Review of The Princess Diaries (2001) by Filipeneto — 11 May 2018

This film revolves around the problems of succession to the throne of a fictional European micro-state called Genovia, which was probably inspired by Andorra and Monaco, I guess. The country has been ruled by the Renaldi (almost Grimaldi) dynasty but the succession now depends on an American teenager, who does not know that she is a princess and was not raised for such.

The plot has been well thought out and has lots of fun situations. Obviously, a situation like that of the movie (a princess who does not know that is a princess) is impossible. They know that they are royals, even if they live in anonymity (very common in countries that were monarchies but they ceased to be, such Portugal or France). But its still humorous, and the way the situation is explained is almost convincing. Almost because I don't understand how Mia never discovered her true blood before her grandmother came to visit her. That seems quite illogical for me, but... The film puts emphasis on some things that correspond to real life. One of them is the need to prepare the future king, giving him the education and training indispensable to the position he will have. Mia makes a tremendous effort to learn, with successive mistakes that delight the public. Its to die for laughing but it also shows how difficult and demanding it really is. Another point that I saw and corresponds to real life is the public examination that is currently subject to the royal families through the mass media. If a king takes a false step, however small, this step is inflated by the media and quickly creates a crisis. But the central message of the film lies in never forgetting our origins, or the people who were part of our life before we reached the pinnacle. This morally edifying message lacks to many so-called "plebeians" who, attaining fame or fortune, soon forget where they came from.

This is, I think, the work that pushed Anne Hathaway on the path of fame, and justly. The actress showed talent and ability to explore the psychological dilemmas of her character. Julie Andrews also looked good in the role of queen, though she did not explore much of that division between the public figure and what she is in private. It would make her character more interesting. Hector Elizondo plays a curious part, I never realized what he really is. Driver? Security chief? Chief of Staff? Queen's lover? All mixed up? The support cast also did not look bad. The jokes were very well thought out and were well framed in the film.

This is a good example of what I call "fairytale movies". But, unlike other films where anyone can be a prince, Mia has always been a princess by right, she just didn't know it. The funny about this film is the teenager's difficulties in dealing with it. It's a good movie for the whole family, with good jokes and interesting moral messages.