Barbie as Rapunzel (2002)

Entertaining lesson in forgiveness

My 6 year old daughter really likes this movie, a CGI animated film. At first I didn't pay much attention to it, but my husband and I just finished watching it with her and I realize now what a well-made and entertaining movie it is.

A story-within-a-story, with Barbie narrating to her little sister, Kelly, about a young, honest girl named Rapunzel. Rapunzel is essentially a prisoner to Gogol, who has "cared" for her since she was a baby. However, one day, fate has a hand in allowing Rapunzel to realize that Gogol lied about Rapunzel's parents being dead. She explores the village outside the castle walls where she has been imprisoned and discovers, literally, that there is a whole world of love waiting for her.

I feel it teaches a good message,too, that of forgiveness. Despite all Gogol's cruelty, Rapunzel forgives her. Also, the two neighboring, feuding villages forgive each other when they realize they have been mistaken about an incident in the past. Only Gogol, who refuses to accept the magnaminous forgiveness and continues in her lies, ultimately becomes a victim of her own black magic.

I think girls, particularly, between 4-8 will enjoy this story, but my husband and I also found some parts very amusing as well. Highly recommended. June 8, 2008

Very entertaining for young and old

My three- and four-year-old granddaughers loved this video and so did I! The animation is impressive and the music is wonderful. Even after watching it multiple times, I never tire of it and the girls are still asking me to play it again. January 23, 2008

Doesn't Hold Her Attention

I think this is an ok dvd. It just does not hold my 3 year olds attention. It may be for 4 year olds and up. It is put away in my house for 6 months and then I'll see if she likes it any better. She always gets excited to watch it and then ends up ignoring the movie. October 9, 2007

Barbie As Rapunzel

I purchased this video for my granddaughters. They have enjoyed it and
find the animation easy to watch. The fairytale is enchanting to young
people. September 22, 2007

Serendipity

When you hear, "Barbie as Rapunzel", I know what you're thinking: "It's a Barbie movie! It CAN'T be good! It just going to be some big marketing scam!" Yes, this truly has all the earmarks of an hour-long advertisement. But guess what?
It's not only a coherent, functioning movie--it's actually VERY entertaining.
I am not a big Barbie fan, but my family rented this movie at my little sister's behest. I'm interested in animation, so I decided to at least see what the first five minutes were like, planning to leave as soon as the opening credits were through rolling. But do you know what? Something strange happened to me. I suddenly started to sit forward in my seat. I was drawn into the story, forgetting the fact that it was Barbie, forgetting everything except the story unfolding before me.
As unlikely as it may seem, this movie actually excels in music, script, characters, and even acting! Considering the budget that this movie must have had, it's a truly great piece of craftsmanship. Everything has a class to it and a finesse that is rarely seen even in the big studio features nowadays.
If you have a little girl, I highly recommend this movie. The way the characters interact--especially Rapunzel and Gothel & Rapunzel and the Prince--is a really great role model. This is a story about truth and love. Rent it! Buy it! Wear it out! You won't be sorry!
September 15, 2007

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