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Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of Snow White has finally arrived, premiering in Israel on Thursday and rolling out across the world on Friday. However, while the outline of the beloved 1937 animated classic remains, much of its spirit and charm have been lost in translation.
A Modern Take on an Old Classic
Starring Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, Snow White attempts to bring a contemporary twist to the original fairytale.
Rather than centering on a romantic journey, the new film emphasizes themes of leadership, justice, and self-discovery. The result is a movie that plays more like The Hunger Games meets a self-empowerment seminar rather than a traditional fairy tale romance.
One of the most significant departures from the original is the absence of a Prince Charming. Gone is the iconic song Someday My Prince Will Come, replaced with messages about Snow White discovering “the leader she can be.”
The decision to forgo the romance was foreshadowed by comments from Zegler, who criticized the original film for portraying the prince as a “stalker.” In this new adaptation, love takes a backseat to revolution, as Snow White fights to liberate her people from the clutches of her tyrannical stepmother.
A Tale of Oppression and Rebellion
The story opens with a prologue that clarifies Snow White’s name origins—she was born on a snowy day, rather than having skin “as white as snow.”
Raised in an idyllic kingdom of fairness and prosperity, her world is shattered when her mother dies and her father remarries the vain and power-hungry Evil Queen.
After her father disappears in battle, Snow White is reduced to servitude while the Queen amasses wealth by oppressing the people. Unlike the original, where the Evil Queen’s motivation was pure vanity, this version’s antagonist is a dictator who hoards riches while her people starve.
In a scene reminiscent of The Hunger Games, the Queen declares that what the people need are diamonds, not flowers, because “diamonds are forever.” Snow White, in contrast, yearns to restore the justice and prosperity of her childhood.
The ‘Dwarf Controversy’ and the CGI Problem
The film was plagued by controversies long before its release, particularly concerning its depiction of the seven dwarfs. Reports initially suggested that the dwarfs had been removed altogether due to concerns over offensive stereotypes.
However, the final film does feature CGI dwarfs alongside at least one live-action dwarf, creating an inconsistent visual effect that only adds to the confusion.
The CGI characters, with their exaggerated proportions, often fall into the infamous “uncanny valley,” making them more unsettling than endearing.
Despite Disney’s attempts to modernize the film, it struggles to balance nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities. While the animated dwarfs in the original were charming and memorable, the new film’s CGI counterparts fail to capture the same magic.
Strong Performances, but a Flat Narrative
Rachel Zegler delivers a solid performance, with her singing voice being one of the film’s highlights. Her background in musicals, particularly her breakout role in West Side Story, lends itself well to her portrayal of Snow White.
However, the script limits her ability to showcase the same warmth and innocence that defined the character in the animated version.
Gal Gadot, on the other hand, steals the show as the Evil Queen. Draped in jewel-studded black gowns, she exudes charisma and menace, making her one of the film’s most compelling aspects.
While her singing is more of a melodic spoken word style—akin to Rex Harrison’s performance in My Fair Lady—her delivery is effective. Gadot’s Queen is scheming, ruthless, and captivating, making her scenes some of the most engaging in the movie.
Andrew Burnap plays Jonathan, a Robin Hood-esque figure who serves as a substitute for the traditional prince.
While there are hints of romance between him and Snow White, the dynamic is clear—Snow White is the leader, and he is merely a supportive figure. However, their chemistry is lackluster, and the character feels like an afterthought rather than a meaningful addition.
A Plot That Strays Too Far
One of the film’s major issues is its meandering plot. After escaping the Queen’s assassination attempt, Snow White takes refuge in the dwarfs’ cottage, but instead of simply surviving, she embarks on a political quest to overthrow the Queen.
The film introduces a subplot about Snow White investigating whether her father might still be alive, but this thread is dropped and picked up sporadically, making it feel like an unnecessary distraction.
The climax also deviates significantly from the original. While the poisoned apple scene remains, the resolution lacks the dramatic tension of its predecessor.
Snow White does not wake up to a prince’s kiss, but rather to a newfound sense of purpose. The finale sees her leading a group of townspeople in a utopian vision of community-driven progress, with farmers and workers uniting in harmony.
While the message of empowerment is clear, the execution feels hollow. The original film’s romance and magic are replaced with political undertones that may resonate with some audiences but fail to capture the timeless enchantment of Disney’s animated classics.
Disney’s Live-Action Experiment: Success or Failure?
Disney’s trend of live-action remakes has been met with mixed reactions. Some, like Aladdin, have been successful in retaining the essence of their animated counterparts while introducing new elements.
Others, like The Lion King, have been criticized for being visually impressive but emotionally hollow. Snow White falls somewhere in between—it is not an outright disaster, but it is unlikely to be remembered as fondly as the 1937 classic.
The decision to modernize the film to align with today’s social and political climate is understandable, but the result is a movie that struggles to define its own identity.
Rather than being a magical fairy tale, it becomes a vehicle for themes of justice and leadership that may not necessarily appeal to younger audiences expecting a whimsical adventure.
The ‘Go Woke, Go Broke’ Debate
The phrase “Go woke, go broke” has been circulating in entertainment circles, used to critique films that prioritize social messaging over storytelling.
While Disney is unlikely to suffer financially—given its massive global reach and marketing machine—it remains to be seen whether this version of Snow White will stand the test of time.
Children may be drawn in by the promotional materials, but will they be enchanted enough to revisit the film in the same way generations have cherished the animated classic? That seems unlikely.
Final Verdict: A Visually Stunning But Soulless Retelling
Ultimately, Snow White is a well-produced but emotionally lacking remake that misses the essence of what made the original so beloved. While Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot deliver commendable performances, the film’s modernized approach sacrifices romance and magic for political messaging.
Disney’s attempt to revamp a classic for today’s audiences may yield short-term box office success, but it is doubtful that this Snow White will be remembered as fondly as its predecessor.
For those seeking nostalgia and timeless enchantment, the 1937 original remains the fairest of them all.”
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members