Writer's Guide 101 (Wattpad Edition)

LXXIII. Writer's Choice Series (FROZEN)

As the third part of the series, I want to talk about one of my favorite films of all time and that is Disney's "Frozen."
I will also include the sequel because it serves as a continuation of the first film. I thought of going in-depth with it as a lot of fans often miss the real message of this movie. Also, these are just my takes so take them with a grain of salt. SPOILERS AHEAD! Don't say I didn't warn 'ya!

[This is actually an old art I've made on my artbook here on Wattpad. Just don't have the time to draw a new one]

• Frozen

I have always been a fan of the iconic Disney CGI art style. When "Frozen" came out, I was sort of mesmerized by it.
The animation, lighting, and characters made it feel lived in. The direct jab at previous Disney princesses with the "You can't marry a man you just met" statement really made me chuckle.
It is also the first movie ever to have a main character I can relate to: Queen Elsa. She is someone who is reserved and controlled in every way. She has no interest in romance. Her ice powers can be seen as a gift and a curse.
While she can create anything with it, it can also hurt the people around her.
Imagine as a child you're forced to hide something that's supposedly unique and essential to you as a person because it might upset everyone.
Their parents never take time to sit down and teach her how to handle it. They instead tried hiding it from the outside world — including her younger sister Anna — like it's some sort of disease.
This is why it's unfair to call Elsa selfish and irresponsible for shutting people out. This is how she learned to cope with her trauma of nearly killing her sister and the death of their parents.
The moment she started singing "Let It Go" should be an empowering part of the movie. She believes that living far away without rules or judgment allows her to be herself.
She finally gets to explore her powers without bounds, from building an ice castle to a lovely dress. The eternal winter somehow reminds me of a public meltdown and the effect it has on others.
What do you do if someone who is known to be composed started screaming and thrashing in public? Obviously, you'd be shocked and confused.
The later scene where Elsa is locked and chained up in a chamber made me think of how cruel others were towards her. She was even viewed as a "monster" instead of a person in need of help.
Once she manage to break free, the cunning and selfish Prince Hans tries convincing her that Anna has died right after she accidentally struck her. He was obviously trying to lower her guard and make her take the blame.
    It only took Anna's sacrifice before freezing to death until Elsa could learn to thaw the cold and save Arendelle.

• Frozen II

The film heads off to a good start. I assume the flashback of little Elsa and Anna takes place right before the accident. Their parents tell them a story about the enchanted forest and how people used to live in harmony with the elemental spirits until a war broke out.
    Also, side note: The Northuldra tribe in the film was inspired by the real-life Sami people in Norway. The part where their grandfather (the king) was revealed to have banned magic parallels to the assimilation of the Sami people — abandoning their culture, language and livelihood.
To me, Frozen II was a lot better than the first one. The characters have matured. New adventures, challenges and faces along the way.
    I think "Into The Unknown" and "The Next Right Thing" are the couple of songs that left an impact on me. It was only at the height of the pandemic would I start appreciating it even more. It reminded me that things may feel like garbage now, but that doesn't mean tomorrow can't get any better.

• Addressing The Criticism & Misconceptions

I have also heard criticisms about how Anna doesn't get enough focus in both films and it's always her job to save Elsa.
In case you're wonderin', it's called "FROZEN" for a reason. This is about helping Elsa control her powers and learning to let people into her life. It's about sisterly love.
The ending of Frozen II wasn't as bad as others thought it was. It was obvious that someone like Elsa, who just became the fifth spirit, deserved to be in an environment where she is accepted and able to use her magic without threatening everyone. Anna is now wise enough to become Queen of Arendelle.
Now, this isn't really criticism but more of a personal nitpick. In fact, I have two.
    I would have liked it more if Anna and Kristoff just stayed as friends. Their relationship felt forced (typical Disney!). The time when Kristoff started singing "Lost In The Woods" felt cringe and out of touch with the 19th-century setting. Have him actually go looking for Elsa and Anna.