Dream Big
Disney's Tangled was released in 2010. The movie is loosely based on the classic fairy tale, Rapunzel. Rapunzel, the main character of this film, shares the same features of the classic tale: long, blonde hair. As a child she is stolen by a witch or "Mother Gothel" in Disney's version so that Rapunzel's magical hair can be used to maintain the witch's youth. In the Disney adaptation, Rapunzel wishes to see the floating lights that appear every year on her birthday but she is locked inside Mother Gothel's tower. When Flynn Rider, a wanted thief, stumbles upon her tower, she uses him as her guide to the lights. [2.0]
Flynn Rider: Christ-Figure
Flynn Rider could be considered a Christ-figure in Disney movies. In the article by Kozlovic Christ figures typically appear to be “outsiders of their community”[1.2]. It is never stated in the movie where Flynn is from but, since he is a thief, it is likely that he is not from the area and is an outsider of the community. Though this may seem like a vague argument, to Rapunzel he appears as “other worldly” since this is the first man she has ever seen. She can associate him with the beyond world outside of her high tower. In this scene Rapunzel uses Flynn as her line to information to the "outside world".
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Another factor is that “Christ-figures usually have alter egos one mundane and the other fantastic" [1.2]. In Flynn’s case, he goes by the name of Flynn Rider, though his real name is Eugene Fitzherbert. Flynn is intended to be his fantastic ego, though in this case he is selfish and greedy. When he opens up as Eugene he is more compassionate and kind. These are hidden Christ attributes. |
(scene being discussed begins at 2:17)
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One of his most prominent features of Flynn is that he dies and comes back to life, much like Christ's own resurrection [2.3]. Flynn cuts Rapunzel’s hair knowing that he will die so that she can be free from the slavery of Mother Gothel. This can be associated with the fact that Jesus died for the sake of others. He sacrifices himself and ensures her safety [2.4]. After sacrificing himself he is then resurrected through Rapunzel's love. This scene is the most noteworthy in Flynn’s Christ-figure argument.
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Sacrificial Love
In Tangled, this sacrificial love is the proof of Flynn and Rapunzel's love. Disney uses this as the confession of love. Often the characters in Disney movies do not outwardly express their feelings of love generally their love is acknowledged through or during some dramatic act and this seems to be the case in Tangled. The sacrificing of life for another person is the highest form of love. What better way to tell a girl you like her? Again, these sacrifices tug at the heartstrings, it puts the movie over the edge, if this shocking plot twist hadn't occurred would it really be up to Disney standards? Dying for someone else is popular in the movie culture, more than likely it is used to appeal to those who have strong Christian or other godly beliefs.