The Tale of Despereaux is not just a fairy tale, but a study in happy behaviors. There are 4 characters that model a path to a happy life; Despereaux the mouse, Chef Andre, Roscuro the rat, and Miggery Sow. Each has been hurt by someone else and each responds to their pain in a different way leading them all to a happy life.
The Tale of Despereauxbegins in the kingdom of Dor which is known for its delicious soup. When the Queen drowns in a bowl of the famous soup after seeing the rat Roscuro, the King bans rats and soup- thus plunging the whole kingdom into melancholy and overcast skies with no rain. The princess is full of longing- for the sun, the rain, the soup, and the happiness that used to characterize the kingdom. Her role is to inspire others- to save her, to be her and to hurt her.
Despereaux is the first model for finding a happy life. He is an energetic optimist who sees, hears and smells more than any other mouse and who is totally unaware of his small size. Despereaux represents the traditional hero. He is brave, honest, true and following a quest- first to explore the world, then to define himself as a knight and gentleman and finally to save the princess. Practicing virtue and using strengths to work at a challenge to benefit a worthy cause is the first model of happiness.
Chef Andre and his vegetable alter ego represent the path of passion or flow. Chef Andre is passionate about soup. When soup is banned, he follows the edict for awhile, but finds he must create soup anyway. When he does, he helps bring out the sun and restore happiness to the kingdom. The second model behavior for a happy life- do what you love and what you are good at.
Miggery Sow is a young woman with nothing but a dream. She was abandoned as a child with a cruel man who beats her and has made her deaf, yet she knows that deep inside she is a princess and someday she will live in the castle. Miggery is happy to be sold into servitude at the castle, until she realizes that she is still a servant and not a princess after all. She finds her dream in an unlikely place, but has the heart to recognize it and embrace it when she sees it. Miggery Sow models faith and vision and the flexibility to see her dream even when it doesn't look exactly as she imagined.
In the end, it is Roscuro who provides the most interesting example. He falls from the world of people, light and delicious soup into the world of rats, cruelty, darkness, and garbage. He doesn't fit in with the others and cherishes his secret little hole that lets in a little light. He meets Despereaux through an act of compassion and Despereaux inspires him to go apologize for his mistake. But it all goes terribly wrong. In pain and hurt, he tries to turn evil, but in the end, he shows compassion and forgiveness towards the people who banished him and ran from him in fear. When he does, the whole world improves. Roscuro models the healing power of forgiveness and compassion and being true to yourself and your own values.
The Tale of Despereaux is also a Newberry Award winning children's book. The book plot is slightly different, although the happy behavior models are the same.
No matter what your age and stage in life, the Tale of Despereaux is an inspiring story that models several paths to a happy life through the trials and tribulations we all suffer. Although it is an animated cartoon, the character sophistication, plot twists, beautiful music and art all make this an entertaining and enlightening film for adults and children.
Release Date: April 2009, Universal
Rating: G
Based on the Book by:Kate Dicamillo
Director: Robert Stevenhagen and Sam Fell
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline
Stars: 5 of 5
Return to Movie Reviews
Check out book reviews for other happiness stories
Learn what makes people happy in the Elements of Happiness
Happiness is a feeling that comes on us spontaneously when we think certain thoughts or experience certain things. The more we practice happy thoughts and habits, the happier we will be overall. These weekly tips provide a happiness quote and a quick tip you can use right away to be happier now!.
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