Have Disney Movies Gone Too Dark?

Have Disney Movies Gone Too Dark?

I don't think so.

And neither would Peggy Orenstein, who believes that Disney are actually still too soft, and who, in fact, reads the Grimm Brothers' tales to her young daughter....though undoubtedly the animated versions of the Grimm stories would be far more damaging than just the words!

Tangled

The video narrator first analyses Tangled, which is based on a grim story indeed, as a young girl is kidnapped and locked away in a tower. Though, the Grimm version does have a happy ending, and in fact isn't even too gruesome. Yes, a girl has been locked away, and the prince falls from the tower and is blinded by the thorn bush that breaks his fall....but Rapunzel manages to escape the tower, and finds her love blindly wandering the forest. As she weeps into his eyes, her tears heal his sight, and the two of them run away to live happily every after. Mother Gothel, Rapunzel's captor, is not maimed or killed. She is just left. This story is also one with greatest equality. Both Rapunzel and her prince work to rescue each other. And Rapunzel manages to escape her tower, and save her prince's eye sight, making her an active protagonist, and not just a damsel in distress. 

"Again teaching kids that an upbeat attitude and love can heal even decades long kidnappings may not be the most healthy message. But the moral of the story is a good one, be prepared to take risks and you'll do just fine" - narrator

Although I do agree that Disney films contain dark content - particularly such instances as the Shadow master in The Princess and the Frog - I believe that a lot of the darkness or perhaps seemingly inappropriate content just goes over the child's head. This not only makes the film more interesting for parents / older viewers, but it could be argued also helps children's developments as they view conflicts, or dark scenarios, even subconsciously. 

Like Mufasa dying in The Lion King might make some teenagers cry! But often is just accepted by young children. This is a dark, and upsetting scene, but it teaches children how to handle death and understand the circle of life. 

Frozen

In the analysis of Frozen, the narrator criticizes how Elsa is told to "conceal don't feel", arguing that children should, in fact, be taught the opposite of this. And I agree. But I feel the narrator has failed to acknowledge that this is the whole point of the film! Frozen does teach that we should embrace who we are, and not be shut up in exile because we're different or afraid. We should take control of our lives and embrace our gifts. This is shown as when Elsa does embrace her powers and stops living in fear, the beauty of her ice powers is revealed in the creation of her ice palace. And happiness is restored and the Kingdom saved when Elsa learns to love herself. 

"everything before it seems like a dark story of terrible parents and pain...not exactly a Disney classic" - narrator

I fully agree with this statement. But this is exactly what makes Frozen so realistic, relatable and therefore so popular! Elsa overcomes a childhood of oppression and truly finds herself as an adult. Elsa works through the separation driven between her and her sister and finds love can solve many of her problems. She overcomes exile, charges of treason, and plots to murder her. Yes, this is a dark film. But I would not at all say that is too dark. And this can be supported by the film's popularity with people of all ages. As Disney addresses these darker themes, it helps children to process difficulties they might encounter. Now while I don't mean to say that every little girl has to encounter exile for possessing magical powers, many will have to deal with sibling conflicts, over-controlling parents, hormonal changes (swirling storm inside), and perhaps anxiety issues. Elsa serves as a role model for children growing up. Her realistic struggles make her relatable, allowing the viewers to better understand the message, that they should accept themselves to find happiness, and that the power of love should not be underestimated. 

Zootopia

Yes, this does contain dark references. But this is because it very accurately reflects many issues faced by society today (from drug problems, to racial tensions). The narrator does admit that some of these darkest references will go over the heads of innocent, young children, but suggests that a post-viewing discussion is almost necessary to explain many of the concepts. For a child of an appropriate age, I think some real-world discussions could be beneficial, and this film serves as an opener. For younger children, just the messages of not judging people based on their ancestors or eating habits etc. is a good start! 

I love Zootopia's link to Breaking Bad. Ok so, Jesse and Woolter make a special blue substance in their basement that makes the animals go crazy.....hmmm....sound familiar? Now, when the children have learnt their lessons from Zootopia and grown up, they can enjoy Jesse and Walter White's version....now that's certainly something a little darker! So I guess that helps to put Disney in perspective! They tackle these real-world issues, in the safe setting of an animated animal world. I say well done Disney, and keep at it. You've not got too dark yet!