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Disney's 'Frozen'

61 replies

allalongthewatchtower · 04/04/2014 11:30

Just musing as I watched Frozen with the DDs at the weekend.

I have to say, I was impressed with the transition Disney have mad from weak, simpering princesses who need a man to 'fix' their lives to strong, independent female characters.

I noticed it passed the Bechdel Test with flying colours. Also, although there was the all-enduring Princess theme, at least the Princesses in this theme were Princesses by default, and not transformed by the addition of a handsome prince.

Full marks for the act of true love being about the bond between sisters. And yes, I know Anna ends up falling in love, but at least it's a genuine love - I liked the way they made a mockery of the love at first sight thing.

I was cheered to see something as mainstream as Disney has changed the way it presents it's female characters so significantly.

Am I overly awed by it, though? Did I miss something? What did you all think?

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EyelinerQueen · 04/04/2014 11:57

It's a small step in the right direction but still massively flawed.

Disney still shoved in the traditional male-female love story. The film didn't need it at all.

Anna is portrayed as coming to her senses about how silly and rash her falling for Prince Hans is yet goes on to fall in love with someone else she doesn't know in a very short time.

The two female characters still have the Disney blow up sex doll aesthetic - all huge eyes, tiny waists and boobs.

And how 'strong' are the female characters anyway? Anna is needy and clumsy and rude. Elsa is hugely fucked up because of her parent's shitty decisions and instead of dealing with her issues exiles herself to an ice palace.

The only genuinely progressive thing I saw in the film was the male shop owners male partner and their family.

Weegiemum · 04/04/2014 11:55

Elsa only becomes "sexy" (hair, eyes, dress in particular) when she breaks free of the patriarchal system that has contained her until that point.

StealthPolarBear · 04/04/2014 11:52

Actually I' like to amend my previous post
Doc McS is awful, "time for yoir checkup"
But good from a feminist perspective IMO

StealthPolarBear · 04/04/2014 11:51

Yes retro, definitely!
When I took DD to buy a dressing up outfit recently she said she wanted to be merida because she rode horses and shot arrows, not just sitting around looking pretty. I felt a bit :( as she's just parroting he words that have come out of my mouth

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allalongthewatchtower · 04/04/2014 11:49

SPB - my DDs lovely scooby, Doc McStuffins and Sofia, though I have to confess I've never really sat and watched any of them (DH does though) so I can't really comment.

MM Clubhouse seems very retro.

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allalongthewatchtower · 04/04/2014 11:44

imip - good point about the physical side of it. I guess they moved away from that a bit with Brave? Not seen Brave, but I know what she looks like. They obviously decided not to go in that direction with Frozen.

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Forago · 04/04/2014 11:40

Oh and the other thing - I took ds and 8 of his male friends to see it for his 9th birthday and they were all transfixed and thought it was "awesome" - you couldn't force them to go and see one of the traditional princess ones. So good marketing on Disney's part - managing to make it appealing to both genders.

imip · 04/04/2014 11:39

Small waist, big doe eyes kind of did it for me.... It's the physical stereotype that still drives me nuts. I have 4dds and they do have a princess complex. What happens when they realise they aren't as pretty, their hair is not as long etc etc....

Forago · 04/04/2014 11:38

I thought the same as you - a refreshing change.

Also liked how the princess made the prince stay at home while she went off on the quest.

StealthPolarBear · 04/04/2014 11:36

Even Sofia the first which I originally hated because of the focus on hair and dress - yesterday's episode seemed to be about her making friends with a load of trolls and dancing while whacking a club on the ground.

StealthPolarBear · 04/04/2014 11:35

Not seen frozen but was thinking this sort of thing the other day.
I think children's tv in general is getting better, but I think Disney cartoons are among the worst. Or is it just the old fashioned ones? Mickey Mouse clubhouse is awful - high heels and pearls. Doc McStuffins is good.
We watch a lot of Scooby doo which I like. Velma is the clever, sensible one. Daphne is a bit self obsessed but is the brave/sporty one. She may wear a dress and high heels but it never seems to stop her doing daring things.
Would be interesting to hear others' opinions.