Absolutely Enchanting

I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning watching the Disney movie, Enchanted. For those that don't know, it is a clever little film that takes the Disney princess-happily-ever-after story and turns it on its head, by imagining what would happen if a fairytale princess (animated and all) was suddenly dumped in modern day New York City, where she is no longer a cartoon, nor is she, as they say, in Kansas anymore.

During the course of the film, the poor girl is mugged, drenched in dirty rain water, homeless, and yet despite it all, she manages to retain her perky, upbeat "dreams really do come true" attitude. She keeps singing through all of her troubles, runs around in beautiful ball gowns, and never loses faith in the idea that her true love will find her.

I have to say that I absolutely loved it. I'm sure that this sugary film turns off some viewers, but I reveled in the cleverness of this film. It makes reference to scores of Disney films from the ballroom scene from Beauty and the Beast, to the obvious apple from Snow White, and the scheming villian who turns herself into a dragon in order to defeat our hero.

Moreover, it is full of positive messages. We see a girl who stays true to herself, not allowing others opinions of her influence her choices. She stays true to her ideals and continues to save herself for her true love, despite other pursuers. She never loses her hope, nor her unflagging confidence that everything will turn out for the best.

In a larger picture (and echoing Tolkien and Lewis), I believe that Myth can be useful to us as a framework in which to view the world. We want Good to triumph over Evil, are touched to the deepest part of our souls when a friend gives his life for another. We root for the weak and oppressed, believe in one true love. I think we identify and long for what we see in movies because that's what was intended for us. We want to find someone who knows are true name, and speaks our language. We desire someone who loves us so much that He is willing to die for us. We long to return to Paradise.

It's a lovely film. It warms my heart and leaves me longing for my Home. You should watch it, and maybe it will warm your heart, too.