Snow White and the Huntsman

***
Dir. Rupert Sanders
It's been a while since we've seen a really solid and original fantasy film. The last I can think of off the top of my head is Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth. However, Rupert Sanders' Snow White and the Huntsman is a fresh and compelling take on the classic fairy tale character.

In this story, we see the origins of Snow White (Kristen Stewart) and of the kingdom she is destined to inherit, which falls under the rule of the wicked Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and her phantom army. After years of imprisonement, the Princess manages to escape the clutches of her arch-nemesis, only to be pursued by a hired Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth). Yet when he, a widower promised by the Queen that she would resurrect his wife if he did her bidding, discovers he too had been deceived by her wickedness, he then allies himself with Snow White (unaware of her identity). The two then venture through the dangers and perils of the Dark Forest; with the Princess intending to make contact with the former Duke of the Kingdom and all the rest who had served her father during his reign. It is here that they encounter the seven dwarves, a band of gold miners who are in no way reminiscent of Disney's version (an aspect I was completely fine with as this is intended to be a much darker adaptation). The plot also features the poison apple, as well as the kiss from Snow White's true love which reawakens her. Upon her resurrection, the Princess leads the Huntsman and all those loyal to her to defeat Ravenna and restore her father's Kingdom to its former glory.

What really stood out about this film to me was the script. Screenwriters Evan Daugherty, John Lee Hancock, and Hossein Amini did a really nice job of incorporating a multitude of characters and events into one clear and precise story. The very essence of it brought together a wide range of elements from classic fantasy and mythology, while appealing to a modern audience. Furthermore, the pacing of the script complimented Sanders's vision very effectively. Producers such as Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland) and Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense) did a fantastic job of constructing this fantasy world, and correlating with the lighting and cinematography. This dark atmosphere opened up a lot of room for various motifs to be expressed through the different creatures and settings. Then, the action scenes were really well executed and there was a great amount of detail devoted to each shot. All in all, the film contained a great cast, a solid storyline, and an artistic vision from Sanders that has the ability to engage a wide range of viewers.