Enchanted :
A Magical Fairytale That Cleverly Blends Fantasy and Reality
Enchanted (2007) is a rare Disney film that manages to honor classic fairy tales while also playfully questioning them. Directed by Kevin Lima, this romantic fantasy comedy brings together animated storytelling and live-action cinema in a way that feels fresh, heartfelt, and timeless. With a charming cast led by Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, and James Marsden, Enchanted delivers romance, humor, music, and emotional depth, making it a beloved family film even years after its release.
At its core, Enchanted is not just a fairy tale; it is a self-aware love letter to Disney’s animated legacy. The movie explores themes of love, belief, identity, and emotional maturity while cleverly balancing satire and sincerity. This review takes a deep dive into the story, characters, music, themes, performances, and lasting impact of Enchanted.
Plot Overview:
When a Fairy Tale Collides with the Real World
The story begins in the animated kingdom of Andalasia, a land that feels like a tribute to classic Disney animation. Here, we meet Giselle, a cheerful and optimistic young woman who believes wholeheartedly in true love and fairy tale destiny. After meeting Prince Edward, she agrees to marry him the very same day, following the traditional fairy tale formula.
However, not everyone is pleased with this arrangement. Queen Narissa, Edward’s wicked stepmother, fears losing her throne. In a dramatic twist, she pushes Giselle into a magical well that transports her to modern-day New York City. This sudden shift from animation to live action sets the stage for the film’s central conflict: how does a fairy tale princess survive in the real world?
Lost, confused, and still full of hope, Giselle encounters Robert Philip, a pragmatic divorce lawyer who does not believe in fairy tales or happily ever after. As Giselle navigates the chaos of New York, she struggles to reconcile her romantic ideals with the complexities of real life. Meanwhile, Prince Edward follows her into the real world, determined to rescue his bride, bringing along his exaggerated heroic confidence.
As the story unfolds, Enchanted explores whether true love is about destiny or choice, fantasy or understanding, illusion or emotional growth.
Giselle: A Princess with Depth and Growth
Giselle, portrayed brilliantly by Amy Adams, is the heart and soul of Enchanted. What makes her character stand out is how she evolves throughout the film. Initially, she embodies every classic Disney princess stereotype: endlessly cheerful, innocent, kind, and convinced that love conquers all.
However, as Giselle experiences the realities of the modern world, she begins to mature emotionally. She learns that love is not just about singing duets or instant attraction, but about trust, empathy, and shared responsibility. This character growth makes Giselle more than a parody; she becomes a fully realized and relatable protagonist.
Amy Adams’ performance is extraordinary. She balances exaggerated fairy tale innocence with genuine emotional vulnerability. Her expressive acting and natural warmth make Giselle believable, lovable, and deeply human.
Robert Philip: The Voice of Reality
Robert Philip, played by Patrick Dempsey, represents the real world’s skepticism toward fairy tales and romantic idealism. As a divorce lawyer, Robert has seen the darker side of love, making him cautious, logical, and emotionally guarded.
What makes Robert compelling is that he is not cynical without reason. His character arc explores emotional healing and the fear of vulnerability. Through his interactions with Giselle, Robert begins to question his rigid worldview and reconnect with the possibility of joy and wonder.
The relationship between Robert and Giselle is the emotional core of Enchanted. Their chemistry feels natural and earned, rooted in emotional growth rather than instant infatuation.
Prince Edward: A Brilliant Satire of Fairy Tale Heroes
James Marsden’s Prince Edward is one of the most entertaining aspects of Enchanted. He is a deliberate exaggeration of traditional fairy tale princes—handsome, brave, confident, and completely out of touch with reality.
Edward’s exaggerated gestures, dramatic speeches, and heroic poses create comedic gold. Yet, beneath the humor, the character also represents the outdated idea of love based solely on appearances and destiny.
His presence allows the film to contrast superficial romance with emotionally grounded love, reinforcing the movie’s central message.
Queen Narissa: Classic Villainy with a Modern Twist
Susan Sarandon delivers a delightfully theatrical performance as Queen Narissa. She embodies the classic Disney villain archetype—vain, manipulative, and power-hungry—while also adapting to the modern world with amusing menace.
Narissa’s transformation into a live-action villain reinforces the film’s playful tone while maintaining real stakes. She represents the destructive side of fantasy when it refuses to evolve.
Music and Songs: A Celebration of Disney Tradition
The music in Enchanted is one of its strongest elements. Composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the songs pay homage to classic Disney musicals while cleverly subverting them.
Songs like “True Love’s Kiss”, “Happy Working Song”, and “That’s How You Know” blend humor, romance, and emotional storytelling. Amy Adams’ vocal performance is particularly impressive, capturing the spirit of traditional Disney princesses while adding depth and sincerity.
The musical numbers are not just entertaining; they also advance the story and reveal character growth.
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Themes: Love, Growth, and Emotional Maturity
At its heart, Enchanted explores the evolution of love. It challenges the idea that love is instant and effortless, suggesting instead that true love requires understanding, compromise, and emotional courage.
The film also examines the balance between fantasy and reality. It does not dismiss fairy tales but instead encourages viewers to adapt their ideals to real-life complexities.
Other major themes include:
- Belief and optimism in a cynical world
- Emotional growth through experience
- Identity beyond traditional roles
- Self-awareness and personal choice
Visual Style and Direction
Director Kevin Lima expertly blends animation and live action, creating a visually seamless transition between worlds. Andalasia’s animated sequences feel nostalgic, while New York City is portrayed as vibrant and chaotic.
The costumes, set designs, and visual effects all contribute to the film’s fairy tale charm without overwhelming the story.
Humor: Smart, Self-Aware, and Family-Friendly
The humor in Enchanted works on multiple levels. Children enjoy the slapstick and visual comedy, while adults appreciate the satire and self-awareness.
The film gently pokes fun at traditional Disney tropes without mocking them, creating a tone that is affectionate rather than cynical.
Why Enchanted Still Matters Today
Years after its release, Enchanted remains relevant because its message transcends fairy tale parody. It reminds audiences that optimism and belief are not weaknesses, but strengths when combined with emotional awareness.
The movie’s success lies in its ability to entertain while also encouraging reflection on love, relationships, and personal growth.
Final Verdict:
A Timeless Disney Classic
Enchanted is a rare film that successfully blends nostalgia with modern storytelling. It celebrates the magic of fairy tales while acknowledging the importance of emotional maturity and real-world understanding.
With outstanding performances, memorable music, heartfelt themes, and clever humor, Enchanted stands as one of Disney’s most creative and enduring films. Whether you are revisiting it or watching it for the first time, the movie offers joy, warmth, and a reminder that love, when chosen thoughtfully, can still feel magical.
Enchanted is not just a fairy tale—it is a story about growing up without losing the ability to dream.
