Snow White and the Huntsman, the fantasy-action film based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Snow White,” delivers solid family fun in this visually stunning Gothic tale of PG action. Kristen Stewart aptly plays a courageous and capable virgin Snow White, and true to the original tale, she has spent most of her childhood locked in a tower, away from the mystical harms befalling other young maidens in town. And Charlize Theron shines as the icy evil Queen Ravenna, a slave to vanity and the quest for eternal power.
While light on action, there is an epic battle that may satiate some viewers’ blood-lust near the end of the film. But Snow White and the Huntsman, thrives as a tale of two women wronged. One chooses a path of virtue, while the other feasts on revenge. Snow White, still in the blush of youth, remains enchanted by life and its possibilities. She holds her capacity to empathize with each of God’s creatures, even the Queen, as a badge of honor. But alas, life is not a ‘box of chocolates,’ and Snow White must face the Queen’s music eventually. In comes the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth), who teaches her to balance her jubilation with the practicalities of life: she must learn to protect herself, and that will mean killing someone.
Had the Queen learned to protect herself in her formative years, she might have shielded herself from the evil that befalls her in her tender youth. As it stands, the Queen terrorizes Kings and kingdoms far and wide, killing their leaders and sucking the youth from their maidens. All of this must be done to preserve the Queen’s youthful look and dark powers. This story acts as a cautionary tale for girls and boys who focus too much on superficial pursuits. Had the King not been smitten by her beauty and not married her before getting to know her, he might have lived to see old age and Snow White’s story might have been a happier one.
The magic of the Dark Forest is brought to life by compelling special effects, as are the Seven Dwarfs, played by full-sized actors such as Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Nick Frost, Eddie Marsan and Toby Jones. CGI shrinks these actors to dwarf size, resulting in barrels of laughs.
Those looking for a romantic tale will be disappointed. Romance in Snow White and the Huntsman results in sudden death for the king and near death for Snow White. Still, the film ends with the possibility of a budding romance, a welcomed ending to a story about a young girl who has just liberated a kingdom from tyranny and oppression and who must now learn to govern. It’s a story every young girl and boy should see.