Based on the German classic by the Brothers Grimm, the film tells the story of a princess who, following her exile due to her terrible stepmother, befriends and finds solace with seven dwarfs. Despite its age, the film has been deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the US Library of Congress, according to the Times of Los Angeles. However, some viewers in the present day are requesting that the film be changed to match contemporary values and interests.
Requires Modernization
Many Disney classics that were once thought to be purely enjoyable to look at are now viewed with greater critical analysis. One social media user wrote, “As a child, I never realized how dark and sinister some scenes were.” Another person echoed this idea on Twitter: “You ever go back and watch some of the Disney animated movies that came out when we were kids and realized how dark and not really for kids they were?”
The Different Kind of Kiss
Discussions revolve around a specific scene from Snow White. The prince gives Snow White a seemingly lifeless kiss at the movie’s pivotal sequence because he feels heartbroken. Some people think this scene is outdated and improper. Journalist and presenter Nichi Hodgson blasted the piece for sending the wrong message about consent when she appeared on the British daytime TV show Good Morning Britain. She pointed out the fact that the original Brothers Grimm story did not contain this kiss scene; instead, Disney added it.
Disney has a moral obligation. They have the option to conduct business morally if they so want. Each year, billions of dollars are made from their films. When young children watch their movies, these are some of the first stories they are exposed to. As stated by Hodgson.
Views of Celebrities
Even celebrities have spoken on the matter. The actress Kristen Bell described how awkward she found the kissing scene with her children to be. In an interview with Parents magazine, she questioned, “Don’t you think that it’s weird that the prince kisses Snow White without her permission?” since it is forbidden to kiss someone who is sleeping!
Public Reaction
Public opinions continue to diverge. Some believe that any changes to the original story should be avoided. “I think it’s great that we’re having this conversation about consent, but people are blaming Disney for it—teens don’t learn about consent through a heartfelt kiss at the end of a movie,” someone wrote. Another responded, “Leave Disney alone; it’s a fairytale.” An opposing perspective posited, “Why not consider it as life’s kiss?” “I would contend that Snow White would gladly consent to be kissed since not doing so would condemn her to eternal sleep,” remarked someone else.
Disneyland’s Ride Renovations
The controversy flared up again when California’s Disneyland revamped the Snow White Enchanted Wish ride, ending with a kiss from the prince. Reviewers Julie Tremaine and Katie Dowd of SFGate criticized the addition, claiming it exacerbated the “biggest problem” with the film.
“Haven’t we already determined that consent is one of the main issues with early Disney films?” The review brought up a point. “That instructing kids that kissing is improper before establishing whether both partners are willing to participate in it?”
Looking Ahead: Snow White’s Remake
While the iconic kiss scene from the original movie remains, the 2025 release of the Snow White remake promises a new direction. The primary actress, Rachel Zegler, talked about her thoughts on the original film in an interview with Extra TV. She described the relationship between Snow White and the prince as “weird” and hinted that the romance would not be emphasized in the movie adaptation. Zegler even joked, “This is Hollywood, baby,” suggesting that the prince’s scenes would be cut.
Disney is constantly evolving, so it’s challenging but crucial to strike a balance between nostalgia and contemporary values. H/t IGV.