If you think most films are made for boys, think again! Rebellious, an animated movie from Magic Frame Animation, tells the story of a fearless princess who navigates marriage, adventure and destiny on her terms.

Directed by Alex Tsitsilin, the UK-Cyprus collaboration offers a modern twist on classic fairy tale narratives. The good thing is that the ‘hero’ of the movie is an independent girl who knows how to get out of trouble, rather than a princess who waits for prince charming.

The story revolves around Princess Mina, a brave and determined girl who wants to rule her kingdom and marry for love. With her kind father’s support, Mina (voiced by Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld) is set to marry the person she loves, Ronan (Dan Edwards), an architect who is teased as a ‘bookworm’ by many. Three men who want to get her kingdom by marrying her, are also in line. Everything is turned upside down when an evil sorcerer kidnaps her.

All three suitors: Rogdai, Kabir and Fa Chan, (voiced by Matt Giroveanu, Anthony Sardinha, and Brian Kim) set out to save Mina. Rodgai reminds us of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, while Kabir is a confident and wealthy man who wants to marry Mina to make himself more important. Fa Chan is a clumsy character with an even greater love for food than Mina.

The most fascinating character is Kazebor, a quirky and mischievous wizard known for his unusual habits. He has a history of kidnapping princesses and using magic to turn anyone who dares to challenge him into a golden statue. However, this time, he encounters someone very different — a bold and fearless lady who is nothing like the quiet, soft-spoken princesses he’s used to dealing with.

Like fairy tales, we have talking ani­m­als, the soundtrack features wizards, a witch that can turn into a dragon and a snake, and enchanting and background music offers a contemporary and diverse experience, blending various styles to complement the film’s narrative. The inclusion of the single “Hear My Voice”, featuring Kristal Oliver, further showcases the soundtrack’s modern and eclectic approach.

Rebellious conveys a message of challenging traditional norms and embracing personal freedom. The one-hour-and-34-minute movie balances modern themes with conventional fairy tale elements, eventually churning out an entertainer. Fans of Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Aladdin, and Snow White could watch it many times.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 22nd, 2025