The "Cult of Frozen"

[oliviaik]

1. It is just SO PRETTY! I love the ice castle that Elsa builds. The visuals are just stunning.

2. The music. I cannot stop singing Let It Go. The song isn't just a catchy song. It is a relateable song. I think many people have felt that they have had to conceal their true selves at one point or another. When those people finally decide to stop following the rules and let their light shine, it is liberating. I know that I personally could relate to that song when thinking about my own religious beliefs. I never agreed with the religion I was taught growing up, but I was always told to keep those thoughts to myself and not let anybody know that I disagreed. When I finally decided to let all of that go and start expressing how I really felt, it was amazing. I am sure many other people have similar stories or other stories that make the song personal to them.

3. Olaf. Who doesn't love that snowman? I mean, he wants to experience summer! Aw. . .

4. The girl saves the day. It is not the typical girl meets boy, boy saves girl, they live happily ever after story. While there is love, even romantic love, in the movie, the girls are the main focus and their sisterly love is what matters in the end.

5. A girl queen! The girl is in charge! Girls are important too!

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

My teens love it. In fact they want to meet Anna and Elsa in Norway

Yesterday in church all the girls, I mean teens and young audits had the braid on the side hairstyle, just like Elsa. My kids are always singing the songs etc.


It's great! And we can't forget Olaf....he was so funny.

Too bad the Disney store has Very limited merchandise. They blew it.

Tangled is very popular too with the teens. They want to meet her too.

 

[Magpie]

The song isn't just a catchy song. It is a relateable song. I think many people have felt that they have had to conceal their true selves at one point or another. When those people finally decide to stop following the rules and let their light shine, it is liberating. I know that I personally could relate to that song when thinking about my own religious beliefs. I never agreed with the religion I was taught growing up, but I was always told to keep those thoughts to myself and not let anybody know that I disagreed. When I finally decided to let all of that go and start expressing how I really felt, it was amazing. I am sure many other people have similar stories or other stories that make the song personal to them.

Interestingly, my daughter saw a parallel between Elsa's experience and that of a LGBT person. The whole "was she cursed or born that way?" question. The parents' well-meaning attempts to teach her to suppress her true self. The emotional repression and fear of letting herself feel. The hiding away from everyone. That moment of letting everything go and breaking free, but also simultaneously shutting everyone out. Anna's confusion, and inability to understand her sister... It was a really interesting theory!

I don't think there's any one meaning behind the movie. I think it's just as you say... it's an extremely relate-able song and movie, on many, many different levels.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

I haven't read the article, but the premise is more creditable than you guys are admitting. I don't think anybody predicted the movie would be the juggernaut it turned out to be.

Now, if anybody out there predicted The Lego Movie would be a runaway hit, I'll be impressed.

Agreed. Frozen is a good movie, no doubt, and no one is questioning its success. However, nearly $1 billion worldwide and still playing in theaters three months after it was released? No one saw that happening, not even Disney and there's no way to know exactly why that is. Some of you cite its quality, which is of course part of it, but lots of great movies don't make tons of money and lots of bad ones do, so there are definitely intangible qualities to movies that make predicting their success hard to do. I think Frozen has these intangible qualities. It's a good movie, but what is it about it that has made it a phenomenon?

There is a big difference between predicting the outcome and understanding it. I disagree with the article. Prediction was impossible, but understanding why is not. It appeals to a wide range of people and it touches peoples hearts.

There are all the reasons mentioned from music to animation and Olaf, timing, lack of completion, brilliant ad campaign, but there are others. It is a movie that feminist and traditionalist alike can get behind - Princess movie lovers and princess movie haters both love this movie! It has wonderful widely popular and appreciated messages:

True love is putting others first
You need to be yourself, but...
You need to be yourself but love others, too.
Romance is desirable but not necessary
True love at first sight is stupid.
Self sacrifice for someone you love is the real act of true love!

Who couldn't love these beautiful and well told messages!!!!!! And they did it in such a balanced way - There was romance, but it wasn't the solution to the problems.

There are more reasons: Anna and Elsa are both interesting characters with some depth; Anna clutzy and impulsive but confident and loving. Elsa powerful and conflicted but also loving. People, particularly girls, identify with one or both.

We really disliked Frozen. We don't understand the popularity but are excited that people are patronizing Disney films and buying Disney merch.

I feel sorry that you cannot participate in the fun I am having right now! But no movie is loved by everyone. Glad you are looking at the positive. Have you seen it only once? If so, I suggest you watch it once or twice more. I have heard from many people that repeat viewings really change their original tepid or negative views.

