Have you noticed how many of those princess stories you grew up with, are being re-written? Or you are seeing a different side to them than what you were used to. I've got mixed feelings on some of these. I loved reading the variations of princess stories when I was growing up. Did you know that most of the originals were dark and horrifying? Disney softened them up for young girls here in America
The latest one stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent. As you might remember, she was the evil witch that cursed baby Aurora to prick her finger on her 16th birthday and fall asleep. This version has Angelina Jolie as the evil Maleficent. But they added a twist... What if she was right to feel anger, resentment and want revenge? Okay, so its never right to feel that way. But there are times when we feel justified.
What about Red Riding Hood (2011)? The story we know: Little Red goes to visit grandma's and the Big Bad Wolf tries to trick her after eating Grandma. But the Woodsman hears the cries for help and saves Red before cutting Grandma out of the belly of the Wolf. Sound familiar? But in this movie, Red was related to the Wolf. Her own father, in fact. And he was looking to change her so they could go on the killing sprees together. Its dark and contains other sub plots to keep you busy. She's conflicted about which guy to pick (like a Twilight tale). Then comes the Wolf problem. Her sister was killed, mom injured, scandals revealed.... Who is the Wolf is asked... Quite a busy tale.
Cinderella has been made into so many movies, there is no way I can list them all. But they are usually about teenage girls who are living with a step mom and exploited. Cooking, cleaning and caring for someone who has no love for them. They are placed in various time periods. Ever After is one of my favorites. She was strong and saved herself. I just didn't see the "carrying the prince" scene as my thing. But they wanted her to be the tough girl.
Snow White has been revamped as well. More times and ways than I can mention. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) was more on the action side. I found it to be more stupid though. A young woman who has been locked in a tower until she has beauty surpassing the Evil Queen's. She falls in love with the older Huntsman who was supposed to kill her. He's just a drunk who can't get over losing his love before. I did like Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen. Kristen Stewart plays Snow White, the princess that is the very essence of life. She's as dull here as she was in Twilight.
The horror version was indeed creepy. Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997) takes it to a new level of scary. The Evil Queen becomes obsessed with being the fairest in the land and goes around killing to get there.
Another one I thought was okay was Snow White: The Fairest of them All (2001). I love Miranda Richardson. She plays the queen. She wants everyone to see her as being the fairest. And goes out casting spells.
Beauty and the Beast has not only been made into movies but is now a TV show on the CW. Beauty (Belle) is the most beautiful girl in a country village. When one wrong turn leads her father in the dungeon of the Beast, its up to Belle to sacrifice her freedom to save him. And over time, her love for the Beast sets him free and returns him to human form. So far, one of my favorite versions has been Beastly. It wasn't the most awesome rendition, but it has some good parts.
I believe movie makers should spread out their horizons. There are plenty of princess stories out there. And perhaps they could retell them in ways that are enjoyable, but maybe closer to the originals. Who was/is your favorite Princess?
