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No more stupid, than, say, Aladdin. I saw her as an impulsive teen trying to break free... and watching impulsive teens breaking free in my family, it rang true to me. I liked that she was complex and flawed, and I understood her. But I didn't love her, either.
As a woman (and a writer) I'm always on the watch for complex female characters in films and television. And they very rarely occur. And when they do, they very, very, rarely are the story-driver. And when they are, they very, very rarely are in a big-budget film. And when - ever - have we seen a big-budget animated picture feature a complex, story-driving woman who is the master of her own fate? The closest we come is Mulan, but she's still leaning on the man for help.
To be clear, I lean on my man for help. As he leans on me. But - also - when do we ever see a man lean on a woman for help, in animated films, or other media? It's pretty rare. If they're leaning, it's generally on another dude.
Also - I read that under Brenda Chapman, the film was almost entirely set in the snow, and after she was let go they went for lush scenery. I don't know how much that had to do with it, but it's a pretty extreme design change.
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