By: Jane Wilde

Public Relations Manager

On Mar. 21st, Disney released the live-action adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a classic fairy tale about a princess who escapes her wicked stepmother and builds an alliance with seven whimsical dwarfs. With a star-studded cast including Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the film effortlessly balances nostalgia with modern storytelling. 

In 2023, the internet was in flames after an interview surfaced of  Zegler’s claiming that the live action film would differ from the original in that a true love’s kiss would not save the princess. In response to the online outrage, Disney changed the plot entirely. However, this kiss did not alter the independence of Snow White as a character, as she still is portrayed with great agency and depth.

From the golden yellow color grading to the implementation of nostalgic Disney allusions, the film’s visuals make the viewing experience feel like one big Disneyland ride. While the film is rated PG, some of its visuals and subject matter are dark, even for young children. For example, there are several scenes in which Snow White comes close to a violent death. I would not recommend watching the film with anyone age six or under. 

The soundtrack features classics like Heigh-Ho and introduces new hits like Good Things Grow, eliminating the antiquated song, Someday My Prince Will Come. Waiting on a Wish is my personal favorite track; however, Heigh-Ho places a close second. Whistle While You Work is another catchy track that takes place in the dwarfs’ cottage where they begin to let loose as they tidy the small place. Rachel Zegler’s background in musical theater shines through her powerful vocal performance as Snow White. It is evident that she mastered the Disney Princess’s vocal inflections and tone. Gal Gadot also gives an impressive performance as the evil queen, although her vocals were lacking. I wish they would have chosen talent over a big-name actress and cast someone stronger vocally. 

One of the more prominent themes in the film is that kindness conquers all, one evil queen in particular. Throughout the film, Snow White uses her benevolence to improve the lives of others. She helps Dopey come out of his shell by emphasizing the need to speak from the heart.  And the other dwarfs learn to get along as she teaches them that goodness prevails. Furthermore, the evil queen frequently uses a rose and a diamond as an analogy for her and the princess, one strong and hard, and the other pretty, but frail and weak. Snow White proves her wrong when she uses her good will to save the kingdom. This motif that kindness prevails serves as a powerful message to young audiences that compassion and sensitivity are signs of strength, not weakness.