Review of Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Sleeping Beauty (1959) is one of Disney’s most iconic animated films, based on Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairy tale. With its lush animation, memorable characters, and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Sleeping Beauty stands as a significant achievement in Disney’s Golden Age of animation. It is a film that explores themes of destiny, good versus evil, and the transformative power of love. Despite being released more than six decades ago, Sleeping Beauty continues to enchant audiences with its timeless beauty and unforgettable music.

Plot: The Curse of Maleficent

The film tells the story of Princess Aurora (voiced by Mary Costa), the beautiful daughter of King Stefan and Queen Leah, who is cursed by the wicked fairy Maleficent (voiced by Eleanor Audley). On the day of Aurora’s christening, all of the kingdom’s fairies are invited, except Maleficent, who feels slighted by not being included. In a fit of rage, she curses the infant princess, declaring that on her sixteenth birthday, Aurora will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die.

However, the good fairies—Flora (voiced by Verna Felton), Fauna (voiced by Barbara Jo Allen), and Merryweather (voiced by June Foray)—are able to soften Maleficent’s curse. Instead of dying, Aurora will fall into a deep sleep that can only be broken by true love’s kiss. To protect Aurora, the three good fairies take her to a secluded cottage, where she is raised under the name Briar Rose. In the meantime, Maleficent continues her relentless pursuit of the princess, while Aurora grows into a young woman, unaware of her true identity and the curse that looms over her.

On her sixteenth birthday, Aurora meets Prince Phillip (voiced by Bill Shirley), and the two fall in love. However, Maleficent, determined to fulfill her curse, traps Aurora in a deep sleep by ensuring she pricks her finger on the spinning wheel. As the kingdom falls into despair, Prince Phillip, with the help of the good fairies, must overcome numerous obstacles, including battling Maleficent, who transforms into a fearsome dragon, to save Aurora. In the end, Prince Phillip’s true love’s kiss breaks the spell, awakening Aurora and bringing peace to the kingdom.

Themes: Good vs. Evil, Destiny, and True Love

The most prominent theme in Sleeping Beauty is the classic battle between good and evil, embodied by the struggle between the beautiful and benevolent Aurora, aided by the three good fairies, and the malevolent Maleficent. Maleficent, one of Disney’s most iconic villains, represents pure evil, driven by jealousy, rage, and spite. Her curse on Aurora is not just an act of revenge, but an attempt to control fate itself, which is a significant commentary on the power dynamics of the film.

On the opposite side of the conflict is Aurora, who represents purity and innocence. Despite being cursed, Aurora does not have the power to change her fate on her own, underscoring the film’s meditation on destiny. Aurora’s journey is one of passivity, waiting for the forces of good (and ultimately, true love) to intervene. This passive princess trope has been both praised and critiqued, but it is undeniable that Aurora’s character serves as a symbol of hope and purity in the face of inevitable darkness.

The theme of true love is also central to the story, with the idea that love can conquer all. However, unlike other Disney fairy tales where love is immediate and effortless, Sleeping Beauty presents true love as something that requires sacrifice and bravery. Prince Phillip’s determination to save Aurora, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, emphasizes that true love is not just a romantic notion, but an active force that demands courage and selflessness.

The film also explores the power of destiny, as Aurora is bound to a tragic fate from the moment of her birth. Her eventual awakening by a kiss from Prince Phillip suggests that love is a force powerful enough to alter the course of destiny. However, the film subtly implies that the heroes (Prince Phillip and the good fairies) still have an active role in shaping their own futures, suggesting that while fate may play a role, personal action and bravery are just as important in overcoming adversity.

Characters: Iconic Figures in Disney Lore

The characters in Sleeping Beauty are one of the film’s greatest strengths, particularly Maleficent and the three good fairies.

