Like it or not, Frozen is a film that you have to watch. Why? Because this movie is more than entertainment. Because however you cut it, it is a tale of becoming your own person and growing up, as well as learning not to be ashamed of yourself. You might argue that these are characteristics shared by many Disney movies – but Frozen just does it so, so well.
The main character, Elsa, princess of Arendelle, was born with the ability to control the elements of winter. She is best friends with her little sister, Anna, until one day, when she accidentally zaps her sister with her icy powers. Though a wise old troll manages to heal Anna and erase her memories, from then on Elsa is kept hidden in the castle, even from Anna. The troll prophesizes that Elsa’s power will become more and more powerful, and it will be dangerous to herself and everyone around her. This comes back to haunt Elsa when it is her turn to take over the throne when she is 18: Elsa becomes upset during the coronation and in spite of herself, loses control and plunges the sunny kingdom of Arendelle into an eternal winter that only she can stop – the problem is, she doesn’t know how.
Frozen is a story of true love – and this time, breaking from Disney tradition, it is the story of love between sisters, rather than the love between a prim princess and an amorous suitor. Anna loves Elsa fiercely, and doesn’t understand why Elsa constantly keeps her distance. Elsa loves Anna equally as much, which is why she stays away – she doesn’t want to hurt her with her powers. Elsa sacrifices her own happiness for the sake of others, and likewise, when Elsa’s powers become public, Anna risks her life to help her older sister.
Indeed, sacrificial love is a huge theme in this movie, and Frozen not only preaches the importance of love, but also warms our hearts with other lessons. We learn that bottling up emotions equals disaster, but letting everything out at once can be equally dangerous; moreover, we should tolerate other people’s differences, and accept them for who they are.
Moreover, while we are busy learning life lessons, Frozen also throws in a few tunes that somehow manage to capture the epic emotion of a cinematic experience, and at the same time, are catchy enough to be great pop music. The single Let It Go, one of many awesome songs featured in the film, is not only an easy sing-along, but also a top hit on iTunes and has even outsold Beyonce. An epic power ballad, belted out by Broadway veteran Idina Menzel, Let It Go gives the entire movie a very Broadway feel. Other songs, including Do You Want to Build a Snowman sung by Kristen Bell and For The First Time In Forever, capture the very essence of old Disney classics like A Whole New World. Most of the songs on the Frozen soundtrack are easy and fun to sing along to, but are also a must-have for our iTunes library – a category that few songs can fit into.We learn that bottling up emotions equals disaster, but letting everything out at once can be equally dangerous; moreover, we should tolerate other people’s differences, and accept them for who they are.
The movie Frozen is special because it strays from the usual plot of Disney movies – instead of falling in love, this is a story about learning to love. This is a story about learning to grow up, rather than staying a child forever. This movie is above and beyond the level of simple entertainment. Under Disney’s well-worn messages of hope and happiness (i.e. follow your dreams, listen to your heart), Frozen gives us a deeper look at the nature of family and friendship, delving into something more mature. As we’re told by a group of singing trolls, “People make bad choices if they’re mad, or scared, or stressed/ Throw a little love their way and you’ll bring out their best!”
