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Frozen II

Name: Frozen II - Christian Parent's Review
Item: Frozen II
Rating: 5
Author: StoryScanner

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General Review

Parent's Guide to Frozen II

Frozen II is a 2019 animated musical fantasy film that continues the journey of sisters Elsa and Anna, along with Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven. Three years after the first film, Elsa is drawn by a mysterious voice into an enchanted forest, where she seeks to uncover the truth about her powers and her family's past, aiming to save her kingdom, Arendelle. The film explores themes of change, self-discovery, environmentalism, and historical wrongs, featuring elaborate musical numbers and stunning animation. It targets a family audience, but its narrative complexity and some intense scenes suggest a slightly older viewership than very young children.

Things to Consider

Medium5

LGBTQ & Gender IdentityViolenceWitchcraft & OccultScary & Intense ContentAnti-Christian Themes

Low4

Romance and Sexual ContentProfanitySubstance UseDisrespect & Rebellion

Medium5

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

While fan theories and campaigns advocating for Elsa to have a girlfriend were prevalent, 'Frozen II' does not explicitly confirm Elsa as lesbian or provide her with a defined romantic interest, male or female. However, some viewers interpret Elsa's journey of self-acceptance and discovering her true identity, particularly in the song 'Show Yourself,' as a powerful queer allegory. Disney directors stated they weren't going to force a relationship and that Elsa wasn't ready for one, focusing instead on her self-discovery.

1. Elsa's character arc emphasizes self-discovery and embracing her unique powers without a traditional romantic partner, which many in the LGBTQ community have interpreted as a 'deeply queer narrative' of self-acceptance. For example, the song 'Show Yourself' depicts her journey to Ahtohallan, where she fully realizes her identity and power, resonating with queer themes of coming out. 2. There is a character named Honeymaren from the Northuldra tribe with whom Elsa shares a 'pretty romantic fireside chat' and a connection. Some interpretations view Honeymaren as a 'female quasi-love interest' for Elsa, especially as Honeymaren later convinces Elsa to stay with the Northuldra. However, this is not explicitly canonized as a romantic relationship by the filmmakers.

Violence

'Frozen II' contains several instances of animated violence and peril, which are mostly low-level and do not depict graphic injuries or gore. Characters face threats from elemental spirits, participate in battle flashbacks, and are in dangerous situations, which may be intense for very young viewers.

1. During a flashback sequence, a battle scene is depicted involving sword fighting between Arendellian soldiers and the Northuldra. King Runeard is shown being pushed over a cliff, and a young Prince Agnarr falls and hits his head on a rock, carried away unconscious. The chief of the Northuldra is also shown moments before being assassinated. 2. Elsa, Anna, and Olaf face peril from the elemental spirits; for instance, the Earth Giants chase Anna and Olaf, throwing boulders, and the water spirit (Nokk) repeatedly attacks and attempts to drown Elsa in the Dark Sea before she tames it.

Witchcraft & Occult

'Frozen II' heavily features magical elements and animistic spirits, where the four classical elements (earth, air, fire, water) are personified as powerful spirits of an enchanted forest. Elsa's magical powers are central to the plot, and the film explores a world where magic is a natural force and an ancestral gift. This can be viewed by some Christian perspectives as spiritism or occult, though the film presents these elements as part of a fantasy world's natural order.

1. The plot revolves around Elsa's journey to understand the origins of her ice magic, which is revealed to stem from being the 'fifth spirit' that bridges humanity and the elemental spirits of the Enchanted Forest. She actively interacts with and tames these spirits, such as the Water Spirit Nokk and the Fire Spirit Bruni. 2. The Northuldra tribe is depicted as living in harmony with and having a deep connection to these magical elemental spirits. They practice traditions and beliefs that involve reverence for nature and its spiritual components, which are portrayed positively in the film.

Scary & Intense Content

The film contains several intense and potentially frightening scenes, particularly for younger children. These include encounters with powerful elemental spirits, scenes of peril, and moments of loss and sadness.

1. The awakening of the elemental spirits causes a forceful evacuation of Arendelle, with ground shaking and strong winds creating a sense of panic and danger. Later, the Earth Giants are depicted as destructive and malicious, chasing Anna and Olaf and throwing large boulders. 2. A deeply sad and potentially disturbing scene involves Olaf 'flurrying away' (dying) in Anna's arms after Elsa freezes, implying Elsa's death as well. Although both characters are later resurrected, the moment of loss and Anna's devastation is very intense for young viewers.

