Unearthing the Subtexts of Early Disney Films

December 1, 2023 Djinn

Unearthing the Subtexts of Early Disney Films

In many of its formative years, Disney was a master of entertainment, creating animated classics that have stood the test of time for generations. Despite their popularity, few people have taken the time to probe dig into thehearted stories beneath the surface. It’s time to look at a handful of classic Disney movies and examine the subtexts that make them so endearing.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

This beloved film is much more than meets the eye. One of its main themes is inner beauty. When the Wicked Queen preys on Snow White’s insecurity and tells her that she isn’t beautiful, the audience sees what happens when you fixate on physical qualities instead of your inner strength. It’s through Snow White’s kindness and, more importantly, her determination and courage that she defeats the Wicked Queen in the end.

Cinderella

In this movie, Disney teaches us that forgiveness and kindness make us stronger. Cinderella is shunned by her stepfamily, yet she does not let it hold her back. Through her ability to forgive and her relentless optimism, she is able to overcome her adversity and find true happiness. This resonates with viewers and serves as an inspiring message.

Sleeping Beauty

This classic tale touches upon the importance of never giving up and standing tall in the face of danger. Despite being cursed to a century of sleep, Princess Aurora does not stop trying to break the spell. Her perseverance eventually pays off and she prevails with the help of her true love. The message of hope and courage is something that will always remain timeless.

The Little Mermaid

It's in The Little Mermaid that Disney shows us the power of following your dreams. Despite being an outcast, Ariel continues to dream of a better life and is willing to risk it all to pursue her dreams. Through her adventures, she learns that despite the obstacles, she has the courage and strength to make her dream a reality.

When you look beyond the stories and characters, it’s clear that even the earliest Disney movies have timeless subtexts of courage, hope, and perseverance that can still be taken away from them today. Whether you grew up watching these films or are just discovering them for the first time, these life lessons will never be forgotten.

Disney Classics: How the Old Becomes New Again

December 1, 2023 Djinn

Revisiting Our Favourite Disney Classics Themes

Disney is a company that has been entertaining millions of people worldwide, and they are renowned for their classic films and themes. From their memorable musical numbers to their beautifully rendered landscapes, Disney movies have entertained children and adults alike for decades.

Disney movies share some common themes such as friendship, bravery, love, trust, loyalty, friendship, and integrity. These are the timeless themes that movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King have captured over the years.

The Gift Of Nostalgia

One of the best things about Disney movies is that they are timeless. The classic tunes, scenes, characters, and themes are all framed in a brilliant way that holds up years later. This is why so many people get a sense of nostalgia when they watch one of their old Disney favourites.

In recent years, Disney has done an impressive job at bringing old favourites back in new ways. From the Aladdin live-action remake to the new Toy Story movie, Disney finds a new and creative way to introduce old ideas in new stories.

Keeping The Classics Alive

Disney has also been making effort to keep the classics alive through themes parks rides, attractions, and activities. Whether it’s a classic ride like the Pirates of the Caribbean, or a reimagining of Space Mountain, there’s always something new and nostalgic to experience at Disney. They also create new spin-offs of the classic movies such as the new The Lion Guard movie.

Disney also creates spin-offs of their classic characters in the form of television shows. While sequels are not always a hit (such as with The Return of Jafar), shows such as The Princess Diaries and Descendants aimed at children can be a great way to experience the classics in a way that is geared towards a more modern audience.

The Enduring Power Of Disney Classics

The timeless themes of Disney movies are so enduring because they remind us of simpler times. Through brilliantly created storylines, characters, and songs, these Disney classics continue to bring joy and happiness to both the young and old.

The powers of nostalgia and Disney magic never cease to amaze us. From the old to the young, everyone can appreciate the classic themes Disney has to offer. So it’s no surprise that their classics continue to get more love as the years go by.

The Politics of Disney's Princess Culture

December 1, 2023 Djinn

Rock the Tiara: An Overview of Disney Princess Culture

Disney princesses have been beloved by children and adults alike since the 1930s. Over the years, these characters have evolved from passive damsels in distress to powerful role models, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. But what does this evolution of Disney princesses mean in terms of the politics of princess culture?

The iconic characters from films such as Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty have, in recent decades, been joined by progressively more empowered heroines. For instance, take a look at Moana, whose adventure leads her to her own identity and kingdom. Or consider Merida, the warrior princess from Brave, who followed her dreams even when faced with opposition. These characters are designed to encourage children to take risks and be ambitious, taking their fate into their own hands.

Disney princesses represent a successful marketing strategy for the company in that they have the potential to reach out across multiple generations, delivering a positive message of female empowerment. This message plays an important role in shaping children’s values and beliefs about what it means to be female. On the other hand, the movies' focus on appearances, romance, and the 'savior complex' in some princess stories can send a dangerous message to children that physical beauty and a Prince Charming will save the day. Additionally, the movies frequently feature ethnic stereotypes and lack diversity, which can limit children's perception of what is possible.

The challenge going forward is to continue to create progressive characters while staying true to the company's core values. But stories that feature strong, brave princesses overcoming real-world odds provide valuable lessons of perseverance and the importance of not giving up. So, although Disney's princesses often face criticism from certain corners, their collective story remains one of progress.