Maleficent

Based on the fictional life of the villain from Sleeping Beauty, who cursed Princess Aurora with an endless sleep; Maleficent is portrayed as the queen of fairies who grows up in a protected kingdom apart from humanity and all its evils.  Maleficent’s good-nature and love for life, leads her to unwittingly place her trust in a young boy that wanders into her mystic realm from the world of humans. A deep bond between them develops over time and when they have grown into young adults, he gives her “loves first kiss.”  However, his worldly desire for money and power proves stronger than his youthful affections, as his relationship with Maleficent paves a way for him to see his grotesque ambition fulfilled. His infidelity to their relationship wins him the crown of the dying king. Consequently, Maleficent is embittered and puts a curse on the new Kings first daughter.

Angelina Jolie did a superb job of relating a vast range of emotion intermixed with the fantastical.  I was particularly impressed with the scene in which she is told by the man who once vowed his love and won her unflinching trust, that she was “not welcomed,” to the celebration of the kings new-born daughter.  Her display of a mixture of shock, deep hurt, and anger, all concealed in her cool sarcasm, was captivating.

I am surprised at the scores of critics of Maleficent. I found the story line intriguing, taking one past the black and white viewpoint of right and wrong, and bravely entering into the gray areas of anger, grief and betrayal.  I can see how some of the deeper insights escape those who have never traveled the dark caverns of duplicity; those who have never had displaced trust in the Dr. Jekyll –Mr. Hyde person. The cutting off of her wings will then perhaps be a trauma not much different than the breaking of a leg, and the explosive fire of anger echoed into the black night, just another cartooned drama scene. But for those who have had their hearts crushed beneath the hardened mass of perfidy, this movie will wrap you in the solace of deep soul validation.

I also appreciated the character of a strong female warrior fearlessly protecting her people against the invasion of the king of humans. This is a refreshing turn from the helpless maiden that lies in a death bed, waiting for prince charming to rescue her with a kiss; speaking of which, the end takes a different turn when prince charming’s kiss fails to be the magical love potion to wake her from her deep sleep.
The movie told a very common human tale in an uncommon way without the abrasive addition of too much violence or the disappointing romantic illusion. I found nothing offensive in the movie, which, in my opinion, always demonstrates capacity for tact. The scenery was mystically beautiful- not to be missed on the big screen!

Skeptical at first about even wasting my money on the movie, I have gone to view it twice and would not mind seeing it again before it goes on DVD.