Barbie as Rapunzel
Directed by Owen Hurley
- animation
- family
The story
Barbie stars as Rapunzel, a young girl who is entrapped by a magical barrier by the wicked, Gothel. Rapunzel finds an escape where she finds a Prince and a feud between two kingdoms which goes back to the day she was kidnapped as a child.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated pastels and clean, glossy computer animation give this a sugary, storybook sheen, with a tall tower, sunlit kingdom courtyards, and a shimmering magical barrier that catches the light. Its colour is candy-bright and its surfaces are smooth and rounded, so it reads as cheerful even when the story turns dark. The mood is warm and gently adventurous, with a bit of fairy-tale melancholy around a stolen childhood. Sung musical numbers punctuate the story at an easy, bouncy pace, and the score stays light and melodic. Peril is mild and the dragon is more companion than menace; there is no gore, and the sharpest moments involve kidnapping and magic rather than harm. It suits a Saturday afternoon with young children, a comfort watch on a grey day, or a family film night where everyone wants something sweet and uncomplicated. It is for viewers who enjoy princess stories, toy-inspired animation, and fairy tales retold with a lighter, brighter touch.
More films like Barbie as Rapunzel
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Barbie as Rapunzel and we’ll explain which ones fit you.