• Maleficent: As one of Disney’s most memorable villains, Maleficent stands out not just for her evil deeds, but for her theatrical presence. Voiced by Eleanor Audley, Maleficent exudes malice and grandeur. Her evil curse and subsequent transformation into a dragon are among the most iconic sequences in animated film history. Her design—particularly her dark, elegant robes and imposing horns—has made her an enduring figure in popular culture. Maleficent’s malicious delight in tormenting Aurora and her eventual showdown with Prince Phillip provide some of the film’s most gripping moments.
• Aurora: Princess Aurora is the classic Disney princess, embodying grace, beauty, and purity. Though she may seem passive compared to modern Disney heroines, her role is vital to the story’s themes of love and destiny. Aurora’s innocence and kindness are central to her character, and she is, in many ways, a product of her time. While she may not be the most active or complex princess in the Disney canon, Aurora is nevertheless an enchanting presence, and her beauty and voice (sung by Mary Costa) make her a memorable character.
• Prince Phillip: Unlike many Disney princes who remain faceless or secondary, Prince Phillip plays a more prominent and active role in Sleeping Beauty. He is not just a love interest, but a brave and determined hero, willing to risk his life to rescue Aurora. His battle with Maleficent as a dragon is one of the most thrilling sequences in the film and adds a heroic element to the typical damsel-in-distress trope. His love for Aurora is genuine, but it is also tied to bravery, action, and sacrifice.
• The Good Fairies (Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather): These three whimsical characters add a sense of humor and lightness to the story. They are responsible for protecting Aurora from Maleficent’s curse, and their personalities create a delightful contrast to the darkness of the villain. Flora, the leader, is wise but somewhat stiff; Fauna is gentle and nurturing; and Merryweather, the feisty one, often provides comic relief. Together, they offer much-needed warmth and humor, balancing the film’s more serious elements.

Animation and Visual Style: A Masterpiece of Art and Design

The animation in Sleeping Beauty is one of its most striking features. The film’s art style is heavily influenced by medieval European art, with intricate backgrounds, ornate castles, and rich, bold colors. The character designs, particularly for Aurora and Maleficent, are among the most visually stunning in Disney’s animated history.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is its use of lavish and detailed backgrounds. The kingdom of King Stefan and Queen Leah is a fairytale world of grandiose castles, lush forests, and vibrant skies, all depicted with a level of detail that feels almost painterly. The backgrounds often resemble tapestries or stained glass windows, creating a surreal, dream-like quality that enhances the magical atmosphere.

The transformation of Maleficent into a dragon during the climactic battle with Prince Phillip is another visual highlight, with fluid animation and dramatic lighting contributing to one of the most exciting and tense scenes in the Disney catalog. The animation is also characterized by its use of color: Aurora is surrounded by pastels, symbolizing her innocence, while Maleficent and her surroundings are bathed in darker, more sinister tones, visually representing their contrasting natures.

Music: A Timeless Score

The film’s score, composed by George Bruns, is one of its most enduring features. It uses Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet The Sleeping Beauty as its foundation, with some of the most famous melodies in classical music incorporated into the soundtrack. The music enhances the emotional resonance of the film, underscoring moments of beauty, tension, and triumph.

One of the most famous pieces is “Once Upon a Dream,” a song that Aurora sings while meeting Prince Phillip. The song, with its sweeping melody and romantic lyrics, has become synonymous with the film and is one of the most recognizable Disney songs of all time. The grand orchestral score further elevates the film, providing a majestic and sweeping backdrop to the action.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

Sleeping Beauty (1959) is a timeless classic that has endured for over six decades due to its beautiful animation, memorable characters, and sweeping music. The film’s themes of love, destiny, and the battle between good and evil are universal, and it remains one of the quintessential Disney fairy tales. While Princess Aurora may not be the most active or complex protagonist in Disney history, her story is one of purity and hope, and her eventual rescue by Prince Phillip underscores the power of love, bravery, and destiny.

With its stunning visual style, memorable villains, and captivating score, Sleeping Beauty continues to captivate audiences of all ages, solidifying its place as one of Disney’s most iconic and beloved animated features. Whether for its animation, music, or the unforgettable showdown between Maleficent and Prince Phillip, Sleeping Beauty remains a fairy tale for the ages.