Rapunzel: The Romantic

(Image via Wikipedia)

            Released by Disney in 2010, Tangled went back to completely fantasy roots for it’s next Disney Princess: Rapunzel. Loosely based on the fairy tale, it takes place in a fantasy setting. The Princess Rapunzel is kidnapped as a baby for her magical hair, and Mother Gothel is able to convince her that the world outside her tower is far too dangerous to go out into. She is isolated from life experience and other people, similar to how Aurora was hidden from evil. What skills she can gain in the tower she does, but she longs to go outside. This is the setting her adventure starts in, and her decision to start taking control of her life.

(Image via Disney Wikia)

            Her enemy? The wicked Mother Gothel, who’s a real piece of work. Centuries year old, Gothel has retained her youth with a magic flower. That flower was given to Rapunzel’s mother while she was pregnant to save her and her child’s life. As a result, the magic went into Rapunzel’s hair-and so Gothel, rather then face old age and death, instead opted to kidnap the infant princess and brain wash her for the next 18 years. Unlike the fairies in Sleeping Beauty, she had no noble reason: she wanted to stay young forever. An entire kingdom mourned for the lost princess, and Gothel had no problem with that what so ever. She was willing to undermine Rapunzel’s confidence at every turn in order to ensure she stay in the tower, and was willing to work with some rather unsavory thugs to try to wind in the end. While this woman has no powers of her own, she causes an amazing amount of distress and despair.

            Fortunately, opportunity knocked when a stranger tried to hide in the tower. Rapunzel learned she wasn’t so weak as her mother thought, and when she still wouldn’t listen, Rapunzel decided to take charge. She dealt with some interesting obstacles, brave enough to face ruffians and thugs at the Ugly Duckling, and clever enough to figure out how to escape from several difficult situations; such as being trapped in a flooding cave or being chased by city guards. She also puts pieces together, because once she sees the royal crest she realizes she’s been subconsciously adding it to the murals she’s been forever painting on her walls. It doesn’t take her long after that to realize what Gothel’s done. While she grew up isolated, Rapunzel has amazing deductive ability.

            From what I could tell, Flynn Ryder and Rapunzel got the most on screen time to connect without breaking into song. They spent several days together, and the audience can track their progress. He seeks out her tower to hide, she hits him with a pan. Rapunzel displays bargaining ability and strikes a deal with him to be her guide. She saves his life at a tavern, and again in the flooding cave. By the end of the day they’ve both shared significant secrets and trust has begun to form. When Gothel appears and disheartens Rapunzel, Flynn notices she’s upset and asks why. She shows interest in his life story and he in hers. The next day they reach the city, and Flynn makes sure to give her the full experience of a birthday and celebration. They sneak away from guards, he gets her souvenirs, they read, dance, and spend time together. In the end he no longer sees it as just a deal-he wants her to get her dream, and he wants it to be as good or better then she imagined, going above and beyond the call to surprise her. When Gothel attempts to make it look like he’s abandoned Rapunzel, he comes to and is arrested-but his thoughts are on fear that Rapunzel’s in danger. It’s not even about him living or dying, it’s that he’s the only one who knows what sort of trouble she’s in. When Rapunzel realizes Gothel has been lying all along, she immediately questions what situation Flynn is in. But most important is that she was willing to give up her freedom to save his life, and he was willing to give up his life to save her freedom. Both parties were equally committed and devoted to the relationship.

            I believe Rapunzel is an excellent role model because her character evolves. She starts out isolated and a little naïve, but she becomes aware that something is wrong with her situation and takes charge. She’s clever and notices things other people might overlook, and surprisingly brave. In terms of expectations for romance, she had Flynn have a wonderful relationship that develops from different stages. There’s no abrupt “and then they were in love” like in Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Pocahontas. In fact, it points out a topic many earlier movies tried to avoid: Family vs. Independence. While The Litle Mermaid touched in on the topic, choosing her own way did not benefit Ariel in the end and in fact caused more damage. Rapunzel finally decided to defy the only parent she’d ever known, and in the end it helped her grow as a person and gain her freedom. Tangled is definitely safe for a little girl to watch, and I’d encourage the viewing of it for parents and babysitters.