If you enjoyed Brave, you’ll likely find Spellbound equally captivating. This enchanting tale weaves together themes of bravery, familial bonds, and self-discovery in a magical kingdom teetering on the edge of peril.
The story begins with Queen Ellsmere and King Solon, whose fateful venture into the Eternal Dark Forest leaves them "spellbound" and transformed into adorable but monstrous creatures. Stripped of their memories, they no longer recall being rulers—or even having a daughter, Princess Ellian.
At just 15 years old, the courageous Princess Ellian steps up to manage the kingdom in her parents' absence. Despite her young age, she displays remarkable resilience and leadership. However, the kingdom is in turmoil. Its people fail to recognize the monstrous forms as their beloved rulers and a foreboding prophecy looms: if the spell isn't broken soon, Ellsmere and Solon will remain monsters forever.
Desperate to save her parents, Ellian seeks the guidance of Luna and Sunny, two whimsical and wise forest spirits known for their expertise in breaking magical curses. Yet, their arrival at the castle doesn’t go as planned—Ellian’s monstrous parents, driven by their animalistic instincts, unintentionally scare them away.
Refusing to give up, Ellian teams up with Luna and Sunny to unravel the mystery of the Eternal Dark Forest. Together, they embark on a perilous journey back into the heart of the forest, with Ellsmere and Solon reluctantly joining their daughter. As they delve deeper into the forest's mysteries, Ellian faces a daunting question: can she help her parents remember who they truly are before time runs out?
The stakes rise as Ellian must navigate the dangers of the forest, rebuild her connection with her parents, and rally the kingdom to believe in their true rulers once more. Will the spell break? Will the king and queen recognize their daughter? And most importantly, can the kingdom be united again under their rightful rulers?
First things first, this movie delivers a powerful and empowering message to girls everywhere: they are strong, brave, and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. By centering the story around a fearless and determined female protagonist, the filmmakers have crafted an inspiring narrative that champions female strength and resilience.
What sets this movie apart is not just its focus on a female lead but also its bold decision to challenge traditional gender roles in significant ways. A standout example is the portrayal of the army commander as a woman—an intentional and impactful move by the creators. This choice not only adds depth to the story but also breaks stereotypes, presenting women in leadership roles that are often dominated by male characters in cinema.
Through these characters, the movie emphasizes that bravery and leadership are not bound by gender. It encourages girls and women to see themselves in positions of authority and influence, whether it’s leading armies, making crucial decisions, or facing adversity head-on.
Beyond its engaging plot, the movie’s representation serves as a beacon of inspiration, inviting audiences to reimagine the traditional boundaries of heroism and leadership. It’s not just a story; it’s a celebration of female empowerment, designed to leave viewers feeling inspired and emboldened.
Spellbound is a heartwarming tale of determination and love, showing that even in the darkest of times, the bonds of family can light the way. The animation is super cute too! So viewers get ready for a delightful watch.
Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times