Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (December 21, 1937)

This was Walt Disney’s first feature film and without it, we would not have the Disney studios we know today. Walt Disney took a big gamble on this technological marvel for the time. It was not a sure bet that it would become a smash hit as Animation was a burgeoning medium at the time. All that being said, Snow White is my least favorite Disney princess film. A brief summation of the movie is an evil queen wishes to murder Snow White, who seeks refuge with seven dwarfs, because Snow White is more beautiful than she. I admire its importance in Disney history and it truly is a stunning film with stellar voice acting and singing as well as iconic songs such as “Whistle While You Work/ Heigh Ho” and “Someday my Prince Will Come”. But I

was not a fan of Snow White as a character. She has no real agency of her own (which, admittedly, could be said for many of the earlier Disney princess). And the Dwarfs are very one note and hit or miss. However, upon re-watching this film I have grown to look past my dislike of the character and instead I have fallen in love with this Disney interpretation of a classic German fairytale fairy tale. It is amazing what Walt and the many animators, ink and paint girls, actors, musicians, and many more besides were able to accomplish in the lead up to World War II. Snow White, while bland as a character, is genuinely kind (albeit also very naïve) and her interactions with the animals and the dwarfs are so sweet and wholesome I cannot help but change my tune about this film. Although not perfect, and I believe later Disney releases surpass it, everyone who has not seen Snow White (or have not seen it in a while like me) must watch it if for no other reason than to appreciate this important piece of cinematic history.

Final Rating: 7.5/10