Maleficent (2014) Review

Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Director: Robert Stromberg

Actors: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley

No need to mention how “hot” this movie has been these days. But it’s also important to remember that not every hit-supposed-to-be lives up to our expectation. Fortunately, this one does.

Personally, watching Maleficent is like watching “Once Upon A Time: The Movie” starring Angelina Jolie. That is to say, if you are an avid fan of OUAT, you’ll probably find Maleficent agreeable. To those who love fantasy type, what’s icing on the cake is the fact that the film is produced by Walt Disney. I’ve heard many comments saying that Maleficent is somewhat like Frozen in terms of plot. If you say it’s so cliché-ridden, think again. No two movies are identical and all the more not the case of Maleficent. You can verify this statement by yourself ;)

The portrayal of Maleficent (the character) is just amazing: high cheek bones, deep-set eyes, full red lips, enigmatic smile, somewhat charming, somewhat intimidating, an air of mystery. That role seems to be made for Angie only. She IS Maleficent. And the most remarkable part in building such a character is her outfit. The unique dress that Maleficent put on is very close to that of the original character in Sleeping Beauty and is truly impressive. As for characteristic, Maleficent is a typical example of two sides of a human. She is both evil and heroic. As the narrator concludes, such person turns out to be the one to unite two enemies.

I am particularly interested in talking about the characters in this movie. From my perspective, there are three principal relationships, all of which center around Maleficent.  

1)  Maleficent - Stefan

This best illustrates the sheer border between friend and foe. Two little friends used to have a beautiful friendship, which could have evolved into love, but time separated them, personal motives pushed them even farther and finally, betrayal turned into hatred and drove them crazy about vengeance. I don’t know why but I am so obsessed with fruitless love affair, so I noticed the sour face expression of Maleficent on hearing the news about King Stefan’s first-born child as well as the tears welling up in her eyes. It is also heartbreaking to see both people confess that they never believed in true love (or have they lost faith in such thing?)

2)  Maleficent - Aurora

We expect this relationship to be the hardest conflict. Everything proved so for the first 30 minutes of the movie, until the little princess was brought to the forest under the care of three clumsy quarrelsome Fairy-Godmothers. Seeing Aurora growing up, Maleficent was gradually moved by the girl’s innocence. Remembering the scene where Maleficent tried to break the curse that had been casted by herself on Aurora really warms my heart. I also enjoy the part when Beastie asked to move in with Maleficent. The peak of this unconditional love is the act of valor by Maleficent to come rescue Aurora from the deadly curse. In response, Aurora released the wings and helped Maleficent regain her full power amid the fight against Stefan.

3) Maleficent - Diaval

To my mind, Diaval is the most adorable character in this movie. He acts as a loyal servant, a great companion and wings as Maleficent said. He has been transformed completely into human rather than being a crow in human appearance because he has feelings and emotions, sympathy and understanding. This funny character reminds me of Sancho Panza, who, together with Don Quixote, make the most original company in classic literature.

I think the success of Maleficent, just like OUAT, is rewriting old fairy tale in a captivating way. It clings to the myths we have heard since childhood while adding subtle details to reveal each character’s inner side. So why not give your thumbs up for such a summer blockbuster, which integrates spectacular special effects, immaculate acting and humane message?