Film Review: Frozen

Joelene Pynnonen reviews Frozen

Princess Elsa of Arendelle was born with the magical ability to harness winter; creating ice and snow from the air. After a childhood accident that involved her younger sister, Anna, Elsa has hidden away that part of herself even though it means cutting herself off from her sister and her emotions. For years the sisters are secluded inside their castle, but with Elsa’s coronation approaching, the castle must open to the public once more.

When an argument leads to Elsa losing control of her emotions and her powers, the kingdom becomes trapped in a frigid winter. Now it’s up to Anna and Kristoff, a guide she meets along the way, to track the runaway Elsa and convince her to return summer to Arendelle.

I have been accused of trying to hold onto childhood at any cost, but stoutly maintain that animated films are getting better and better right now. If anyone was still in doubt, Frozen proves it. While it has all the markings of a children’s film, the storyline and script has plenty of entertainment for an adult audience. The fact that the screening I went to see started at eight-thirty pm and did not have one child in the reasonably sized audience means that studios are capitalising on making movies that resonate with various age groups.

 Beautifully animated and with a wonderful cast of characters voiced by talented voice actors, it’s difficult to find a reason not to watch Frozen. This is another Disney movie that works hard at breaking the conventions that stunted the original princesses. The traditional charm is there, but the female characters in Frozen have more agency than earlier princesses. Elsa and Anna have distinctive personalities that drive the storyline forward, and the film really unwinds around them. Kristoff is a lovely addition, as is the snowman, Olaf, but their roles are to guide and support Anna’s quest, not to take it on for her.

The one thing that let the film down was the musical score. ‘Let It Go’ sung by Elsa’s voice actor, Idina Menzel, is exceptional and fits the emotional complexity of the film. The other songs aren’t bad, but they don’t suit Frozen’s atmosphere in the same way.

For a gorgeous film that has some ultimately wonderful messages about love, family and loyalty, put Disney’s Frozen on your checklist. I had high expectations going in, and it surpassed most of them effortlessly.