As someone who never really saw Aladdin in one sitting before, I honestly enjoyed watching the movie very much. It brought me back to feeling like a little kid again, as I loved anything Disney growing up. The Genie was hands down my favorite character; without him, I do not think the movie would have been as much of a hit.
Throughout the movie, I definitely noticed a few controversial things. The fact that Jasmine originally had no say in who she wanted to marry and that the man had to be of royalty was very unfair and controlling in my opinion. Marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment full of love, which is exactly why I feel that Jasmine’s father should not have had any say in it because it would not affect the rest of his life but solely his daughter’s. Happiness is so much more important and valuable than wealth, so it was disappointing that it seemed someone’s social status was more important than their heart. Aladdin was treated so differently as a regular guy on the street versus a prince, which made me sad; in either position, he was worthy of just as much respect. Overall, I feel that during most of the movie, both Aladdin and Jasmine lacked the freedom that they truly deserved. I was glad to see that things turned around for the couple and that the old tradition of royal marriage was broken.
Personally, I do not feel that Disney movies are really like this anymore, where social class, wealth, and gender play significant roles in a person’s freedom and happiness. One of the newer Disney princess movies is Moana. I found this movie very interesting because she was not royalty like all the others and does not end up with a prince. I think Disney is starting to realize that they should not portray princesses as privileged girls from royal families anymore, and just regular girls living under normal circumstances because that will inspire young girls more. Seeing a royal princess might discourage a little girl, but seeing a regular girl being called a princess will inspire them as it then seems attainable for any girl to be a princess.
In conclusion, I am starting to see that Disney princess movies were a bit overwhelming in the past and now seem to be turning a corner and taking a more lighthearted approach, which I am very happy to see. This does not mean that I did not enjoy watching Aladdin, but I think it was a little much for some younger viewers, but the Genie’s humor definitely toned things down.
