Atlantis, a beautiful source of inspiration for girls

Disney animated films have accompanied the childhood of hundreds of children for several generations. However, there is no doubt that some are much more popular than others. Perhaps one of the most forgotten Disney films is Atlantis, the lost Empire. However, Atlantis It is an exceptional example of artistic skill and plurality of characters.

Atlantis, the Lost Empire is a 2001 film produced by Disney. It was created by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, who also shaped the film The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The film introduces us to an incredibly varied group of characters, of different nationalities and with different cultural backgrounds.. The film was inspired by the stories of Jules Verne, particularly in Journey to the Center of the Earth, although Atlantis has a futuristic aesthetic and the style steam punk.

One of the protagonists is Milo Thatch, linguist and historian. As the expedition begins in search of the city of Atlantis, Milo will meet his adventure companions. The leader is a firm and determined man, Commander Rourke, accompanied by the enigmatic Helga Sinclair. Next to him we also find Vinny Santorini, an Italian expert in demolitions. There is Mole Moliére, a French geologist, and Dr. Joshua Sweet, an African-American doctor. In addition to the young Audrey Ramírez, an adventurous mechanic and the operator Whilhelmina Packard.

About Atlantisan Adventures movie

The film begins with the sinking of the city of Atlantis, the cradle of other civilizations. In the opening scenes you can see how the queen of Atlantis is chosen as the city’s protector.

Many centuries later, in 1914, Milo Thatch is a young historian passionate about his career and languages. An eccentric millionaire is funding research to find the lost kingdom of Atlantis. This millionaire brings Milo to be his expert on history, myths, and hieroglyphics translation.

Shortly after beginning the search, the team encounters immense sea monsters that destroy their boats. However, the group of survivors manages to find an underwater cave and continue underground through the ocean floor. After traveling for some time, the expedition finally finds the lost kingdom of Atlantis. Here they will meet the warrior princess Kidagakash, who will try to enlist Milo’s help to revive the magical heart of the city.

While Milo and Kida translate ancient inscriptions, Commander Rourke assassinates the king of Atlantis to steal the powerful crystal that keeps the city alive.. Once she manages to steal it, he attempts to escape the city by returning through the caves.

However, The citizens of the city of Atlantis, led by Princess Kida and accompanied by Milo’s group, fight against Commander Rourke and manage to defeat him.. Rourke dies after being shot by Helga Sinclair, whom he had betrayed.

Once they manage to return the crystal to the city, Atlantis regains its splendor. Kida is crowned Queen of Atlantis and Milo stays with her. The rest of the expedition decides to return to England with the immense fortunes granted by the people of Atlantis.

The role of women in Disney films

Atlantis is without a doubt a film that breaks with Disney’s usual portrayal of women. Until now, it is very rare to see strong, independent women as protagonists in Disney animated films.

The usual image of the Disney princess is a thin, light-skinned woman who always wears dresses. Let’s think about characters like Snow White or Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. Plus, this stereotypical Disney woman is always in a good mood. She is also, in general, a filler or support character for the true protagonist of the film: a man.

An example of this situation is Bella, Beauty and the Beast, whose life revolves around the men in her life. Between marrying or not marrying Gastón, saving her father, accompanying, caring for and loving the Beast. In the few cases in which there is a female protagonist, who is also a warrior, such as the case of Mulan and Pocahontas, this will be the only important woman in the story.

For this reason, Atlantis It is a pioneering film of the vindication of women in children’s and youth animated cinema. Atlantis shows multiple female characters fulfilling various roles throughout the film.

The women in Atlantis

In the foreground we find Kida, the warrior princess who desperately wants to save her people.but he doesn’t know how to do it.

Kida is destined to guide and protect her people, and decides to go against her father’s wishes. So, Kida establishes an alliance with Milo to translate the ancient prophetic texts. Only in this way could Kida recover the lost splendor of Atlantis.

One of the most charismatic characters in the film is Audrey. This young and brave woman will be in charge of a job traditionally associated with men: mechanics. Audrey admits that she became interested in mechanics because her father wanted sons, but she had two girls. However, Audrey did not allow herself to be limited by social expectations.. In the film, Audrey is presented as an entrepreneurial woman who dreams of having her own mechanical workshop..

On the other hand it is Helga Sinclair, an imposing and mysterious woman, focused on achieving her goals. She is a woman who plays a seductive role, although only to achieve her goals. Although Helga is allied with Commander Rourke, she is still a strong character, with her own motivations. Finally, mortally wounded by Rourke himself, she shoots and kills him to avenge his betrayal.

Examples to follow for girls and young people

Some say that movies are not responsible for the stereotypes that society projects for children to take note of. However, Various studies have shown that there is an association between people’s adult behavior and the role models and examples to which they were exposed. while they were growing up.

For this reason, it is important for girls to be influenced by positive female roles in film. Girls who grow up surrounded by strong, intelligent, and independent female characters are more likely to grow into capable, autonomous women.

Atlantis paved the way for a more inclusive representation of women in animated cinema. It was the first in a series of important films portraying women as capable, intelligent and independent individuals. This tradition was joined Frozen (2013) and later Moana (2016).

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