The movie tangled is my personal favorite animated film, and as you might expect I've seen it dozens of times. What I wan't to do today is respond to a few accusations I've heard people make against this movie; allegations that I believe show the heart of our culture in several ways. Today, we're going to "unbraid" this beautiful story- today I want to make my case for Tangled.
Rapunzel
Purity is an honest heart with nothing to hide...
Not only is this charming character probably the cutest of Walt Disneys creations, but also, I believe her story holds essential Christian truths. Let's take a look...
The tower
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I think we've all been in one of these at some point or another. Small towns, poor neighborhoods, low paying jobs, or even overprotective parents. We look around and see four walls and a window with no real room for growth- let alone fun!The first thing that struck me about Rapunzel was her childlike outlook on her surroundings. We, as Christians need to be more like Rapunzel, and embrace what we've been given no matter how hard we have it. In the words of Jesus "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
The world
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...but God doesn't always leave us is that tower forever. I remember when I was little, not being allowed to go past either of the speed bumps on our block. I would spend hours riding my bike in circles next to each of those boundaries. Now, I have a car and a drivers license. I can go anywhere I want... but I don't. I don't go out partying, I don't stay out late on holidays, and I always tell my parents when I'll be home. What's my point? If we learn to love the fences God put in place for us (like Rapunzel did), than we'll be ready and able to put up our own fences when He takes the old ones down.Rapunzel, throughout the movie shows no reservation and yet maintains proper restraint. Yes she was deprived her whole life, but she didn't let that stop her from being captivated by new experiences. Yes she was naive, but she was humble, courageous and willing to learn. Yes she was terrified, but no... she did not shy away.
Now I know you want to hear about the "mother daughter" relationship... I promise we'll get to that later.
Eugene(Flynn)
Masculinity is made of tough hands, a clean conscience, and readiness to die for what you hold dear...
Okay, let's all just agree right now... this guy is a total Stud! Athletic, funny, tall, good hair; Flynn is the epitome of what just about every guy wants to be. As with Rapunzel, let's look over Flynn and Eugene's roles in this film.
Flynn Rider
My dad has this saying; "wherever you are, be there." He's told me that for as long as I can remember, and it applies here pretty well. One thing that really sets Flynn apart is the fact that he's a step ahead of everyone(at least in the beginning). He's a thief, and a good one. So how does this apply? Remember my dad's advice? God wants his people to work hard, as unto him. The pervasive characteristic with Flynn is that he's not lazy. He is the brains of a three man team that has apparently had a fair amount of success, and his obviously lighthearted yet confidant personality beams with the harvest of hard work... But he's a criminal? So what if he's good at it?Eugene Fitzherbert
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If the story stopped with Flynn he'd be just another hard working criminal, but it doesn't. Eugene was an orphan and had no real life father to look up to, only a character in a book; Flynnigan Rider. He looked up to him so much as to grow up by the same name and talents... only he was little different. Flynnigan Rider wasn't a thief and Flynn Rider was.Boys need fathers to lead them and teach them to lead. An actual flesh and blood father is what God intended but the reality is, we boys will look up to and thus emulate someone whether or not he's a fictional character. Eugene looked up to the good guy, Flynnigan, and inherited almost all of his admirable persona except for one crucial element. Flynn Rider was a thief with no aspirations other than hard work to get himself an island where one could rest and get a good tan(with copious amounts of cash surrounding). However, by meeting Rapunzel he is given sight of what true happiness consists of. Remember guys, crowns and muscles are great, but finding a princess and defending her with your life(by princess and crown I basically mean anything you love or believe in), that's what makes life worth living.
So what do we learn from Eugene? Do good, for the right reasons, and do a darn good job!
