Disney’s newest animated film “Frozen” was released to public theaters across the country, and has rapidly captivated its audiences since its release on Nov. 27, 2013. Most recently, the film won a Golden Globe in the category Best Animated Feature Film and was nominated for Best Original Song, “Let it Go”. Although it was only released a few months ago, the planning, (and failures) of this film have been going on for decades. Walt Disney himself wanted to re-create the story of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, “The Snow Queen,” but it proved to be too problematic for the era. Filmmakers attempted to revisit the story several times, but always found the storyline or animation to be too difficult with which to work. Finally, in 2011, the success of “Tangled” had given hope to the idea of “Frozen,” which would use 3-D animation instead of the originally planned hand-drawn concept.
As the story begins, viewers are introduced to the two young princesses of Arendelle, Elsa, and her younger sister, Anna. Both girls are playful and bright, but Elsa is extraordinarily special. Born with a gift to control ice and snow, Elsa’s powers seem harmless until she accidentally injures Anna while they are playing together. Anna sustains no permanent injury, although her memory is wiped of her knowledge of her sister’s magical power. Feeling as though she is a threat to her sister, Elsa locks herself away from Anna for years, until Elsa must be coronated as Queen of Arendelle after their parents die in a shipwreck. During the gathering after Elsa’s coronation, Anna confronts her sister, wondering why she has shut her out for so many years. Elsa panics, and causing her to lose control of her powers, which are revealed to the members of the kingdom. After being accused of witchcraft, Elsa and flees Arendelle, planning never to return, and sets the kingdom into an eternal winter. Anna, who never blamed Elsa for her outburst, chases after her sister, and meets some friends along the way, including the mysterious Hans; handsome Kristoff; the hilarious snowman Olaf; and Kristoff’s lovable reindeer, Sven. Their goal: to bring Elsa back to Arendelle and have her restore summertime in the kingdom.
Although the tale of the two sister princesses is aimed at younger children, the film has attracted a crowd with a wider age range, giving the film more popularity than expected, and setting it as the ninth-highest grossing film of 2013. The actors who portray the main characters are Idina Menzel (Elsa), best known for her role in the Tony Award winning musical “Wicked,” and Kristen Bell (Anna), who is known for her many roles in television, film, and theatre productions. Both actresses give life to the characters whom they voice. The memorable songs and unique characters seem more realistic for this modern day and age, although there has been conflict among some fans of the film towards the lack of supporting female characters besides the main characters, Elsa and Anna. While many older Disney princesses were focused on finding their prince and living happily ever after, there is little love interest incorporated the story. The story is shared by Elsa and Anna, showing the importance of the bonds of sisterhood and love and forgiveness. A definite must see for Disney princess and musical fans.