The Enchantment of Fairytales —
I love fairytales.
The Brother’s Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, Arabian Nights — fairytales are charming, exciting, heart-breaking and funny. Fairytales come from all nations, and we call them folktales, and we think they’re all made-up because, well, they’re fantasy.
But are they really?
The reasons fairytales retain their appeal is precisely because, although they’re fiction, they contain things we can all relate to. Like Cinderella, we’ve experienced people being mean to us, saying “you’re ugly”, “you’re worthless.” And like the Little Mermaid, we’ve had a helpless crush on someone who really just…is not interested.
But in fairytales (unlike real life) also contain a happy ever after. In fairytales, good always triumphs. And, as an added bonus, for some reason fairytales seem to have beautiful dresses, handsome Princes and True Love.
And because of this, fairytales make for fabulous movies and amazing TV. Here’s my top 5.
Hope you enjoy these clips!
5 Fabulous On-Screen Fairytales.
5. EverAfter
Watch the clip to the end!
4. Shrek
Who doesn’t love this great movie? And the sequels that somehow were just as good as the first! My favourite line: ‘Some of you may die, but that is a price I am willing to pay…’
3. Enchanted
The Happy Working Song is the best! ‘Even though you’re vermin…’ I have no idea how Amy Adams managed to sing this song with a straight face.
2. Whale Rider
This is a retelling of a Maori myth, and is an absolutely stunning movie. Its based on the book Whale Rider, by Witi Ihimaera. No actual whales were harmed in the making of this movie.
1. Beauty and the Beast – the animated version
The animation in this film is amazing, but really I love the characters, especially the French candlestick and Chip the cup (what a great name!)
Bonus! – An Extra Movie
And as an added little bonus, who could forget the amazingly sublime…The Princess Bride.
Okay, so it’s not really based on any actual fairytale, but it has a Princess, a Romantic Hero and, most importantly — the Best Movie Sword Fight Ever.