Dawn Jessa Trias

As a Filipina, I was excited to see the first Disney Princess from Southeast Asia; however, the movie left me confused and disappointed. The setting was beautiful, the animation was awesome, but the storyline lacks specific connection to the southeast Asian tradition, beliefs and culture. At the end of the movie, I wanted to be proud as a southeast Asian, but clearly, this was not the goal of Disney. Moreover, it would have been better if the voices of the characters are using southeast Asian accents too. Like the character of Merida in Brave, she speaks English but her accent is that of her native tongue. I think it would make the movie more unique and very southeast Asian. Anyhow, I still recommend the movie especially to children. Those who aren't from Southeast Asia would really enjoy it without criticism.