User reviews

The 1987 version of Snow White is one of those rare fantasy adaptations that manages to surprise you with its charm despite its quirks and imperfections. Going into it, expectations might be modest-after all, countless retellings of the Snow White tale have come and gone-but this version takes a refreshingly different approach. Instead of focusing on the overly polished fairy-tale image we've come to associate with Disney, this film embraces a more grounded, storybook feel, giving audiences a version of Snow White that feels both nostalgic and oddly unique.

One of the most interesting creative choices is showing Snow White's life from birth onward. The movie begins with her mother's tragic poisoning while pregnant, setting the tone for a more emotional and layered story than expected. Seeing Snow White as a child rather than an adult heroine helps this adaptation stand out, giving it a sense of innocence and progression that most versions skip entirely. It's fascinating to watch her grow alongside the seven dwarfs, who raise her in their care rather than appearing halfway through the story as comic relief.

The film definitely has its awkward moments-like the infamous scene where Snow White kisses each dwarf on the mouth, which lands somewhere between sweet and uncomfortably strange. The dwarfs themselves are memorable, though not necessarily for the right reasons; their names and personalities are peculiar, sometimes downright silly. Still, there's something charming about their old-school fantasy energy that feels distinct from the typical Hollywood gloss.

Visually, Snow White (1987) carries that unmistakable 80s fairytale aesthetic-practical sets, dramatic lighting, and costume design that feels more theatrical than cinematic. It's part of what makes it enjoyable to watch. The Queen, while overacted to the point of parody at times, adds a layer of campy fun to the movie. Her exaggerated accent and villainy fit perfectly within the tone of the decade's fantasy films, even if it occasionally feels unintentionally comedic.

What's most surprising, though, is that the film genuinely holds your attention. Despite a few clunky script choices and some uneven pacing, it has heart. The director clearly aimed to create a different kind of Snow White-one that focuses on character moments and moral lessons rather than just spectacle. The screenplay, while rough in spots, does manage to convey emotion and build a sense of wonder that keeps the audience engaged.

In the end, Snow White (1987) stands as a weirdly enjoyable product of its time-part heartfelt fairytale, part unintentional comedy, and entirely watchable. It may not have the polish of a major studio production, but it has something modern adaptations often lack: soul. For anyone who loves 80s fantasy films or wants to see a version of Snow White that actually dares to be different, this is worth a watch. And honestly, it's far more entertaining than the overly sanitized 2025 remake could ever hope to be.