Technical Assessment : 3.5
Moral Assessment : 4
MTRCB Rating : G
Cinema Rating : V 13 (Age 13 and below with Parental Guidance)
Young Maleficent is a sweet-natured powerful
fairy protector of the magical creatures (Moors). She befriends Stefan, a human boy who tries to steal a jewel
from her world. Although ambitious
in his single minded desire to live in the king’s castle when he grows up,
Stefan shows concern for Maleficent when he throws away his ring, his only
possession, so he can touch her hand.
Over the years, Maleficent and Stefan grow closer. He supposedly gives her a true love’s
kiss before he disappears. Meanwhile,
the world of men and world of Moors coexisted until King Henry decided he
needed to squelch the growing powers of the fairies. An older Maleficent (Jolie) with her Moor allies stand up
against the human army and mortally wounds King Henry. In retribution, the king
decrees that anyone who kills Maleficent will inherit the throne. Apparently,
Stefan (Copley) has found a way in the King’s court and betrays his old friend Maleficent
so he can become king. Wounded emotionally and physically, Maleficent with the
aide of Diaval (Riley) attends Stefan’s daughter’s christening to curse the
infant as her revenge. Stefan asks the three pixies to hide Princess Aurora in
the woods until her 16th birthday so she can outlive the curse. Meanwhile, Maleficent
closely watches Aurora growing up. Eventually her hardened heart melts in
fondness for the young girl’s innocence and kindness. Unfortunately, even she
cannot lift the curse bestowed upon Aurora. In her desire to save Aurora, she braves the iron thorns King
Stefan has built around his castle to bring Prince Philip whom she believes
will give true love’s kiss. But what is true love?
While professional movie critics complain about
the flimsiness of the storyline, the movie remains powerfully engaging if only
because of Jolie’s strong performance. Jolie owned Maleficent, as only she can
be convincingly dark and light, cruel and loving, spiteful and selfless.
Needless to say, all other portrayals paled in comparison. As delightful as
Jolie’s interpretation of a betrayed woman whose heart is slowly turning to
stone, are the visual effects and production design of the film. Seamless and
imaginative, it recreates a magical yet disturbing world. Of course, the lazy
narrative cannot be overlooked as it lends too many unanswered question on the
characters and motives (How did Stefan
manage to be in line for the throne? How dutiful is King Henry’s daughter that
she needed to be her father’s successor’s wife? Why did Maleficent not use her
magic to retrieve her wings?) But this is meant to be an adult
interpretation of a fairy tale so certain narrative lapses can be tolerated in
favor of the overall impact of the film. Besides, how many times are the antagonists of literature given a
chance to air their side of the story? The movie tried to tone down violence but certain scenes
may be scary for audiences below 7.
People who are consumed by their negative
emotions eventually lose who they are. Even the purest, the most gentle or
kindest, once hurt, can transform into a monster. People in pain regress, withdraw and pretentiously revel in
the misery they cause unto the people who hurt them. But they are not happy. King Stefan and Maleficent represent
pent up anger, bitterness and hatred. While Stefan spiraled down desperation and mistrust,
Maleficent opened up her heart and allowed love to heal her. Cliché as it may sound, but truly love
heals all wounds—even those that run deep and wide. We only have to let go of the pain and learn from past
mistakes. Maleficent even learned something more—the meaning of true love—a
love that made her willing not only to lift her own curse but also stake her
life just to save a loved one. It is also a refreshing statement that true love is
not the feeling after meeting a good looking person for the first time but the
willingness to change, to sacrifice and to be good looking in the inside for
the sake of the beloved. While Maleficent
may not become a cinematic classic, it still delivers strong messages on love,
redemption and, of course, peaceful co-existence between
humankind and nature.
