“Frozen” (2013), produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, stands as one of the most commercially successful and culturally impactful animated films of the 21st century. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the film reinvigorates the Disney Princess franchise and brings an updated approach to a classical storytelling formula. Loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” it combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and comedy, creating a world that appeals to a wide-ranging audience, from young children to adults. What sets “Frozen” apart is not just its breathtaking animation but the deeper themes it touches on, including love, sisterhood, and the rejection of traditional romance tropes often found in Disney films.
At the heart of “Frozen” is the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who are separated by both circumstance and the nature of Elsa’s mysterious powers. Elsa, the elder sister, is born with the magical ability to create ice and snow, an extraordinary gift that soon becomes a burden when it spirals out of her control. Fearing that she might accidentally harm others, especially her younger sister Anna, Elsa isolates herself, living in fear and repression. The central conflict of the film revolves around Elsa’s internal struggle with accepting herself and mastering her powers. It’s through this personal journey that the film touches on themes of self-acceptance and emotional openness, which resonate strongly with a modern audience.
“Frozen” opens with a glimpse into the childhood of Elsa and Anna, establishing the close bond the sisters once shared. Their early playful interactions give a glimpse of Elsa’s powers before they become dangerous. After an accident involving Elsa’s magic, the two sisters are separated, both physically and emotionally. Elsa is forced to hide her powers and is secluded within the palace, while Anna, whose memory of the event is erased, grows up longing for companionship and the closeness she once shared with Elsa. This initial setup provides the emotional backbone for the film, as the audience sees the love that exists between the sisters even as they are kept apart.
The inciting incident of the film occurs during Elsa’s coronation as queen. For the first time in years, Elsa is forced to interact with the outside world, and inevitably, her powers are revealed in a dramatic fashion. In a moment of panic, she unleashes an eternal winter upon her kingdom and flees to the mountains, seeking refuge in isolation. It’s in these moments that the film shines visually, with Elsa’s creation of her ice palace being one of the most stunning sequences in the film. The animation is meticulous, with the ice and snow taking on a life of their own, reflecting Elsa’s inner turmoil. The song “Let It Go,” which accompanies this scene, became a cultural phenomenon. Sung by Idina Menzel, Elsa’s voice actress, it’s a powerful anthem about breaking free from fear and self-imposed limitations. The lyrics, which speak to embracing one’s true self despite societal expectations, resonated with audiences of all ages and contributed significantly to the film’s enduring popularity.
While Elsa’s journey is one of self-discovery, Anna’s story is one of determination and courage. Upon realizing that Elsa has inadvertently caused a winter that has engulfed their kingdom, Anna sets out to find her sister and bring her back. Anna’s character contrasts sharply with Elsa’s; she is warm, optimistic, and impulsive, often acting without fully understanding the consequences of her actions. Her journey to find Elsa introduces a number of side characters who add humor and depth to the film, including Kristoff, a rugged ice harvester; Sven, his loyal reindeer; and Olaf, a magical snowman brought to life by Elsa’s magic. Olaf, in particular, provides much of the comic relief in the film, with his childlike innocence and humorous misunderstanding of what summer means for a snowman.
One of the strengths of “Frozen” lies in its subversion of traditional Disney tropes, particularly regarding romance. Early in the film, Anna becomes infatuated with Hans, a prince from a neighboring kingdom, and the two quickly announce their engagement after a single day of knowing each other. This typical Disney romance is later revealed to be a facade, as Hans is revealed to be the film’s villain, seeking to take control of Arendelle by marrying into the royal family. The film’s portrayal of Hans as a manipulative and self-serving character is a direct commentary on the shallow love stories that have been prevalent in past Disney films. Instead of focusing on romantic love, “Frozen” places a greater emphasis on the bond between the two sisters. Anna’s love for Elsa becomes the central emotional arc of the film, culminating in an act of true love that breaks the curse of eternal winter. This shift from romantic love to familial love as the film’s emotional core is a refreshing change and sets “Frozen” apart from its predecessors.
The film’s pacing is well-balanced, with moments of high tension interspersed with lighthearted humor and musical numbers. The screenplay, written by co-director Jennifer Lee, is sharp and witty, with dialogue that feels fresh and contemporary while still retaining the timeless quality of a fairy tale. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are clear and relatable. Elsa’s fear of her own powers and the consequences they bring is a poignant metaphor for anxiety and depression, and her eventual acceptance of herself is a powerful message for viewers who may be struggling with similar issues. Anna’s unwavering optimism and determination to reconnect with her sister provide a sense of hope and resilience that is equally important.
The music in “Frozen,” composed by the husband-and-wife songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, is one of the film’s standout elements. In addition to the aforementioned “Let It Go,” other songs such as “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever” are equally memorable and help to convey the emotional depth of the characters. The songs are well-integrated into the narrative and do not feel forced, as is sometimes the case in musicals. They enhance the storytelling rather than detract from it, making “Frozen” a more immersive experience.
Visually, “Frozen” is a stunning achievement in animation. The attention to detail in the environments, particularly the snow and ice, is remarkable. The animation team utilized new technology to create realistic snow physics, which gives the film a sense of realism despite its fantastical elements. The ice palace that Elsa creates is a marvel of design, with intricate details that reflect the beauty and danger of her powers. The character animation is equally impressive, with subtle expressions and movements that convey a wide range of emotions. The animators successfully capture the contrast between Elsa’s reserved, controlled demeanor and Anna’s more open, expressive personality.
However, despite its many strengths, “Frozen” is not without its flaws. Some critics have pointed out that the film’s plot can feel predictable at times, particularly in its third act. While the revelation that Hans is the villain is a surprising twist, the final confrontation between him and the sisters feels rushed and lacks the emotional weight of earlier scenes. Additionally, some of the supporting characters, such as Kristoff and Sven, feel underdeveloped compared to the central characters of Elsa and Anna. Kristoff, in particular, seems to serve more as a love interest for Anna than as a fully realized character in his own right, and his relationship with Anna is not given as much attention as the film’s other relationships.
Another point of criticism is the handling of Elsa’s character arc. While Elsa’s journey of self-acceptance is one of the film’s main themes, some viewers have noted that her development feels somewhat incomplete by the end of the film. After spending much of the movie in isolation and fear, Elsa’s sudden mastery of her powers in the final moments feels unearned. There is little explanation given as to how she is able to suddenly control her magic, and this lack of development leaves her character arc feeling unresolved. This is particularly noticeable in comparison to Anna’s arc, which is given more attention and feels more complete by the film’s conclusion.
Despite these criticisms, “Frozen” remains a groundbreaking film in many respects. It represents a shift in Disney’s approach to storytelling, moving away from traditional gender roles and romantic tropes in favor of more complex and nuanced characters and relationships. The film’s focus on the bond between sisters rather than on a romantic relationship is a welcome change, and its themes of self-acceptance, love, and resilience resonate strongly with a modern audience. Additionally, the film’s success at the box office and its cultural impact cannot be understated. “Frozen” became a global phenomenon, inspiring merchandise, theme park attractions, and even a Broadway adaptation. Its influence can be seen in subsequent Disney films, which have continued to explore more diverse and progressive themes.
