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| 1993 Re-release Poster |
In the 1930s, animation as a medium was only gaining popularity. Walt Disney was being called a pioneer in the animated film. He had created beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and people were starting to take great interest in his work and his new studio. But when Disney announced that he was going to make the world's first ever full length animated film, the world dismissed him. "Disney's Folly" was the cruel nickname given to the film in development. However, when the film released in 1937, all naysayers were silenced. Snow White was a huge hit, and started the legacy of the Walt Disney Company.
As you may well know, Snow White tells the story of a young princess named Snow White. When her jealous stepmother realizes that Snow White's beauty could surpass her own, she orders the girl to be killed. However, Snow White escapes and finds refuge with seven dwarfs, who keep her safe. The evil Queen does all in her power to kill Snow White, but in the end, it is only True Love that conquers all!
For what it's worth, Snow White is a fantastic film. The amazing part is how it still holds up 75 years later! Every bit of the magic still lives on in the film, and while it may feel a bit dated in comparison to today's animated films, that itself is a charm of the film.
The animation is revolutionary and still looks beautiful. Characters are immaculately crafted and the level of detail is astounding. From the animals to the humans, every character has received much attention to detail. Memorable scenes include the one in which Snow White escapes into the forest, the Queen's terrifying transformation, and the emotional finale. My personal favorite is the famous "cleaning up" sequence in the dwarfs' house.
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| "I'm Wishing!" |
The characters themselves are the most memorable. Snow White may not be the most multidimensional, but she makes a charming protagonist. I personally grew to like her. The Queen is often downright scary and makes a great villain. And the dwarfs are the heart of this film. Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, Sleepy, and everyone's favorites, Grumpy and Dopey, deliver many of the film's laughs, and surprisingly, much of the film's emotion. They are the seven pillars that hold up this film.
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| Remember to whistle! |
Sadly, though, the film suffers from a lot of padding. Maybe that was to bump up the length of the film.
The music? It is simply, legendary. Songs like "Whistle While You Work", "Heigh-Ho" and "Someday My Prince Will Come" are true classics today.
Overall, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a rare cinematic masterpiece that retains its magic and charm more than seven decades later. The first animated film in history truly is "the fairest one of all".
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| Happily ever after! |