Everyone knows the classic Disney princesses: Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Mulan… But one princess that consistently gets forgotten is Giselle from Disney’s 2007 film, "Enchanted". Portrayed by the delightful Amy Adams, Giselle is a princess who finds herself in New York City after falling down an animated wishing well, not to mention in a sparkling ball gown.
She quickly realizes she isn’t in the lively, musical town of Andalasia, and is determined to find her way back to her home and to her love, Prince Edward. Giselle meets Robert, played by Patrick Dempsey (swoon), and his daughter, and the two of them are shocked at everything about Giselle. A real princess? In New York? Absurd, but tame by Disney terms. Throughout the film, Giselle’s definitions of true love and happiness are challenged, and with Robert, she finally knows what she really wants…only through several catchy musical numbers, of course. It is this that separates Giselle from the rest of the Disney princess club members — she evolves.
At the beginning of the film, Giselle is a typical damsel in distress, waiting for her prince to come and save her, and when he does, she immediately falls in love with him, because he can not only finish her duet, but also because that is what princesses do. The roles are reversed, however, when Prince Edward’s evil queen mother comes into New York City after Giselle, determined to destroy her, and captures Robert in an attempt to kill them both. Instead of helplessly watching her true love get attacked, Giselle ditches the high heels and picks up a sword, going after Queen Nerissa (who has now transformed into a dragon) herself. Heads up Mulan: Giselle can also wield a heavy weapon in defense of herself and the one she cares about. Giselle does a complete 180 and abandons the damsel in distress act and battles a dragon, risking her own life to save the man she loves. Talk about impressive — you certainly don’t see Ariel or Snow White picking up a weapon to take on their villains; the men do the saving for them.
Not only is Giselle a verified badass, but she also is intelligent and teaches the men in the movie about a thing or two. She’s crafty, smart, and a perfect role model for Robert’s daughter, Morgan. Giselle encourages Morgan to follow her dreams and do anything she wants, since Giselle herself proves that if you have enough confidence and perseverance, dreams really do come true. And you can totally make your curtains and carpets into beautiful dresses. Robert is initially stunned at Giselle’s lack of street smarts and common sense, but once he starts to actually take her advice and take note of her influence on Morgan, he has a change of heart.
Giselle’s most famous song, "That’s How You Know", is a huge dance number involving everyone in Central Park singing and dancing to Giselle’s lyrics that tell her listeners how they will know their true love is true. Robert does what Giselle suggests in order to impress his girlfriend, played by Indina Menzel. Of course, it works, and Robert realizes there is more to Giselle than the bubbly princess exterior. She breaks the mold of the typical princess for Robert, and for the audience. She teaches Robert that love is doing special little things for your partner every single day, just to see them smile. She shows Edward that finding your true love is more than singing a Disney duet together. She shows Morgan and all girls and boys everywhere that women can fight for what they believe in, whether it is fighting a dragon with a sword, or fighting prejudice, and misogyny, Giselle leads as an exemplary princess.
The vivacious and empowered Giselle will return to screens soon, as Disney is preparing for a sequel, so get ready to fall in love with Amy Adams’ character all over again.
