It’s not about the Destination, it never was; it’s about the Journey itself, because it never truly ends. Perhaps it was inevitable that Rapunzel and Eugene would end up together the moment their eyes met. Tangled is a Disney animated film about how a lost princess and a thief embark on the magnificent journey of their lives to achieve their deepest desires.
Rapunzel’s only dream was to go see the floating lanterns, which coincidentally appeared every year on the same day as her birthday. She had planned to go alone on this adventure, until Flynn Rider, the mysterious thief and whose’s real name is Eugene Fitzherbert, snuck into the tower after stealing the crown from the castle, which fell into her hands literally. Flynn’s desire was the royal crown, which actually was Rapunzel’s. Having no choice as he is captured by the heroine, he becomes her mentor and promises to take Rapunzel to see the beautiful lanterns on the night of her birthday in exchange for the royal crown. So, the two set out from the tower in the woods to the castle to see the lights, with a frying pan in hand. In the end, the princess and the thief both obtain what they want, Rapunzel got to see the lanterns and Eugene got his crown; but was it what they each truly wanted in the end?
As many will find out throughout the movie, the focus wasn’t referring to Rapunzel’s and Eugene’s end goal, or destination, the core of the movie was about their journey, how they found something that they weren’t expecting to look for. Throughout their journey, they encountered numerous obstacles that tested their limits and strengthened their bond together. They constantly made allies who assisted them along their expedition, such as the thugs in the Snuggly Ducky, Pascal the chameleon, and Maximus the royal steed. Along with allies and friends, they also encountered enemies who constantly tried to throw obstacles in their path or get in their way, like the Royal Palace Guards, the Stabbington Brothers, and of course, Mother Gothel. Aside from encountering tests, friends, and enemies, Rapunzel and Eugene found something more important, love.
Rapunzel only wanted to see the lights her entire life. However, as she goes along this journey with Flynn, she learns many things about herself. Not only does she learns of her origins as a lost princess od Corona and finally reunites with her parents after many years, Rapunzel learns:
- to step out of her comfort zone
- to not believe in everything she hears (from Mother Gothel or the Stabbington Brothers)
- that everything is not as it seems
- to go with the flow
- to always be optimistic and…
- to never give up (your dreams)
Eugene lived a life of thieving and lies most of his life. As he goes on this journey with her, mentoring her about life, he learns:
- to let lose once in a while (sing his heart out)
- to open up to people
- to have a dream aside from thieving
- to fall in love.
In conclusion, the couple go on a trek to achieve a dream, in the end, they found a new dream, each other.
It’s not about getting there, it’s not about how quickly one can arrive. It’s about what you take away from your experiences on the way there. Growth and learning has no limit. It’s about the journey, not the destination.
Yours Truly 