So recently, Disney have decided to have a full on marathon, showcasing all their top movies throughout the years, most of the movies that have been shown are classics, for example, Twitches and The Cheetah Girls. I mean, if you haven’t at least heard of the movies, where have you been?
One movie that really caught my attention was the Princess Protection Program, starring Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, the movie follows a princess (obviously) who’s small country is taken over by a dictator, the young princess, who is played by Demi Lovato, is whisked away to rural Louisiana, where she must learn the ins and outs of becoming a normal American Girl, aided by the help of her room mate, Carter, or Selena Gomez, she learns what it’s like to not only be regal and make a difference, but to be human.
This movie is an example of how women should stick together because both of the actresses are strong female leads in the film, despite the fact that they are from completely different backgrounds, they unite together for the same purpose, proving that where you come from does not make a difference to your life, and your beauty.
One of my favourite scenes that demonstrate this is when the girls take control of those who are socially outcast within the school, and make them over to show people their beauty inside as well as out. This created a strong feeling of independence for me, especially considering how the social hierarchy of a high school is mainly dominated by the pretty rich kids, although Demi plays a princess, she in no way displays a snobby attitude which makes her unlikeable to anybody.
The scene shows us how people within the school environment have blossomed, Demi late goes on to say, ‘You think that being a princess is superficial. That it is about what you wear and how you look. Well it is a little bit about what you look. But more importantly, it is what you have to offer to the world and who you are inside’, this shows the audience the great importance of having a view on the world that is not in anyway conformed to believe stigmas about people, and how it is not important to rely on anybody for emotional support or feelings, this creates a strong sense of independence for the females watching the movie.
The subplots about mean girls, misplaced affections and typical high school horrors, again can be relatable to young girls facing similar problems with in their high school lives, reiterating the point on how female independence is important with in a school structure, as it is important for young girls to understand from an early age, the importance of working together for the same united goal.
In conclusion, the director of the film, Allison Liddi-Brown, shows the viewers the importance of not judging anyone by what might be on the outside, but rather than inner beauty, a message which can be deeply important when raising such issues with a younger audience. The combined skills of Gomez and Lovato also implicate influences of good female role models, teaching the younger generation of Feminists the importance of unity between every woman.
**This is part of our series on Disney original movies and their links to social justice. Catch the marathon this weekend on Disney.
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