Sleeping Beauty is one of the most iconic stories of all time, loved by generations for its magical tale of a cursed princess and her brave prince. But what many people don’t know is that the story is based on a much older and darker fairy tale. The 1959 animated film directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wolfgang Reitherman, Eric Larson, and Les Clark, was inspired by Charles Perrault’s fairy tale, which has roots going back centuries. In this article, we’ll look at the history of this famous tale, explore the darker origins behind it, and find out why Sleeping Beauty became a beloved classic, despite its rocky start at the box office.

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Is Sleeping Beauty a Good Movie?

To many, the 1959 version of Sleeping Beauty is a masterpiece of animation, and for good reason. The film was the most expensive Disney animated film at the time, with a staggering cost of $6 million. Its animation style was unique, heavily influenced by pre-Renaissance European art, giving the film a distinct, timeless look. The musical score, which draws from Tchaikovsky’s famous Sleeping Beauty ballet, adds to the grandeur of the film. Though initially, the movie didn’t perform well at the box office, over time, it gained respect and admiration for its artistic value.

Today, the movie is regarded as one of the crown jewels of Disney’s animated classics. In 2019, the film was even selected for preservation in the National Film Registry, highlighting its importance in American cinematic history. So, yes, Sleeping Beauty is widely considered a good movie, especially when it comes to its artistic achievements.

Was Sleeping Beauty a Success?

Surprisingly, Sleeping Beauty wasn’t a success when it was first released in 1959. Despite being a Disney film, audiences didn’t immediately take to it. The movie’s box office earnings fell short of expectations, making it a disappointment for Disney at the time. However, like many classic films, it found success in later years. With multiple re-releases, especially during the era of home video, the movie grew in popularity. Today, Sleeping Beauty is considered one of Disney’s most iconic films, beloved by fans around the world.

What is the Basic Story of Sleeping Beauty?

The basic story of Sleeping Beauty is simple and easy to follow. It revolves around a beautiful princess named Aurora who, upon birth, is cursed by an evil fairy named Maleficent. The curse states that Aurora will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep, only to be awakened by “true love’s kiss.” To protect Aurora, her parents send her to live with three good fairies in a secret woodland cottage. However, on her 16th birthday, the curse takes effect, and Aurora falls into a magical sleep. Prince Phillip, her true love, eventually rescues her by fighting Maleficent and breaking the curse with a kiss. They live happily ever after.

What is the Real Dark Story of Sleeping Beauty?

While the Disney version of Sleeping Beauty is a sweet and magical tale, the original story is much darker. Charles Perrault’s version of the story, published in 1697, includes many grim details that Disney wisely chose to leave out. In the original, after the princess is put to sleep, the prince doesn’t simply kiss her to wake her up. Instead, he finds her, and she stays asleep for years, even giving birth to two children while still under the curse. Later, the prince’s mother, who is an ogress, tries to eat the princess and her children.

This unsettling version of the tale shows that fairy tales weren’t always the lighthearted stories we know today. They often had dark, frightening elements that were intended to teach moral lessons. Over the years, versions of Sleeping Beauty have been softened for more modern audiences, especially children.

Sleeping Beauty Meaning: What Does the Story Represent?

At its core, Sleeping Beauty represents themes of good vs. evil, the power of love, and the inevitability of fate. Aurora’s deep sleep can be seen as a metaphor for a transition from childhood to adulthood, with the curse representing the challenges we all face as we grow up. The true love’s kiss is symbolic of the power of love to overcome even the darkest forces.

The battle between Prince Phillip and Maleficent further represents the classic struggle between good and evil, with good ultimately triumphing. The idea that love can break the deepest curses resonates with audiences of all ages and remains a timeless message in storytelling.

Sleeping Beauty (2014) Wikipedia: A New Take on an Old Tale

The Sleeping Beauty story continues to inspire filmmakers to this day. In 2014, Disney released “Maleficent,” a live-action retelling of the story from the perspective of the villain. This version, starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, explores the motivations behind the evil fairy’s curse. It portrays Maleficent as a more sympathetic character, providing context for her actions. This darker and more complex version of the story brought Sleeping Beauty back into the cultural spotlight and was a box office hit.

There’s also another Sleeping Beauty (2011 Netflix) film, though it is unrelated to the Disney story. This version is much darker and more adult, focusing on a young woman who becomes part of a disturbing and secretive sleep experiment. It is not a children’s movie by any means, but it shows how the Sleeping Beauty story continues to be reimagined in different ways for different audiences.

Sleeping Beauty Full Movie: Where Can You Watch It?

If you’re looking to watch Sleeping Beauty in its original animated form, it’s widely available on streaming platforms like Disney+, where you can find the full movie. Many classic Disney fans enjoy revisiting the 1959 film for its stunning animation and memorable characters, like the lovable good fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. It’s also available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple iTunes.

Sleeping Beauty Princess Name: Who is Aurora?

The princess at the heart of Sleeping Beauty is named Aurora, though she is also referred to as Briar Rose when she is in hiding. Aurora’s name is associated with the Latin word for “dawn,” symbolizing new beginnings, which ties into the story of her awakening from a deep sleep. She is one of Disney’s most iconic princesses, known for her beauty, kindness, and grace.

Why Was Sleeping Beauty a Box Office Disappointment?

Though Sleeping Beauty is now one of Disney’s most loved films, it struggled at the box office when it was first released. One reason for this was its high cost of production—$6 million made it the most expensive animated film at the time. Audiences in 1959 were not as taken with the film as Disney had hoped, partly because it deviated from the more cartoonish styles of previous Disney films like Snow White and Cinderella. However, over the years, the film has become a beloved classic, thanks to its beautiful animation and the unforgettable villain, Maleficent.

In the end, Sleeping Beauty has become much more than just a movie. It’s a story that has been told and retold in various forms, from the 1959 animated film to the 2014 live-action retelling. It’s a tale that resonates with audiences for its timeless themes of love, bravery, and overcoming evil.

Though it was initially a box office disappointment, it has gained a massive following over the years and remains a staple of Disney’s legacy. The Sleeping Beauty story will likely continue to inspire future generations, reminding us all of the power of love and courage.