Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were scholars who feared the rise of Napoleon would mean traditional German folk tales might be lost forever.
While some people might take offense that their beloved, childhood tales are stretched and transformed, they should remember that fairy tales have always been changing and shifting borders between adults and children. Revisions of fairy tales are popular with TV shows like Grimm and Once Upon a Time and movies like the Shrek series. Into the Woods is just another contemporary reimagining of traditional fairy tales. The movie is a strong example of the power of fairy tales – not only to hold our imagination, but also to adapt to changing times. And that is just the way it should be, says Professor of English Jan Susina, who teaches children’s literature and fairy tales.
With music by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, who created the original Broadway production, the movie turns traditional fairy tales on their ears. The new Disney movie Into the Woods will hit theaters over the holiday season, and is already gaining award nominations.