Personally I love it. I don't just think it is good, I think it is important for children to see this movie! I want to take every child I know and talk about what I think are beautiful, powerful, and important messages!

 

[Angel Ariel]

premature post...tablet was weird, sorry.

 

[Angel Ariel]

The analysis is just for fun - a kind of fun entertainment in of itself. I don't think there's anything wrong with enjoying these movies just for themselves. And I don't think the movies damage young girls or should be banned. I happen to adore Sleeping Beauty and it's one of the "worst" for female role modelling. Aurora is SUCH an incredible airhead! Doesn't stop me from re-watching the movie and singing the songs. (It's really the Fairies' story anyway.)

I just think it's an interesting exercise, and something enjoyable to do with your kids when they're older. Nothing wrong with teaching them to think about their entertainment critically!

I can understand that that could be fun for some people. DH is one of them, depending on the movie.

For myself, though, I find no fun or enjoyment in analyzing/tearing apart movies. I go to the movies to immerse myself in another world for a little while. For myself, it makes the movie experience a lot less enjoyable. It's not that I'm not capable of doing analyses similar to what's been done here - it just ruins the fun of the escape for me.

I will also say that *most* people I have run into in my life who have done similar analyses of the Princess movies (Stockholm syndrome, etc) are doing so because they don't like Disney Princess movies and they don't think they are something little girls should be watching - not just because they find interest in the analysis. So I'll admit that colored my response a little.

 

[mom2rtk]

For me the story line is not even secondary. It comes in about third. It's the songs. Then the gowns. Then the story!

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I think Frozens appeal is its not about falling in love with a man or woman but about love for family which is something most everyone can relate to.

We may not all find our Prince or Princess but most of us can relate to doing anything for family, add in the great music, great visuals, and very likable characters and you've got a hit.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

For me the story line is not even secondary. It comes in about third. It's the songs. Then the gowns. Then the story!

Yes, it was the gowns for me too.


All kidding aside, it was the story and then the songs, but the songs were such a powerful part of the story.

 

[GenevieveRaqs]

I really enjoyed Frozen. Elsa is quite possibly the single most complex character Disney has created (in an animated film). Wow. There are a lot of layers there. I wish they could have explored her more--she's far more interesting than Anna, who we see more of on screen.

I know I'm in the minority, but I thought the music was incredibly weak. Poppy. To me, the soundtrack just doesn't have that classic staying power that films like Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast nailed. I enjoyed "Do You Want to Build a Snowman," and I thought the ice cutters' song in the opening was spot-on. In fact, I sat in the theater during that sequence thinking, "Finally, Disney gets it again--a classic song evocative of a particular time and place, devoid of the kind of 'in-the-now' style that makes movies like Oliver and Company irrelevant within a decade." But, alas, it lasted only one song...

 

[POB14]

I think people are usually referring to the early princess movies like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Personally I find the attitude a bit tiresome. I agree that not every movie should depict a "damsel in distress" but what's wrong with having a strong, protective male depicted as well? .

Like Kristoff?

I don't think there's anything wrong with strong male characters either, but gee - Snow saw her prince, what, once before she rode off with him? Cindy had one night of dancing, and Aurora met Phillip once in the woods and didn't know who he was. That's not really the message I want my daughters getting about how marriage works.

 

[Quin]

By the way, if you're fond of Game of Thrones, as well as Frozen, there is this unofficial tee for sale over at Teefury.

OMGIH. Must. Have.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I really enjoyed Frozen. Elsa is quite possibly the single most complex character Disney has created (in an animated film). Wow. There are a lot of layers there. I wish they could have explored her more--she's far more interesting than Anna, who we see more of on screen.

I know I'm in the minority, but I thought the music was incredibly weak. Poppy. To me, the soundtrack just doesn't have that classic staying power that films like Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast nailed. I enjoyed "Do You Want to Build a Snowman," and I thought the ice cutters' song in the opening was spot-on. In fact, I sat in the theater during that sequence thinking, "Finally, Disney gets it again--a classic song evocative of a particular time and place, devoid of the kind of 'in-the-now' style that makes movies like Oliver and Company irrelevant within a decade." But, alas, it lasted only one song...

