Tips from the lockdown princess!

So now that we all know what indefinite lockdown feels like we can all relate to the one and only Rapunzel, the lost princess with long golden hair who was locked away up in a tower where no one could find her. If anyone knows the angst of social distancing, it’s Rapunzel! I mean not only did she not have a balcony, garden or terrace, but the kid couldn’t even go grocery shopping! 

But instead of focusing on the struggles of being locked away, let’s take a look at Punzie’s approach and how she made it work for herself (feel free to sing along):

Seven a.m., the usual morning lineup

Start on the chores and sweep 'till the floor's all clean
Polish and wax, do laundry, and mop and shine up
Sweep again, and by then it's like 7:15

Ok no need to get up at 7:00 unless you really want to, but house chores are always a good way to keep yourself moving plus we all know mindless work can be therapeutic whether you do it at the start, middle or the end of your day.

Rapunzel sweeping from Disney's Tangled

And so I'll read a book

Or maybe two or three
I'll add a few new paintings to my gallery
I'll play guitar and knit
And cook and basically
Just wonder when will my life begin?

Yes! Read all those books on your shelf you never thought you’d have time for plus more! How about trying a new art you’ve never tried? Painting, sketching or pottery even? It’s also the perfect time to learn a new instrument as you can put your new talents to the test by playing for your neighbours in the opposite building!

Rapunzel and her books from Disney's Tangled

Rapunzel painting from Disney's Tangled

Then after lunch it's puzzles and darts and baking
Paper mache, a bit of ballet and chess
Pottery and ventriloquy, candle making
Then I'll stretch, maybe sketch, take a climb
Sew a dress!

Games! Good for distraction to make time fly. Baking always a good shout given we could all do with a little comfort food! Don’t forget your workouts! Gotta keep those muscles moving. Stretch it all out!

Rapunzel baking from Disney's Tangled

And I'll reread the books

If I have time to spare
I'll paint the walls some more
I'm sure there's room somewhere
And then I'll brush and brush
And brush and brush my hair
Stuck in the same place I've always been

Beauty! Don’t forget to brush (and wash) your hair, maybe try out some new styles. Also a great time to experiment with make up and all those looks you were always too much of a wimp to try!

Rapunzel brushing her hair from Disney's Tangled

See it’s not all that bad! There’s so much we can do to keep ourselves busy bees. If there is anything in the song you haven't tried yet, why not give it a go! Perhaps if we have the same gusto as Rapunzel did, we will all at last 'see the light’ and live happily ever after! Let’s hear it for Punzie!

Rapunzel from Disney's Tangled

By Tasneem Mahmoud

The return of Frozen fever

So now that the hype around the sequel has receded (ever so slightly) along with the thrill of the Christmas holidays, what did we all actually think of Frozen II?

It definitely felt great to be reunited with the hilarious Olaf, the adorable Sven, the lovable Kristoff, the beautiful Anna and the astonishing Elsa and see more of their life together as a family. The scenery is just as captivating with the crystal waters, the enchanted forest, the treacherous ocean and the handsome mountainous backdrop. The costumes were also a highpoint with brand new dresses worn by both heroines. Anna renews her autumnal charm with a grey dress and striking purple cape and Elsa returns with her icy blue number and a brand new sparkly white gown which no doubt was on the top of every little fan’s Christmas list along with the magnificent ice horse she rides across the Scandinavian horizon.

In terms of the plot, Elsa finds herself misplaced and confused for a second time and chooses to venture out in search of her destiny. She discovers she is part of five elemental spirits who will unite people and the natural forces. The film ends with the two sisters acting as a bridge between two kingdoms, one of people of which Anna becomes queen and one of magical spirits of which Elsa will reign over. This ending elevates both women to equal status of power unlike the first film where Elsa had both political and mystic power.

Even though it can be argued that the plot is not as gripping and songs not as resonating as the first film, the storyline still sends out a number of positive messages to young viewers; family values, ambition, self awareness and perseverance with a reaffirmation of a woman’s ability to reach success without a prince to save the day. Anna’s engagement to Kristoff towards the end of the film (something that had been his focus for the film’s duration rather than hers) when she has already reached her goal serves as an example of female empowerment and independence. Despite Anna and Kristoff's happy ending together as a couple it can definitely be argued that Anna and Elsa’s achievements are the main happy ending and the film’s closing would have been just as complete without Anna’s engagement to Kristoff.

So despite the less lively script and songs, it can be said that due to the story’s reunion of man and nature and prevailing feminist message, Frozen II is another keeper. Whether there is a need for a Frozen III remains to be seen.

Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven in Disney's Frozen II

By Tasneem Mahmoud

The importance of Maleficent 2

It certainly cannot be denied that Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil embodies the global crisis of climate change and its effect on wildlife. While the first film focuses more on the relationship between both female characters; fallen fairy Maleficent and lost princess Aurora, the sequel has a more external focus on humanity’s negative impact on flora and fauna and sheds light on the dark significance of endangered species.

The beauty of the natural world is portrayed through the Moors, which both female heroin’s reign over and protect together. Queen Ingrith’s cruel treatment of the Moor creatures mirrors humanity’s dismissal of the needs of the wildlife as a result of its own greed and self-regarding nature. Moreover, the Dark Phoenix Fey, a species of powerful fairies who have gone into hiding and resent humankind as a result of human oppression, is a clear reflection of how humanity’s insensitivity to endangered species is leading to extinction.

Aurora's emotive declaration of Maleficent as her mother before Maleficent is murdered and reborn as a magnificent phoenix symbolises humanity's true bond and everlasting need for mother nature. Finally, Maleficent and Aurora’s united fight against Queen Ingrith in the film’s climax demonstrates the story’s final message; we must unite no matter how diverse we are on the issue of climate change as it is one global cause.

As always, Disney brings real global themes to the fore through fantasy, adventure and enchantment, calling all young minds to question and understand an issue that has finally and sadly reached its peak.

Maleficent and Aurora from Disney's Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil

By Tasneem Mahmoud