Bechdel Test: The Princess Diaries_by Luke Thao

Film plot:

Fifteen-year-old Amelia (Mia) Thermopolis’ world is turned upside-down as she learns that she is actually the heir to the throne of the country of Genovia.

 Film analysis:

            Under scrutiny of the three guidelines outlined by the Bechdel Test, the film The Princess Diaries successfully passes (and with flying colors, one might add!).

            Comprising this film are a cast of characters that include at least four major female characters that occupy a significant role in consideration of advancing the plot of this movie. From the main character, Mia, to her quirky, but loyal sidekick-friend Lilly, there is a range of female presence in this film that all but shatters the predominant idea of a male lead often spearheading the story. As equally important to take notice of are the characters of Mia’s mother and her grandmother who are as integral a piece to the story as Mia herself. Portrayed in the film, each of these characters feel fairly realistic in their depiction of the individual they were cast to play. Mia is a representation of the “invisible,” awkward high school student who has her “Cinderella” moment as she comes into her own and finds confidence in who she is. Lilly, Mia’s best friend, is a spunky activist outspoken in her advocacy of a number of causes dear to her heart. Mia’s mother and grandmother both come across and strong, independent women once married but now living boldly on their own with a firm grasp on their personhood and the direction of their lives.

            The characters described above interacted with one another throughout this film on more than one occasion and the nature of their conversations were well beyond that of only men (although men wen certainly mentioned as well!). For example, an exchange between Mia and Lilly had to do with Lilly’s perception of their dissolving friendship as Mia was putting forth an effort to hide the fact that she was a princess and therefore seemed as though she was distancing herself from Lilly. Additionally, later in the film, Mia’s grandmother confronts her about a scandal that she got caught up in and goes on to describe what consequences there would be for such ill-conceived behavior.

            Taken as a whole, I would contend to make the claim that this film could be considered feminist in its message. One example I cite in support of this claim is the fact that a large majority of the (important) characters in this film were female and nearly to the extent that the male characters that were featured were merely an embellishment to the largely female cast. However, were it only that there were a greater number of females in proportion to males in this movie, that would not necessarily make such a strong case for my earlier point. That being said, it is in conjunction with the aforementioned observation the strength of the female characters that is what really speaks to the feminist ideal. Even more minor characters such as Mia’s physical education teacher and the school’s vice principal communicate to the audience this image of powerful women who hold positions that would otherwise usually be occupied by men. What’s more, once again referencing Mia’s grandmother, the broader (and, perhaps, more obviously apparent at least within the context of this film in particular) concept of a woman ruling her country and raising her granddaughter to one day do the same is a key take-away message of women’s capacity to wield such a high level of power as a natural part of their ability. Ultimately speaking, the women of this movie are by no means passive, delicate individuals who let life happen to them; on the contrary, they fight for what they want and are not afraid to be outspoken in world dominated by men.