We're all under strict lockdown conditions at the moment, and wouldn't you know it, several of our favourite Disney princesses have gone through the same thing.
More than that, they emerged out the other side, smarter, stronger and better characters for it. Here, then, is our blog list of seven classic Disney characters who have much to teach us about coping with the lockdown process.
1. Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937)
What she taught us Learn to appreciate nature and birdsong
Cinema history was changed forever upon the release of Disney's groundbreaking, feature-length animation. Snow White opened up the eyes of industry pundits to the potential of animated storytelling, but the real reason it resonated was because of the charming characters. As fugitive Snow White takes shelter from her evil stepmother in the dwarfs' cottage, she learns to converse with nature, even roping birds and animals in to assist with the housework.
Sadly, we can't guarantee that would work in real life. But you could always open the window while indulging in a spot of cleaning, basking in the sound of birdsong and nature as Snow White does. Anything to bring the outside world inside, right?
2. Cinderella (Cinderella, 1950)
What she taught us Stay on top of the housework
While we're stuck indoors, it's important to keep everything clean and hygienic. So take inspiration from Cinderella, who learned to scrub and clean her wicked stepmother's house to a spotless degree.
Of course, Cinders didn't have a choice in the matter – she's forced to do it because her relatives are horrible individuals. Nevertheless, her work ethic, and ability to stay positive in even the most negative situations (plus the help of her mice companions), are an inspiration to us all.
3. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty, 1959)
What she taught us Don't forget to go for a walk
Disney's visually arresting fairytale romance centres on Aurora, the lovelorn princess who is cursed by the evil Maleficent. The scheming sorceress foretells that Aurora will prick her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel and die, forcing Aurora's parents to send her into hiding. She's taken as a child to live in the woods, where she lives with her three fairy godmothers, growing up to become known as Briar Rose.
Even though it's imperative that Aurora remains in lockdown, out of Maleficent's sight, she still takes time to go for a walk in the forest. And we mustn't forget that despite these lockdown procedures, we also need to go out and enjoy a breath of fresh air every once in a while. Fortunately, we don't have a magical enchantress plotting to make our lives difficult.
4. Belle (Beauty and the Beast, 1991)
What she taught us Try your hand at dating
One of the jewels in Disney's renaissance period, Beauty and the Beast is a sweeping and emotional story of finding love in the most unexpected areas. When bookworm Belle is locked inside the Beast's castle in exchange for her father's freedom, she cannot foresee when she will be free again.
However, she sees beyond the Beast's fearsome visage, gaining a sense of the cursed prince lurking beneath. Love eventually blossoms, which is no mean feat given Belle's independent nature. Maybe Belle's story will prompt you lockdowners to try your hand at virtual dating? After all, as per the Disney movie, you never know who's out there.
5. Jasmine (Aladdin, 1992)
What she taught us Value the friendship of your pets
Disney's Oscar-winning masterpiece is perhaps best known for Robin Williams' exuberant vocal performance as the Genie. But we're here to talk about Jasmine, a princess compelled to remain within her Agrabah palace in anticipation of a suitable husband. It's no way to live, and indeed the 2019 live-action remake invested Jasmine (played by Naomi Scott) with a tad more fortitude.
Nevertheless, despite her confined situation, Jasmine, in both her animated and live-action iterations, remains loyal to her tiger companion, Rajah. We're not recommending that you go full Joe Exotic and buy one. But Jasmine's kindness to animals will surely help you invest more in your own pets, be that cats, dogs, birds, rabbits or something else entirely.
6. Rapunzel (Tangled, 2010)
What she taught us Occupy yourself with cooking and crafts
Before Frozen, there was Tangled, Disney's irreverent and hugely entertaining twist on the Rapunzel story. You know the drill: a young girl, confined to a tower, who must let down her long golden locks so a handsome prince can reach her. Of course, in Tangled, the somewhat outmoded fairy tale attitudes towards romance and gender get a humorous twist.
The character of Rapunzel herself, voiced by Mandy Moore, is an inspiration. At the outset of the film, she's been confined to the tower for 18 years and longs to go outside. In that time, she's managed to keep herself occupied with all manner of cooking and craftwork, so just think: if Rapunzel can last the best part of two decades, you can surely manage a few months.
7. Elsa (Frozen, 2013)
What she taught us Sing like no-one's watching
Disney's 2013 blockbuster is an empowering story that places sisterhood and family bonds above trivial romance between princes and princesses. It's also got a lot to teach us about lockdown, as cold-manipulating character Elsa (Idina Menzel) hides herself away in an icy fortress, having plunged the kingdom of Arendelle into eternal winter.
Despite her difficult situation, Elsa still finds time to run around and belt out the movie's signature number, 'Let It Go'. If this is how she passes the time, there's no reason to think why you can't do the same – just maybe fortify yourself with a bit of alcohol in advance.
Do you have a favourite Disney character who learned a lot from lockdown? If so, tweet us your thoughts @Cineworld.
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