This movie came out the same year I was born and watched it on video a bunch of times. After all this time, it's still a charming underappreciated movie that only has some problems (regarding the character of Prince Derek, notably).
I agree with everything you said. This movie is both charming and underappreciated. And the movie came when I was ten years old. But what are your problems with Derek?
He's not godawful but he's a little stiffy/bland. However, I'll give him some credit for at least having a character arc which is to appreciate Odette for more than just her beauty.
Well, my problems with The Swan Princess are some holes in the screenplay. As some story points weren`t executed as well as they could`ve been. Despite how it`s admirable with it`s ambition (by stressing that Derek should love Odette besides her beauty), the issue is not as explored as it could`ve been. Derek and Odette doesn`t really spend enough time together after she`s captured for Derek to explore the other sides than her beauty (which makes it less believable how they`re yearning for each other during that time). And despite how Odette is headstrong, she`s unfortunately reduced to a damsel in distress at the end, as Derek is the one who must save the day.
But otherwise I do love the movie, cause it`s delightful and enchanting.
You do have a fair point. Maybe someday someone else can make a movie that explores that issue, but until then, we're stuck with certain media that has girl boss archetypes.
I was 6 when this movie came out, I loved Swan Princess as a kid and watched the video of it on repeat.
Have you seen any of the sequels? they've made like 10 of them and the animation and plots only seem to get progressively worse, so bad they never made it to a movie theatre and went straight to DVD.
I've heard about them and I've seen the Bobsheaux reviews of those. I've only seen Escape from Castle Mountain and Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure only in their entirety. Watching the entirety of that terrible Swan Princess Christmas is the only reason why I haven't watched the later sequels.