Rapunzel – Tangled (2010)

Directed by: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard | 90 minutes | animation, comedy, family, musical | Original voice cast: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ewan McGregor, Steve Martin, Ron Perlman, Jeffrey Tambor, Brad Garrett, MC Gainey, Paul F. Tompkins | Dutch voice cast: Levi van Kempen, Kim-Lian van der Meij, Karin Bloemen

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, hang your braid out the window.” In the fairytale forest of the Efteling, the tower in which Princess Rapunzel was locked up has been a much-visited attraction for years. The fairy tale of Rapunzel (also called Rapunzel), was written at the beginning of the nineteenth century by the Brothers Grimm. The story is not nearly as popular in the Netherlands and Belgium as in English-speaking countries, but still appeals to the imagination. The fairy tale about coming of age has been somewhat refined over time, so that it could easily serve as a children’s story (in the original story, the princess got pregnant after the visits of the prince…). Disney comes up with a contemporary version of the fairy tale. It is the fiftieth feature film by the animation studio and for the first time in a long time, an existing fairy tale once again forms the basis of a full-length feature film. Disney harks back to the past and that turned out to be a bull’s eye, because ‘Rapunzel’ (2010) is a wonderful family film full of suspense, adventure and a touch of romance.

Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) is the daughter of the King and Queen, but she doesn’t know about it herself. When she was just born, she was stolen from her crib by Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy), a witch who likes to keep her to herself. She knows that Rapunzel’s golden blonde has her magical powers. Forces that can keep her strong and young. She locks the princess up in a high tower and pretends to be her mother. Rapunzel grows up without ever seeing the outside world, as her mother forbids her to leave the tower. And so she dreams of the lanterns that are released every year on her birthday. Her great wish is to one day admire that light spectacle up close. Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) is a handsome but notorious bandit on the run from the king’s army. He accidentally discovers Rapunzel’s tower, which he sees as the ideal hiding place. At first, Rapunzel doesn’t like the intruder until she sees that he can be her key to the outside world. Adventure beckons and Flynn seems like the perfect company for an exciting journey of discovery!

‘Rapunzel’ may be largely made with the help of CGI techniques, and looks more contemporary than predecessor ‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009), the film breathes the atmosphere of the hand-drawn animations with which Disney once established itself. The greatest resemblance is with ‘The Little Mermaid’ (1989), in which it also revolves around a stubborn girl who leaves her familiar environment to seek adventure. But even more than in that film, there is room for humor in ‘Rapunzel’. Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard have key roles for two hilarious sidekicks; the chameleon Pascal and the horse Maximus. These animals (fortunately) don’t talk, all the more communicate. Loyal Pascal, Rapunzel’s pet and confidant, changes mood faster than color. Purebred Maximus is in the king’s service and is ordered to go after Flynn. When he loses the rest of the guard, he decides to continue his journey. After all, justice must be done. Maximus in particular creates particularly comical situations. He steals every scene. Another highlight is a crazy musical party number in a dodgy pub, where the most shadowy types suddenly show their most surprising side.

Because music, ‘Rapunzel’ is full of that. And that’s how it should be in a (classic) Disney movie. Alan Menken, a Disney veteran with the music of ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991) on his record, is responsible for the atmospheric and catchy songs. Pop star Mandy Moore brings the songs well, but it is really Donna Murphy who steals the show with her beautiful voice. Especially in ‘Mother Knows Best’ she strikes the right chord. Moore comes into her own again in the scene where Rapunzel is outside the tower for the first time and comes into contact with nature, she then sings ‘When Will My Life Begin’. Again a moment where the old Disney classics are very clearly harked back to. Zachary Levi is a lot less strong vocally, but knows how to put the right dose of charm in his voice, which makes you close Flynn (a reference to Errol Flynn) in your heart. He may be a rogue, but he is an endearing rogue. ‘Rapunzel’ appears in Dutch cinemas both in the original version and in a translated version (with the voices of Kim-Lian van der Meij, Karin Bloemen and Levi van Kempen). In addition, a 3D version is also in circulation. It is not really necessary to view the 3D version, because ‘Rapunzel’ is just as effective in 2D.

Disney is old-fashioned, thanks to CEO John Lasseter, who breathed new life into the studio. ‘Rapunzel’ has a good pace, stacks one hilarious moment after another, fits the musical intermezzos in the right way and also manages to move at certain times. what more do we want? Disney’s latest is the ideal film to watch with the whole family during the Christmas holidays. Success assured!