequently segregating herself from others, including the sister she was once so close to.
Audiences see that although Elsa thinks she is protecting her sister, in actuality she is not only hurting her sister by staying away from her, but she is also hurting herself in her segregation. This is a heartbreaking part in the film as viewers are made to understand the reasons behind Elsa’s intention of protection and yet audiences can also see how it has affected the sisters’ relationship.
This shows the true bond of family in the sacrifice Elsa makes in order to keep her sister safe. While many animated films focus on the true love aspect involving a Prince Charming coming to rescue the day, the true bond in the film is represented by the relationship between the two sisters.
Even though there is a prince that comes into the film, the outcome is far from the typical Disney romance audiences are so used to in children’s films.
A pivotal part in the film comes when Elsa is able to let go of all her inhibitions and fears and embrace the gift she was given in being able to manipulate the cold. The powerful song, “Let It Go,” sung masterfully by Menzel, lyrically proclaims, “It’s funny how some distance makes everything seem small. And the fears that once controlled me can’t get to me at all.”
This realization on Elsa’s part helps to open up the distance that has occurred between the two sisters. Anna finally is able to reach out to her sister through seeing what has kept her so guarded all the years of their childhood.
Some great characters emerge during the journey to reunite the sisters and overcome the obstacles brought on by the cold. While princess films are usually geared toward little girls, boys will love the mountain man Kristoff, Olaf the snowman, and Sven the reindeer. There seems to be something for everyone in this film, including heartwarming scenes and tons of funny moments.
Frozen is a great film to watch before Christmas with the family with fun winter scenes and magical themes that aren’t limited to Frosty the Snowman or Santa Claus.
The soundtrack and character toys from the film are expected to be huge for Christmas lists this year and the film will sure to be a hit for years to come.