Most people have seen the 1937 animated classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was the first full-length animated movie, an essential part of film history, made using traditional hand-drawn animation. Almost 100 years later, director Marc Webb has created a live-action musical remake. Inspired by the Grimm Fairy Tale from years gone by, this version of Snow White tells the story of a young princess who is forced to flee from her jealous stepmother, the Evil Queen, and finds friendship and support in unexpected places.
Rachel Zegler, whom we have seen in Shazam and Hunger Games and heard in Spellbound, stars as Snow White. She brings a kind, brave and hopeful spirit to the role. Unlike the original, her character dreams of becoming a wise and fair ruler. Zegler’s heartfelt and charming performance as a caring princess makes Snow White more relatable to today’s audience and helps educate.
Her parents died, as in the original animation, but here, there is a connection with the ‘Evil Queen’, played by Gal Gadot. Usually seen as a ‘do-gooder’ and famous for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, Gadot plays the Evil Queen with the mirror that tells her ‘who is the fairest of them all’. In contrast to her action roles, there is more elegance here that makes the Evil Queen both beautiful and dangerous. The film also brings back the beloved characters, the seven dwarfs: Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy, this time with the help of CGI.
The movie looks bright and colourful. The places in the film are beautiful, the costumes are detailed, and the camera work makes the story feel magical and dreamlike. Loaded with new songs, this version of Snow White adds energy and emotion to the story with the message of self-belief.
It focuses on kindness, bravery and finding your voice. It is about standing up to what is wrong, even when it is hard.
Snow White shows courage and does not let fear stop her from doing what is right. The ‘happily ever after’ gets a true meaning here as the story goes beyond ‘awakening the princess’. However, with so many differences, this version keeps the heart of the classic tale. Overall, the movie brings new life to a timeless story and is perfect for long-time Disney fans and new viewers.
Published in Dawn, Young World, May 31st, 2025
