Film Analysis: The 10th Kingdom

The 10th Kingdom centers on a parallel universe where fairy tales have their kingdoms and are real. In an early scene, when a group of trolls travel through a transporting mirror to the real world, they declare this new land, upon first seeing New York City, as The 10th Kingdom, which explains the title. Although this film is considered many genres, such as romance comedy, science fiction, and adventure, one genre speaks the loudest: The 10th Kingdom fits in the fantasy genre because of its focus on multiple mystic lands and with the strong use of magic. Despite that a strong amount of science-fiction-specific elements exist, such as transporting through different dimensions through a magical mirror and an arrow that can redirect itself to

The nine kingdoms of fairy tales origin, including Fourth Kingdom Prison, castles, and villages, are the primary locations of scenes, which does reflect strongly the fantasy genre. New York City, the so-called 10th Kingdom, is another location. The parts of the nine kingdoms have magical variety and adds a layer of depth toward its fantasy. With a magical wishing well, a mining shaft, and factories within caves, this film speaks fantasy with its emphasis on magical and old-school locations. Mining shafts are considered uncommon in mainstream films; however, in fantasy, the locations are a large aspect of the film’s aesthetics. In fact, the nine kingdoms use different forms of magic; some kingdoms have love spells, whereas others have evil mushrooms that will try to kill you and fairies that will deceive you and get you lost in the enchanted forest. The enchanted forest, in fact, is another example of a stock fantasy

Kimberly Williams plays Virginia Lewis, a woman who lives near Central Park with her father. Later in the film, it is revealed that she blames herself for her mother leaving, which is one of the primary themes that I mentioned before. While at first she cares only about returning to her own world, Virginia attempts to help Wendell, the prince, save his kingdom. She develops feelings for Wolf. John Larroquette, the star from Night Court, plays Anthony Lewis, a janitor and single father. It is revealed later in the film that he mostly wants to protect his daughter -- from a strange danger nonetheless. Scott Cohen plays Wolf who is released from the Snow White Memorial Prison by the Evil Queen. He travels to New York City in search of Prince Wendell and meets Virginia, whom he falls head over heels with. He teams up with Virginia and her father, but he is unsure which side he belongs on. Dianne Wiest plays Christine White, the mom from Edward Scissorhands, usually called the Evil Queen. The lead antagonist and Prince Wendell's stepmother is sentenced to life in prison for murdering both of Wendell's parents and almost killing Prince Wendell. She is later in the film revealed to be Virginia's mother. Dianne Wiest is the only actress associated with fantasy films, but she does not belong to the genre exclusively. Most of actors and actresses belong to the comedy