Anti-Christian Themes

While 'Frozen II' does not explicitly promote anti-Christian messages, its central themes revolve around pagan-like elemental spirits and a worldview that emphasizes nature and ancestral magic. This differs from a Christian worldview that typically centers on a singular God and may be a point of concern for some parents regarding the spiritual messaging. The film’s themes of making amends for past wrongs and self-sacrifice can align with Christian values, but the framework of magical spirits might be viewed as conflicting.

1. The narrative deeply integrates the concept of four elemental spirits (Earth Giants, Nokk, Bruni the Fire Spirit, and Gale the Wind Spirit) that govern the Enchanted Forest. These spirits are sentient and powerful beings that must be appeased or understood, and Elsa is revealed to be the 'fifth spirit,' acting as a bridge between the human and magical worlds. 2. The Northuldra people are depicted with a deep reverence for nature and its spirits, suggesting a pantheistic or animistic worldview where natural forces are divine or spiritual entities. Their practices and beliefs are presented positively as an indigenous culture connected to the land and magic.

Low4

Romance and Sexual Content

Romantic content in 'Frozen II' is mild, primarily focusing on the established relationship between Anna and Kristoff. There are no explicit sexual acts or graphic nudity. The film maintains a family-friendly approach to romance.

Profanity

The film contains virtually no profanity or strong language. Any instances are extremely mild and infrequent, consistent with a G or PG rating.

Substance Use

There is no depiction of substance use, including alcohol, smoking, or illegal drugs, in 'Frozen II'.

Disrespect & Rebellion

The film generally promotes positive values like teamwork, loyalty, and courage. There are no explicit or prolonged instances of disrespect or rebellion against authority figures by the main characters.

1. While Elsa initially sets off alone on her quest, exhibiting a degree of independence that could be misconstrued as not fully relying on others, her actions are driven by a desire to protect Arendelle, not by outright disrespect or rebellion against established order. 2. Kristoff experiences some frustration and comedic misunderstandings in his attempts to propose to Anna, which involves him feeling unheard or overlooked, but this does not escalate to disrespectful behavior or rebellion against Anna or other figures.

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Frozen II presents several themes that can resonate with Christian values, alongside elements that may require discernment. Core messages like seeking truth, doing the "next right thing," and sacrificing for others align positively with biblical principles. The film emphasizes the importance of confronting historical wrongs and seeking justice, particularly regarding the indigenous Northuldra people, which can be seen as a call to reconciliation and repentance for past injustices. Characters like Anna consistently exemplify virtues such as loyalty, courage, and self-sacrificial love for her sister and kingdom, and these actions are ultimately rewarded. Elsa also demonstrates growth in embracing her identity and purpose for the good of all, rather than hiding in fear. There is a clear moral accountability for the actions of their grandfather, King Runeard, whose deceit and aggression created the central conflict, and the protagonists work to right these wrongs, bringing about healing and restoration. Family relationships, particularly the bond between Anna and Elsa, are central and portrayed as strong and enduring, even when facing significant changes and challenges. Kristoff's persistent attempts to propose to Anna, and their eventual engagement, also highlight commitment within relationships. The worldview presented in Frozen II leans towards a spiritual, rather than strictly materialistic or relativistic, understanding of life, acknowledging unseen forces and connections. However, this spirituality is largely animistic or pagan, featuring elemental spirits tied to nature, which differs significantly from a Christian understanding of a transcendent Creator God who is separate from creation (Colossians 1:15-20). While some reviewers see allegorical Christian themes of sacrifice and love conquering fear, the film's depiction of a "fifth spirit" that unites nature and humanity, embodied by Elsa, can be interpreted as New Age or pantheistic. Redemption themes are present through Elsa's self-sacrifice to uncover the truth and Anna's subsequent actions to right the wrongs, leading to the restoration of balance and peace. This can be a point of discussion for parents, drawing parallels to Christ's ultimate sacrifice and resurrection for redemption, while also clarifying the distinction between divine action and magical abilities. Faith or explicit Christianity is not centrally depicted, though there are mentions of prayer within the narrative.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

Parental guidance is recommended for children aged 6-8, and the film is generally not suitable for children under 6 due to its darker themes, intense peril, and moments of sadness. Children over the age of 8 are generally considered ready for the content.

Good to Know

Parents should be aware that while the film has many positive messages about family love, courage, and righting past wrongs, the inclusion of elemental spirits and a strong emphasis on nature's magic may require discussion with children from a Christian perspective. The film is visually stunning, but its emotional depth and some darker elements may require parental guidance for sensitive or very young viewers.

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