'Snow White' still cashes in with nostalgia amid controversies
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When Disney first released Snow White in 1937, it became a trailblazer in the history of animated films. It was the first feature-length animated film in the United States and introduced millions of viewers to the magical tale of a princess, seven dwarfs, and an evil queen.
The story, originally written by the Grimm brothers, became an everlasting cultural icon. Despite many interpretations as spin-off films, shows and whatnot, the OG tale remains in the minds of audiences worldwide and evokes waves of nostalgia for the beloved animated classic.
Director Marc Webb attempts to bring that same magic back with a modern view, though the film faced some controversy before its release.
The casting of Rachel Zegler as Snow White is central to the controversy. Critics argue that casting a Latin-American actress could dilute the original character's essence. Still, Disney has defended its decision, stating that Snow White's name in the new version comes from a snowstorm, not her complexion.
The film's other controversy is the opposing views of its cast members. Gal Gadot, who played the Evil Queen, faced backlash for her outspoken support of Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Meanwhile, Ziegler, who identifies as pro-Palestinian, publicly supported Palestinian rights. Their differing political stances sparked protests during Gadot's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, adding real-world political tension to the film's release.
The plot has been known for over 200 years. It goes like this: Snow White's life takes a tragic turn when her mother dies, leaving her under the rule of her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen.
The Queen, obsessed with being the fairest of them all, grows paranoid when Snow White's beauty surpasses hers and starts to consult a magical mirror daily.
This fear leads her to plot Snow White's demise, sending a huntsman to kill her. Snow White escapes and finds refuge with a group of reclusive dwarfs living in a hidden cottage in the forest.
As the story progresses, Snow White and her allies confront the Evil Queen in a showdown, where Snow White must choose between taking the throne by force or leading with kindness and justice. The final battle leads to the Queen's defeat, but does Snow White emerge as the fairest of them all?
The film reimagines Snow White's romantic interest by replacing the traditional prince with Jonathan, a bandit leader played by Andrew Burnap. Their relationship develops gradually, with Snow White taking a more active role in rescuing Jonathan. While Snow White becomes a more self-sufficient heroine navigating a dangerous world, the chemistry between her and Jonathan feels more functional than magical. The film also struggles to balance the fairy-tale romance with its modern, empowered heroine.
The movie explores political commentary through the Evil Queen, a fascist ruler who oppresses and steals from the kingdom's resources. This shift in tone adds contemporary relevance, but the film's attempts to present a "woke" political allegory often feel forced and distract from the nature of the story.
Despite its efforts to modernize the classic tale, Snow White fails to capture the original's magic. While the visuals are impressive, they can't compensate for the lack of emotional depth and underdeveloped characters. The absence of iconic songs, like Someday My Prince Will Come, leaves a void that new additions can't fill. Ultimately, Snow White proved that some fairy tales are better left untouched.