Barbie as Rapunzel
Love and imagination can change the world.
Overview
Long, long ago, in a time of magic and dragons, there lived a girl named Rapunzel who had the most beautiful radiant hair the world had ever seen. But Rapunzel's life was far from wonderful. She lived as a servant to Gothel, a jealous, scheming witch who kept her hidden deep in a forbidding forest, guarded by the enormous dragon Hugo and surrounded by an enchanted glass wall. However, in a twist of fate, Rapunzel's discovery of a magic paintbrush leads her on a journey that will unravel a web of deception, bring peace to two feuding kingdoms, and ultimately lead her to love with the help of Penelope, the least intimidating of dragons!
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released in 2002, "Barbie as Rapunzel" came during a period of immense popularity for direct-to-video Barbie movies. It leverages the familiar fairy tale of Rapunzel to introduce a new generation to the character, framing her as an artist and emphasizing the power of imagination and creativity to escape confinement, both literally and figuratively.
- The animation style, while dated, is charming and creates a visually appealing fairy tale aesthetic.
- The incorporation of classical music adds a layer of sophistication and emotion to the storytelling.
- The theme of self-reliance and using one's talents to overcome adversity is a positive message for young viewers.
- Anjelica Huston delivers a memorable performance as the villainous Gothel, making her a compelling antagonist.
Fun Facts
- The film features artwork by the character Rapunzel that are actually inspired by or directly lifted from famous paintings, offering a subtle art history lesson.
- The two dragons, Penelope and Hobie, represent different aspects of personality - Penelope, the loyalty and Hobie representing bravery.