Sleeping Beauty (January 29, 1959)

This was Disney’s last animated movie based on a fairy tale until 30 years later with The Little Mermaid because it underperformed at the box office and was met with mixed reactions by critics. The plot is princess Aurora, after she was born, was put under a curse by the witch Maleficent, She decreed that, while she would grow in grace and beauty, before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday she would prick her finger on a spindle and die. The King and Queen beg the book fairies to reverse the curse, but they are unable to do so. Instead they weaken it so that instead of dying, Aurora will fall into a deep sleep only able to be broken by true love’s kiss. This movie is different from most Disney princess films in that the princess is rarely seen which gives the other character, most notably Prince Phillip (Aurora’s betrothed), a chance to shine. It is a nice change of pace. This is not to say Aurora has no scenes or songs- the “Once Upon a Dream” song and dance sequence being the best and most famous. But she is really a side character in her own movie being asleep for a large portion. The standout characters are the bumbling, but lovable, three good fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merriweather. They protect Princess Aurora and provide moments of laughter and levity. Maleficent is also one of the best disney villains, becoming very prolific in subsequent other adaptations. The scene with her becoming a dragon and Prince Phillip fighting against her is one of my favorites in all the Disney films. The animation style is reminiscent of Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which I adored (However, it does have some odd moments and stills), and the environments and singing are both stunning. The plot is simple (I do enjoy the case of mistaken identity), and I would have preferred Aurora been given a bit more characterization as well as Prince Phillip. Overall, I really enjoyed re-watching Sleeping Beauty as it kept me entertained all the way through, and think it is highly underrated with one of the best Disney Princess in Prince Phillip and Disney Villains with Maleficent.

Final Rating: 8.5/10