Summary
When Princess Aurora is born he is blessed by three fairies but also cursed by an evil sorceress. Will the prince, fairies, and forces of good triumph over evil? Of course. This is a Disney film.
My Viewing
This is the first time I’ve ever seen “Sleeping Beauty.” I know.
This isn’t really a film that grabs the attention of a boy as he’s growing up so as I watched it, I was surprised at how simple it is.
My Thoughts
I’m a minimalist at heart so the start of this movie was right up my alley. It is the quintessential fairy book story told in the quintessential storybook way. That is, until the fairies show up.
Essentially, the movie has two styles that weave around and through each other, The first is that classic storybook and the second is the Disney cartoonish goofiness that the company injects into everything in order to make it grab the attention of kids.
Of course a minimalist adult version of a fairy tale might appeal to me but it would never do for a child.
It’s hard for me to say if this would still grab the attention of a kid who watches Youtube videos and MARVEL films because even the silly fun parts are remarkably tame by today’s standards. I think it probably would in most scenes. Unfortunately, it may lose the kiddos in the more serious and romantic scenes because of the old music choral stylings.
Watching the movie, I don’t feel entertained or moved. I feel impressed.
I’m impressed with how effectively this movie captures the essence of a Western European Fairy Tale Aesthetic. I am impressed with the quality of the animation of years gone by before computers were invented. I’m even surprised with how progressive the movie is, dodging certain criticisms of the Fairy Tale and the way that male/female relationships are depicted.
There is no unfamiliar prince kissing a sleeping woman he simply happens upon. Even their betrothal sidesteps problematic situations by allowing them an opportunity to meet without knowing they are betrothed and choose each other entirely apart from that and of their own free will.
It is certainly an interesting piece of cinematic history even if it isn’t my cup of tea. I don’t think I would ever buy it but I can’t help but admit that the reason I found it a little boring is because it is all so classic. Think of a prince in your head, or a princess, or a sorceress and there is a good chance that they look something like the characters in this film. It is that embedded in our cultural psyche.
It is the simplicity and elegance in the animation that is the true beauty of this film. It roots itself in your brain and it doesn’t bother you in the slightest that it has.
Review Written By: