Tangled (2010) – Key Details
- Title: Tangled
- Release Date: November 24, 2010 (United States)
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Budget: Approximately $260 million
- Box Office Gross: $592.5 million worldwide
- Production Companies: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
- Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Directors: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
- Producer: Roy Conli
- Screenplay: Dan Fogelman
- Music: Alan Menken (score), Glenn Slater (lyrics)
- Editing: Tim Mertens
- Voice Cast:
- Mandy Moore as Rapunzel
- Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider / Eugene Fitzherbert
- Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel
🧵 Plot Summary
Tangled is a reimagining of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Rapunzel.” The story follows Rapunzel, a young princess with magical long blonde hair that has healing properties. Kidnapped as a baby by the vain and manipulative Mother Gothel, Rapunzel is locked away in a secluded tower, unaware of her royal heritage. On the eve of her 18th birthday, Rapunzel longs to leave the tower and see the floating lanterns that appear annually on her birthday.
Her chance comes when Flynn Rider, a charming thief on the run, stumbles upon her tower. Rapunzel strikes a deal with Flynn: if he escorts her to see the lanterns, she will return his stolen satchel. Their journey is filled with adventure, self-discovery, and the blossoming of love, as Rapunzel uncovers the truth about her identity and the world beyond her tower.
🎨 Animation and Visual Style
Tangled marked a significant milestone in animation, blending traditional 2D aesthetics with cutting-edge 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI). The filmmakers aimed to capture the warmth and charm of classic Disney animations while utilizing modern technology. The visual style was inspired by the Rococo paintings of French artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard, particularly “The Swing,” aiming for a “romantic and lush” look. This fusion resulted in a visually stunning film that appealed to both traditional animation enthusiasts and new audiences.Wikipedia
🎵 Music and Soundtrack
The film’s music was composed by Alan Menken, a Disney veteran known for his work on classics like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Collaborating with lyricist Glenn Slater, Menken crafted a soundtrack that blends medieval musical elements with 1960s folk rock. Notable songs include:Wikipedia
- “When Will My Life Begin?” – Rapunzel’s yearning for freedom.
- “I See the Light” – A romantic duet between Rapunzel and Flynn, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
- “Mother Knows Best” – Mother Gothel’s manipulative anthem.
The music played a crucial role in storytelling, conveying characters’ emotions and advancing the plot.
💰 Box Office Performance
Despite its hefty production budget, Tangled proved to be a commercial success:
- Opening Weekend (U.S.): $48.8 million
- Total Domestic Gross: $200.8 million
- International Gross: $391.6 million
- Worldwide Total: $592.5 millionWikipedia
The film became the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2010 and the third-highest-grossing animated film of that year, following Toy Story 3 and Shrek Forever After.Wikipedia
🏆 Critical Reception and Awards
Tangled received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89% approval rating.
- Metacritic: 71/100 score.
Critics praised the film’s animation, voice performances, humor, and musical score. It was lauded for revitalizing the Disney princess genre with a modern twist.
Awards and Nominations:
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Original Song (“I See the Light”).
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song.
- Annie Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature and Writing in a Feature Production.Wikipedia
📀 Home Media and Legacy
Tangled was released on home media on March 29, 2011, in various formats, including Blu-ray 3D, standard Blu-ray, DVD, and digital copy. The release included bonus features such as deleted scenes, alternate openings, and behind-the-scenes featurettes.Wikipedia
The film’s success led to the creation of a short film, Tangled Ever After (2012), and an animated television series, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (2017–2020), further expanding the story and characters.Wikipedia
🌟 Cultural Impact
Tangled marked a turning point for Disney Animation, blending traditional storytelling with modern sensibilities. Rapunzel emerged as a proactive and independent heroine, resonating with contemporary audiences. The film’s success paved the way for future hits like Frozen and Moana, solidifying Disney’s resurgence in animated storytelling.
Tangled remains a beloved entry in Disney’s animated canon, celebrated for its engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. Its blend of classic fairy tale elements with modern animation techniques continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
