Tangled

Tangled (2010) is a computer-animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard. Loosely based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel, the film tells the story of the long‑lost princess Rapunzel, whose magical, glowing golden hair holds the power of youth. Kept in a hidden tower by the manipulative Mother Gothel, Rapunzel dreams of exploring the lantern-lit world. When she encounters charming rogue Flynn Rider during a daring escape, the pair embark on an adventure filled with discovery, laughter, and the blossoming of true love. The film’s visual style combines hand‑drawn lines with vibrant CGI, giving it a painterly texture and a warm, storybook aesthetic. Its animation excels in the flowing depiction of hair, expressive eyes, and dynamic lighting—especially during the lantern festival scene, often remembered as the film's visual highlight. Alan Menken’s musical score, with lyrics by Glenn Slater, delivers memorable songs like “When Will My Life Begin?” and the Oscar‑nominated “I See the Light,” blending classic Disney musical charm with modern sensibility. With a production budget of approximately $260 million, Tangled earned around $592 million worldwide, becoming one of Disney’s most successful animated releases of the 2010s. It marked a strong return to form for Disney’s feature animation division after a transitional period. Critically, Tangled was widely praised, holding a 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a 71 Metacritic score. Critics highlighted its inventive animation, strong voice performances, and emotional depth, calling it a revitalization of the Disney princess genre. Its humor appealed to both children and adults, with notable chemistry between Rapunzel and Flynn. The film received multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe nomination in the same category for “I See the Light.” It also won several Annie Awards, notably for Directing and Production Design, and secured a Saturn Award nomination for Best Animated Film. Tangled’s legacy lies in its blending of traditional Disney storytelling with contemporary animation advances. It launched a franchise that includes short films, a television series, theme‑park attractions, and merchandise, and is credited with reinvigorating Disney’s princess-themed films by combining nostalgia with innovation.