Top 10 Things Only Adults Understand About Disney Princesses
#10: Terrifying Songs
Top 10 Genuinely Terrifying Godzilla Moments
If it’s in song form, it can’t be that bad, right? Absolutely wrong. Among the typical cheerful group numbers and emotional ballads in Disney princess films are songs that are straight up scary, even by adult standards. They’re often performed by a villain - no surprise there - and feature surprisingly dark themes. Ursula manipulates Ariel into giving up her voice and eventually her freedom, Mother Gothel strikes fear into Rapunzel, and Gaston manages to convince a whole mob to attempt murder. While kids can pick up on the spooky vibes, the true horror of what is being described probably goes over their heads. Older viewers, however, can appreciate just how sinister these tunes are.
#9: Inspiration for Tiana “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
Although children are unlikely to realize this, adults who are familiar with famous chefs might recognize that Tiana is inspired by the Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase. The award-winning cook is celebrated for her influence in the New Orleans restaurant scene, as well as her involvement with the civil rights movement. Tiana bears resemblance to Chase in many ways. They both share a passion for cooking, the ambition and drive needed to open a restaurant, and the will to make a positive impact on the world. There is one notable difference between the two, though. While Tiana is a princess, Chef Chase is a queen.
#8: Young Princesses
Top 10 Most Incredible Movie Young to Old Castings
They may seem mature to children, but us older fans understand that the princesses are quite young. In fact, most of them are teenagers. Snow White, Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Mulan, and Belle are all under eighteen years old. In general, Disney princess films and merchandise are made for kids, so it makes sense that the heroines are more youthful. However, many of their stories depict dangerous adventures and end in marriage, which children definitely shouldn’t be taking part in. On top of that, the princesses under eighteen don’t necessarily look or act their age. Most of them come across as women in their early twenties, which is kind of creepy when you think about it.
#7: Mulan’s Other Fate “Mulan” (1998)
Everything We Know About the Mulan Remake So Far
While kids may not understand that the bulk of Disney princess films are adaptations of previously existing tales, adults are more likely to be familiar with their source material. The 1998 film “Mulan” is one of many adaptations inspired by the ancient Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. Although the first written recording of the myth concludes with a happy ending similar to the one in Disney’s film, not every version ends on a high note. In the 17th-century novel titled “Romance of Sui and Tang Dynasties,” Mulan’s father dies before she returns from war. The heroine is nearly forced into becoming a concubine, but instead takes her own life. Adults may appreciate this darker conclusion, but it’s definitely not suitable for the kiddos.
#6: The Looming French Revolution “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
Top 10 Things Only Adults Understand About Disney Villains
According to Disney’s version of the French fairy tale, Belle and her prince live happily ever after. However, those of us who are old enough to have studied world history will recall that the monarchy met a violent end in France at the end of the 18th century. During the French Revolution, members of the nobility were stripped of their titles, and some even lost their heads. Although it's not explicitly stated, clues indicate that Disney’s adaptation is set in the mid 18th century. The original fairy tale was published in 1740, and costumes from the 2017 live-action version are inspired by wear of the time. If this assumption is correct, then Belle and the Beast only have a few decades before facing the guillotine.
#5: Subliminal Messages
Although Disney princess films are generally made for children, they do include the occasional raunchy joke. For example, in the 2013 hit “Frozen,” a portion of Anna and Kristoff’s dialogue riffs on the sexually-charged saying, “size doesn’t matter.” In “Aladdin and the King of Thieves,” the Genie quips about honeymoon activities. Aside from these intentionally included innuendos, some viewers allege that Disney films are full of subliminal messages. One infamous claim can be found on the original VHS cover of “The Little Mermaid,” which is said to contain phallic imagery. Another example comes from a promotional image for 2010’s “Tangled,” in which Rapunzel’s hair supposedly spells out “S-E-X.” These examples are probably unintentional, and pretty obscure. It’s unlikely that kids would spot them.
#4: Mulan & Shang’s Relationship “Mulan” (1998)
Top 10 Differences Between Mulan (1998) & Mulan (2020)
Romance is a key component in most Disney princess films. Thanks to society’s historically heteronormative standards, the so-called “princesses” are typically paired with male love interests. When it comes to Mulan and Shang’s relationship, however, there are obviously some queer undertones. Mulan undermines traditional gender roles by posing as a man and joining the army. Technically, the romance between Mulan and Shang doesn’t begin until after Mulan is revealed to be a woman, but it’s clear Shang is initially drawn to Mulan’s male persona, “Ping,” with the two having chemistry from the start. Kids may not initially recognize that the couple is legible as queer but, for older viewers, the possibility is there for interpretation.
#3: The Romanticization of Pocahontas “Pocahontas” (1995)
Top 10 Things Only Adults Understand About Disney Movies
Those of us old enough to have a basic knowledge of American history know that the Disney adaptation of this story includes quite a number of historical inaccuracies. For instance, the titular character was probably around ten years old when she first met John Smith, which makes their romance highly unlikely. It’s also improbable that Pocahontas’s rescue of the explorer happened the way he reported it. It’s more likely he misunderstood his involvement with a ritual that included the young girl, or else made it up. On top of all that, the film’s presentation of Native Americans as exotic and pseudo magical is pretty offensive. The flick may be enjoyable as a fictional tale but, as adults, we know there’s a lot wrong with it.
#2: Tiana’s Impact “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
Tiana made history in 2009 as the first Black Disney princess. Even if kids aren’t explicitly aware of her impact, the representation she brings is significant. On top of being a strong-willed and aspirational role model, she continues to be one of the few women of color in the franchise. Even though her inclusion is a big step forward for Disney, it’s been met with a fair amount of backlash. Some viewers are critical of the fact that Tiana is a frog for most of the film and claim that it undermines her influence. Children probably aren’t aware enough to have this complaint, and will enjoy the film regardless. That being said, it’s a valid critique.
#1: Well-Adjusted Princesses
Top 10 Most Heroic Things Disney Princesses Have Ever Done
We have no idea how these princesses are so mentally stable after all the traumatic events they’ve endured. Throughout their various films, the heroines are exploited, ostracized, and nearly murdered. Most of them have deceased parents or abandonment issues. Practically all of them encounter life-threatening danger and witness violence. Many are also taken advantage of by other characters. For example, Cinderella’s step-mother forces her into servitude, and Mother Gothel keeps Rapunzel hostage in order to use her magical locks. Plus, Ariel, Tiana, and Aurora each have a spell cast upon them by a villain. Despite undergoing all these horrific circumstances, the princesses somehow still manage to live happily ever after. Hopefully they’re all in therapy. Do you see the Disney princesses differently as an adult than you did as a kid? Let us know in the comments below.
