Story and Themes:
The story of The Sleeping Beauty has the features of an a classic fairytale but invokes them in the present context. Rosita, the protagonist, is an average teenage girl, who is just discovering herself amidst the trials of adolescence. With the frayed edges of parental of parenting culminating into her sheltered life, things take a fresh spin when she realizes she is a princess with a rich background and no ordinary ‘girl’. The focus of the filmmakers in showing the cast is also about finding one’s self, standing up after every fall, family and relationships, and the courage to dream and actually pursue constructive goals in life.
One friendship and reunions stories grow vividly towards young viewers compelling themselves in a constant conflict between selfishness and family. It gently touches the issues of dominion and the bravery to fight the circumstances in order to shape one’s future regardless of social norms.
Behind the Scenes:
Director Cláudio Boeckel endeavored to keep the fairy tale spirit while presenting the story realistically. The original book’s author, Paula Pimenta, worked closely with the writing team to make sure the movie’s lines and plot contained the essence of the book. Boeckel stresses, in his comments, that he wished the teenagers to comfortably watch this film and parents as well, seeing a family-oriented movie.
The film was made in several locations showing urban areas and rural parts, corresponding to the character’s transition from her protected world and to the more global image of the absolute understanding of the country and the nation. The costume design appealed to the audience since it successfully turned teenage wear into hair above the royal touch.
Cast Spotlight:
- Pietra Quintela (Rosa): Known for her role in Brazilian TV dramas, Pietra was chosen for her ability to bring both vulnerability and strength to the character. Critics have noted her performance as a standout, especially in emotional moments where Rosa must confront her fears.
- Guilherme Cabral (Phil): A rising star in Brazilian cinema, Guilherme plays Rosa’s friend and eventual confidant. His character provides a lighthearted counterbalance to Rosa’s struggles while developing his own subplot.
- Patrícia França & Juliana Knust: These seasoned actors bring depth to the roles of Rosa’s protectors, lending gravitas and emotional weight to the story.
Cinematic Style:
The visuals in Princesa Adormecida bring out the two sides of Rosa’s life. With the glorious, very ambitious, and royal environments of her life that she gets later in the film. The color scheme changes in different parts of the movie exhibiting Rosa’s evolution from meek beginnings to cheerful endings where she comes into her own and develops into the queen she was always meant to be.
Daniel Figueiredo composed the music, and he meshes timeless Disney-esque orchestral compositions with Brazilian beats which deepens the film’s cultural feel.
Cultural Significance:
The adaptation of the film Princess Adormecida is part of a broader movement in Brazilian film industry that attempts to redefine outside archetypes into something locally useful. The series of ‘Modern Day Princesses’ of Paula Pimenta incorporates traditional fairy tales and mixes them with Brazilian characters, comic relief, and locations. As such, it gives children appealing stories which are similar to what they already know but remain beautiful.
Tthe film further highlights powerful female characters who have different dimensions. The heroine Rosa destabilizes the stereotype of a damsel in distress who just sits and waits to be rescued as she’s a self made woman who determines her own destiny.
Audience Reception:
The younger audience enjoyed the film for its interesting plot and characters however some reviewers noted the linear nature of the film. Still, teenage viewers which were the target audience found the film’s mix of comedy, love and action quite entertaining. This film has already initiated talk about transferring more of Paula Pimenta’s books into movies.
