Released in 1937, Disney’s animated “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the studio’s first full-length animated movie and a groundbreaking achievement in cinema. It became a massive success, both critically and commercially, and is still considered one of Disney’s most iconic classics. The story follows a kind-hearted princess who, after being targeted by her jealous stepmother, finds herself in the forest with seven dwarfs. Known for its hand-drawn animation and memorable songs like “Heigh-Ho,” the film left a lasting mark on generations of viewers. Now, nearly 90 years later, Disney’s 2025 live-action remake of “Snow White”, directed by Marc Webb, reimagines the classic tale through a modern lens. While it follows the same basic structure, it makes several major changes that set it apart from the original, for better or worse.

The story follows Snow White, played by Rachel Zegler, an orphaned princess who lives under the rule of her stepmother, the Evil Queen, played by Gal Gadot. Like the original movie, the Queen is immensely jealous of Snow White’s beauty and plots her downfall. However, in this version of the tale, Snow White is not a damsel awaiting rescue. Instead, she is on a path to become a just and capable leader. Her journey is one of personal growth and empowerment, rather than simply surviving the Queen’s wrath.

One of the biggest changes and sources of controversy comes from Disney’s decision to rework the seven dwarfs. Instead of casting actors with dwarfism, the studio used CGI to create magical characters portrayed by a diverse group of full-sized actors. This sparked major backlash from the dwarfism community, including actor Peter Dinklage, who criticized Disney for what he saw as a step backward in representation. Many felt the studio missed a meaningful opportunity to include real actors with dwarfism and instead erased their visibility.

Another change is the character of Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap, who replaces the classic Prince Charming role. He’s more of a supportive friend than a love interest. While this aligns with the film’s modern focus on personal empowerment and self-discovery, the dynamic between Snow White and Jonathan feels flat, with little emotional payoff. Critics have pointed out that in attempting to move away from traditional romance, the film creates an unintended message: that women must choose between being strong and independent or finding love. This has sparked debate among audiences, some of whom feel the movie swings too far in trying to “fix” the original, rather than finding a balance between empowerment and emotional connection. It raises questions about why romance and strength are so often framed as mutually exclusive in modern retellings.

Visually, the movie is beautiful. The costumes, sets and CGI are all really impressive, and they help bring the fairytale world to life in a way that feels magical and modern at the same time. From the lush forests to the grand castle, the attention to detail is impressive. 

Overall, I’d rate this movie a 3/5, with its remarkable visuals and soundtrack that is ultimately overshadowed by clumsy storytelling choices, a lack of emotional depth, and controversial creative decisions that dilute the magic of the original.