[Review] Reluctant villain's story told

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By Heidi Yeung
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By Heidi Yeung |
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Starring Angelina Jolie, Maleficent explains how the evil fairy became one of Disney's most iconic villains.

As a child, Maleficent comes to love a human. He gives her what he says is true love's kiss - but he lies. One day, he betrays his fairy friend to become king.

King Stefan has a daughter, Aurora, on whom Maleficent places a curse as clear revenge on the man who broke her heart. She says the curse can only be broken by true love's kiss - something she doesn't believe exists.

This is where the film deviates from the classic. Aurora meets Maleficent, and decides she's her fairy godmother. Maleficent comes to love Aurora, who reminds her of her younger self. Regretting the curse, Maleficent tries to undo it. But as we know from the fairy tale, she can't.

Jolie is a delight: flawlessly elegant, and capable of making the audience believe she truly regrets seeking revenge, an utterly relatable villain

Alas, the film falls prey to Hollywood's need to deliver a typically happy ending, but it does pass the Bechdel Test beautifully. The kiss that breaks the curse fiercely challenges what true love is. And with such strong females, the film can almost be forgiven for its uninspired ending.

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