The poppy description is one I'd disagree with. There is definitely the contemporary ballad "Frozen" but I hear a LOT of Broadway (both contemporary broadway and classic broadway) in the soundtrack. In Summer absolutely reminded me of Singing in the Rain - and Singing in the Rain definitely has staying power. Fixer Upper almost reminded me of a Follies-style number. Then you had Love is an Open Door which reminded me (in styling) of In the Heights, and Let it Go totally reminded me of Defying Gravity (which is not surprising considering who both songs were written for).

I'd agree that Oliver and Company was very "in the now" type style, but I don't think we'll be saying the same about Frozen 20 years from now.

 

[Sphinx610]

The other thing I can think of is release date. Late December during one of the coldest winters in history in much of the US: parents flocking to the movies with their children who are on vacation. Over and over and over.

It came out the Wed bf Thanksgiving... I took my kids opening day.

We love Frozen here!

 

[GenevieveRaqs]

The poppy description is one I'd disagree with. There is definitely the contemporary ballad "Frozen" but I hear a LOT of Broadway (both contemporary broadway and classic broadway) in the soundtrack. In Summer absolutely reminded me of Singing in the Rain - and Singing in the Rain definitely has staying power. Fixer Upper almost reminded me of a Follies-style number. Then you had Love is an Open Door which reminded me (in styling) of In the Heights, and Let it Go totally reminded me of Defying Gravity (which is not surprising considering who both songs were written for).

I'd agree that Oliver and Company was very "in the now" type style, but I don't think we'll be saying the same about Frozen 20 years from now.

We'll probably have to agree to disagree, which is fine! I do get the Broadway vibes (even from the animation), but I still think it leans in a very pop direction...and I found the music largely forgettable. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next several years!

I also wish Disney would stop using contemporary slang in these movies. Again, it dates the films and makes them less relatable for future generations. Cinderella was made generations before my time, but I wouldn't have known that as a child--it could have been made yesterday for all I could tell. I'm afraid films like Tangled and Frozen may suffer in the long run.

But what do I know--Frozen is poised to bring in $1 billion!

 

[reginaastralis]

There's quite a few independent Frozen tees available online. Me, I'm holding out for a Frozen/Dr. Who mash-up.

https://www.facebook.com/KarenHallion - Have you seen the frozen/Doctor Who mash-up she's working on?!

 

[Magpie]

https://www.facebook.com/KarenHallion - Have you seen the frozen/Doctor Who mash-up she's working on?!

I want it SO bad!!!!!!

(So far I've been keeping my Karen Hallion addiction under control by only purchasing her Disney/Who mash-up shirts from TeeFury. So far I've got Mary Poppins, Alice, Ariel, Merida, Tinkerbell and Aurora. This is almost all I wear now at Disney!)

 

[TreeSapp]

I'd imagine it also has something to do with my generation (5-15years old when Little mermaid, beauty & the Beast, Aladdin & Lion King came out) are just now the right age to have kids who are old enough (5-15) to match ours. Our memories of the beloved Disney Renaissance period probably drive us to expose that next generation to a film that reminds us more strongly of that time than many of the others Disney has release in the interim. With the Princess & the Frog and Rapunzel being exceptions (possibly cause not enough of my generation had just old enough children yet?) to that familiar style. In short I think encouragement from the parents plays a role

 

[ebtbmom]

Like Kristoff?

I don't think there's anything wrong with strong male characters either, but gee - Snow saw her prince, what, once before she rode off with him? Cindy had one night of dancing, and Aurora met Phillip once in the woods and didn't know who he was. That's not really the message I want my daughters getting about how marriage works.

I look at it differently. These movies are fairy tales, not real life, if they depicted dating exactly as it was in real life what would be the fun in watching? Do your daughters think that if they don't have a prom dress their Fairy Godmother will appear and whip them one up? The movies present life in its idealized, unobtainable form, not as the way things are.

I hope that my son has learned about marriage by observing me and his father and by the stories of our life experience that we've shared with him. I don't use movies/tv as a teaching tool. Or maybe I just hope that is how it works seeing as how he's grown up on a steady diet of Family Guy and The Simpsons!

 

[reginaastralis]

I want it SO bad!!!!!!

(So far I've been keeping my Karen Hallion addiction under control by only purchasing her Disney/Who mash-up shirts from TeeFury. So far I've got Mary Poppins, Alice, Ariel, Merida, Tinkerbell and Aurora. This is almost all I wear now at Disney!)

We're pretty addicted to her as well, my daughter squealed like a three year old when she saw the Doctor/Hermione mash-up. I haven't bought a character shirt from Disney in years, but I'll gladly wear my Alice and the Doctor shirt ...