Ugly Yet Beloved: Female Characters in Children’s Movies

This is an interesting question. When I see the Facebook picture that prompted this discussion, the key point it seems to highlight is the idea that a woman's true beauty goes beyond her looks. The picture suggests that in reality TV or movies, females who are initially perceived as less attractive can be loved for their personalities. In other words, a beautiful personality can often outweigh physical beauty.

This brings us to the topic of female characters in children's movies that can be seen as less conventionally beautiful yet beloved for their personalities. Shrek provides a perfect example of this concept. In Shrek, the princess Fiona has a curse wherein she turns ugly at night, revealing the underlying depth of her character and personality.

Shrek: An Ideal Example

In Shrek's story, the princess Fiona gets 'ugly' after the sun goes down. This is her curse, and the only way to break it is by a kiss. When the sun sets during the wedding, Fiona transforms into an ogre before Shrek and his friends. Initially, this causes shock, but Shrek's love for her focuses on her true character rather than her appearance. After they profess their love and share a kiss, Fiona's curse is broken. However, to her surprise, she remains an ogre. Shrek tells her, "You're beautiful as you are." This simple line underscores the importance of inner beauty over external conformity.

Penelope: A Minor Defect, Major Credibility

Another great example that fits the scenario of a male to female transformation is the character Penelope from the movie Penelope. Starring Christina Ricci, this film is a charming fantasy with beautiful art direction, funny dialogue, a believable romance, and a pleasant twist. Penelope is born with a pig's snout, which is a relatively minor defect. The movie explores her journey to find love and acceptance despite her physical imperfection. Like Fiona, Penelope's true beauty lies in her personality and integrity.

Harry Potter's Hermoine Granger

Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series is another example of a character who is not conventionally beautiful but is loved for her personality. Described as having frizzy hair and an awkward appearance, Hermione is often overlooked by the boys who notice her more traditionally beautiful classmates. However, over time, her intelligence, bravery, and loyalty win them over. Ron, in particular, falls for her not because of her looks but because of her kind and resourceful nature.

Conclusion

These examples show that in children's movies, female characters can be less conventionally beautiful yet deeply loved for their personalities. It's important for movies to reflect a broader spectrum of beauty and character traits, teaching children that true beauty lies in the heart and the soul of a person. By portraying such characters, filmmakers can help instill positive values and encourage children to appreciate people for who they are, rather than how they look.

Ultimately, it is the story of Fiona, Penelope, and Hermione that teaches us that beauty is a multi-dimensional trait, not tied solely to physical appearance. In the end, it's about the character, the heart, and the spirit.