Disney Leading Ladies - What's your take?

Jessie in Toy Story.  Is smarter than Woody and remains honest and caring.

Ariel in the Little Mermaid 

One of the little girls I watch loves the little mermaid. We watch it at least twice a day. So then I walk around with all the songs stuck in my head. Sometimes we even watch then clips of the broadway version online. 

Ariel was one of my favorites when I was a kid too, because she had red hair like me. 

My grandmother went to school with the woman who did Sleeping Beauty's voice. They were good friends until teenagers and she moved so her singing career could take off. They have written each other letters ever since. I never was that crazy about the movie, but I've met her and she autographed a poster for me.

The Rescuers.  The girl mouse(can't remember her name) is intelligent and takes the lead.  And the little girl is brave and smart.
 

Jessie in Toy Story.  Is smarter than Woody and remains honest and caring.

I would agree with both of those.  And Mulan and some of the others.  And what's the girl in Chicken Little?

But who is not a strong woman?  Wendy.  Totally relies on Peter  Pan and is a simpering wimp.

One of the little girls I watch loves the little mermaid. We watch it at least twice a day. So then I walk around with all the songs stuck in my head. Sometimes we even watch then clips of the broadway version online. 

Ariel was one of my favorites when I was a kid too, because she had red hair like me. 

I agree the songs are catchy!  There are some funny parts too.  It's funny you like her for the red hair.  My daughter likes Ariel.  She loves the idea of mermaids in general. I don't like the plot though.

I agree the songs are catchy!  There are some funny parts too.  It's funny you like her for the red hair.  My daughter likes Ariel.  She loves the idea of mermaids in general. I don't like the plot though.

I don't like it because she's only 16, but I think that's how old she is in the book too. Everything with the little girl I watch is mer-mer prin. Her bed room is decked out in it and she has lots of mer-mer clothes too. She walks around "singing" the songs. It's so cute! (she's only 2)

You should show your daughter the movie clips on here:

http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelittlemermaid/index.html#/video/unfortunatesouls/

(there's a bunch on youtube too)

Thanks ImissEngland.

What bothers me about the story is that Ariel has to give up her voice, her special uniquely beautiful singing voice, and secure the prince's love in three days using only her beauty.  He's quite happy to marry someone else, and rather fickle in his affection.  I want to say "Why have him? He's a dolt!"

I think she's 15 in the original Andersen story.  The original story has several annoying features.  I don't recommend it.

She dies in the original and never marries the Prince.

I thought it was Lilo's sister, not aunt? I'm pretty sure the story line is that their parent's died and Nani is her sister.

Yup! She's the sister.

I agree that since Disney has moved more towards the Pixar stuff, there are more strong, women role models. Fairy tales do tend to have damsels in distress, which doesn't really allow for them to be all that strong.

I do like the Pixar stuff, but I do miss the hand-drawn movies and wish filmmakers would do some more of those.

Jessie in Toy Story.  Is smarter than Woody and remains honest and caring.

But that's Pixar.  I (personally) don't think you can really count it equally with other Disney movies since they are a completely separate company.  Their stuff is better than the usual Disney pablum.

I always thought Mary Poppins was pretty feisty. Also, the mother in that film was a suffragette.

TBQH I thought the mother in that film was a bit of a flake :-/

But that's Pixar.  I (personally) don't think you can really count it equally with other Disney movies since they are a completely separate company.  Their stuff is better than the usual Disney pablum.

The only thing currently raising Pixar's films above the traditional Disney films are basic things - attention to performance and attention to story. Some of the performances in the older Disney films are brilliant.  Although I think Lilo and Stitch is one of the best traditionally animated pieces I've seen them put within recent years. But...I'm an animator. So ...well you know what, I'm gonna back out again and let y'all carry on talking.

It's been marvelously fascinating to read everyone's responses! So thanks and keep 'em coming!

Actually would have to second Ariel, since as far as adventures go... she's got this great family and this great place to live, and yet she wants more.

Okay, I did just paraphrase the song, but I guess I see her as a strong heroine because I identify with that - I have a lot of really great things in my life, but it's not just for me. Plus, unlike Belle, she does have to sacrifice something major in order to be truly happy.

That said and done, I think Disney princess films have definitely given me unrealistic expectations about what life and love are supposed to be about. That's why my Disney heroine is Perdita from 101 Dalmatians .. she's got it all. 

I haven't watched a Disney film since i was about 10 or 11 years old!   

I haven't watched a Disney film since i was about 10 or 11 years old!   

Oh how I envy you!!!!