Rapunzella

Rapunzella

If you are looking for a family-friendly TV miniseries, Rapunzella is for you. Rapunzella is a 3 episode series of 15 minutes each, produced locally as part of the Ziguzajg productions. Despite that it is called Rapunzella this is not a cheesy remake of the original fairy-tale Rapunzel.

These episodes are about a young lady that has been locked in a castle for the past 11 years and her best friend Pipa who is an influencer. Pipa ( Marylin Aquilina) is a great touch to the story and a modern alternative to the traditional prince as she tries to encourage Rapunzella (Denise Mercieca)  to leave the castle, and to believe in herself. Pipa, who is always online sharing the adventures on Facebook, will definitely be loved by all the youngsters who are following a lot of influencers nowadays. However, Pipa can be a role model as she helps Rapunzella to save herself unlike the usual prince or “knight in shining armor” we were used to, who makes the lady look weak.

The writer and director (Neil Grima) has managed to twist and show what fairy-tale looks like nowadays, in the world of influencers, and yet make it more inspiring by showing the importance of real friendship.

In addition to each episode is an original, sweet, catchy song (composed by Matteo Deparis) that the kids will surely start to sing along to especially thanks to the captions available (both in English and Maltese)

Regardless of the limitations, the crew managed to build a very cozy place that the audience will not get tired of seeing as it is very well detailed and resembles the rooms many influencers film in. An interesting contrast is the old building (Rapunzella’s tower) filled with modern props like Harry styles ‘Fine Line’ Vinyl and fairy lights.

Rapunzella is a refreshing concept to the traditional story we have been used to, not only conveyed through narration but also through music, CG and set design, that will surely be loved by all the family.