Rewatching Snow White: Was This Really a Kids Movie?

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Let’s delve into the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, not the recent adaptation but the original story from long ago.

It’s astonishing how a movie from over a century ago still feels relevant today, yet it truly marked a significant milestone in cinematic history. To be honest, it’s been quite some time since I last watched it myself. Recently, with all the live-action Disney adaptations emerging, my curiosity was piqued by the latest Snow White film. So, I thought it was high time to revisit the original for a fresh look after many years.

Wow, I must say, it seems rather unusual for a children’s film, don’t you think? There are certain aspects that I feel compelled to discuss.

The Original Was Never My Favorite Disney Movie, But I Still Respected It

To start off, let me make clear at the outset that the original “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” wasn’t necessarily my preferred Disney film. However, I acknowledge its status as a timeless classic.

To put it straight, my favorite Disney films are predominantly from the Renaissance era, rather than the original princess series, even those like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And if we’re talking complete honesty, I often lean towards watching Pixar’s best productions as well.

Indeed, I acknowledge that “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is a timeless classic. The mere concept of producing an entire full-length animated movie during that era is a sight to behold, and without this adaptation, Disney as we know it today might not have existed. It revolutionized the industry and much more, making it essential viewing for any cinephile – even if it’s not my personal favorite.

I was certain I needed to revisit it for the live-action rendition of the film, though I prefer to call it an adaptation as it doesn’t feel like a remake due to numerous story discrepancies. Some parts left me quite puzzled.

Some Of The Scenes In The Original Are Actually Really Scary And Make Me Think Of Kid’s Reactions

This movie can be scary. Like, really scary.

I don’t typically yell at the TV during movies like this, and it’s unlikely anyone would claim that the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is as terrifying as the top horror films.

However, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” effectively establishes a chilling atmosphere within its fairytale setting, with scenes that could undoubtedly unsettle or frighten younger viewers. This raises doubts about the initial marketing strategy of the movie towards children.

The swift-paced journey of Snow White through the ominous forest serves as a striking illustration. I don’t recall this scene being quite so gripping when I was younger, yet viewing it now stirs curiosity about how a child would react upon their initial viewing. It all unfolds at such a rapid pace. Snow White is shrieking, and the trees and twigs appear to morph into terrifying beasts out of nowhere—even though it’s just her imagination, it still gives me pause.

Such instances are often quite unsettling for children. To be fair, that was a different era, and some things considered acceptable to display on the big screen back then might not be today. It definitely sparks reflection in me.

A different way of expressing this could be: Another noteworthy example is the Evil Queen’s metamorphosis into her aged form. I was surprised by how intricate the transformation was, showing her fingernails lengthening and becoming pointed, her hands turning bony, and her face collapsing into a hollow as her cheekbones receded— frankly, that seems quite intense for a young audience to view, from my point of view.

Indeed, this scene reminds me that the dark ride in Disney parks aligns beautifully with the film’s narrative theme. Interestingly, such thematic connections are interspersed throughout this charming movie, causing one to both ponder and experience a subtle sense of unease, even for adults.

There Are A Lot Of Dark Themes That I Was Surprised By As An Adult

Another intriguing aspect of the tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” lies in its profoundly deep themes. Frankly, these themes are quite somber, which leads me to ponder about the original audience this story was intended for.

In this movie, death is omnipresent; it’s woven into the narrative from the poisoned apple, Snow White’s enchantment in the glass coffin, to the huntsman who pursues her with the intention of betraying and presumably killing her – we witness him raising his knife. It’s clear that death plays a significant role in this film.

Another major topic that frequently arises is the issue of vanity and our readiness to go to great lengths to demonstrate our superiority over others. To be clear, this isn’t just about minor displays of arrogance; in extreme cases, it can lead someone to take another’s life – though it’s important to note that this theme is present even when the actions aren’t as drastic.

A recurring motif is camaraderie, which is evident in situations where individuals aid each other during times of need, such as Snow White’s assistance to the Dwarves when she discovers their home in disarray. Although this theme may not be inherently dark, it exists within the context of the Dwarves’ lives, where they lack guidance and care, leading to their living conditions. They depend on others to help correct their missteps.

These topics are quite complex and might not immediately resonate with many children, in my view. Instead, it seems like these themes are more intended for parents, who can use them as valuable lessons to pass on to their kids after they’ve left the comfort of the cinema.

It’s Still A Wonderful Masterpiece Of Film, But It Certainly Made Me Wonder If I Was Scared Of The Movie As A Kid

Let me make it clear – despite the fact that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is an old movie, I still think it’s fantastic. Frankly, I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much given how far animation has come since then. However, I ended up loving it even more than I anticipated, and I wholeheartedly suggest giving it another watch if you haven’t seen it in a while.

When considering its placement, please remember to take the children into account as many modern Disney films feature potentially frightening scenes that might startle them or cause nightmares. It’s best to avoid such situations, and this movie contains instances that could lead to such effects.

Indeed, this is an extraordinary contribution to cinema lore, meriting every accolade and more, despite moments that might give you a fright now and again.

In the fresh take on “Snow White”, I believe it’s destined to endure through time and times again. It’s left quite an impact on me, and perhaps it will do the same for you – all you need is a trip to Disney+!

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2025-04-03 23:08