Movies and TV

Best Fairy Tale Movies: Mirror Mirror

Read our review of the 2012 interpretation of the classic, 'Snow White,' and what parents should know before their kids see the film.

From recent theatrical releases such as Into the Woods to required reading lists for students, fairy tales are prominent contributors to popular culture and academia. Some parents may contemplate the lessons taught by fairy tales, while others fear the films may be too scary for their youngsters. We are sharing the Best Fairy Tale Movies series with the intention of addressing both of these considerations as well as broadening the fairy tale genre to include animated classics, live action adventures, and modern interpretations. So, delve into these on-screen stories to experience lessons in love, loss, and life and, perhaps, to find your new favorite film.

 

Mirror Mirror is based the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Snow White,” and tells the story of a princess who lives in the shadow of her stepmother’s jealousy. Snow White hides in a cottage with seven dwarfs and, after eating a poisonous apple, she falls into a death-like sleep that can only be broken by a kiss from the prince. 

Movie Details:

Released: March 30, 2012

Directors:  Tarsem Singh

Cast: Lily Collins, Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer

Rating: PG

Run time: 106 minutes

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Mirror Mirror has a PG rating, and parental guidance is strongly suggested – some material may not be suitable for children.

Is Mirror Mirror educational?

Valuable lessons can be learned from the way Snow White learns how to stand up for herself and fight the queen. Even though the queen was relentless in her mission to destroy the beautiful princess, goodness eventually triumphed. The prince was also persistent to marry Snow White and, by not giving up hope, he eventually gets what he wished for.

Another lesson is that you may find friends in unexpected places. When Snow White stumbled upon the thieving dwarfs, she gave them a fair chance, and they did the same. This teaches kids to give everyone a chance regardless of the way they look.

You may also want to bring up the topic of vanity and how much it cost the queen. The queen relied on her mirror for self-assurance of her beauty and the power it gave her, but did it really mean anything in the grand scheme of things? When that self-proclaimed power was taken away, she did anything and everything to get it back and lost many valuable relationships.

Will my family like Mirror Mirror?

Overall, Mirror Mirror is a great film for children of all ages and their parents to enjoy. There are a few sword fights, but no blood is shown, and there are two marionettes that try to destroy Snow White and the dwarfs. There are also a few suggestive jokes, but they will more than likely go over kids’ heads. 

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