Maleficent 

Maleficent is a 2014 live-action fantasy film from Disney, directed by Robert Stromberg and starring Angelina Jolie in the title role. The movie serves as a reimagined origin story of the iconic Disney villain from Sleeping Beauty. Instead of portraying Maleficent purely as an antagonist, it delves into her backstory and explores her transformation from a kind-hearted fairy into a powerful and misunderstood sorceress.

Plot Summary

The story centers on Maleficent, a powerful fairy who lives in the enchanted Moors. She befriends a human boy named Stefan, and they eventually develop a deep connection. However, as Stefan grows older, his ambition leads him to betray Maleficent by stealing her wings to gain favor with the human king, who offers his throne in return. Heartbroken and enraged by this betrayal, Maleficent curses King Stefan's newborn daughter, Aurora, to fall into a death-like sleep on her 16th birthday.

Despite her anger, Maleficent watches over Aurora as she grows, developing a complicated, almost maternal affection for her. The movie ultimately shifts its focus to themes of forgiveness and redemption, contrasting with the traditional villain narrative by showing Maleficent as a complex character rather than purely evil.

Actors and Actress in Maleficent movie:

Angelina Jolie   as Maleficent

Elle Fanning   as Aurora

Sharlto Copley  as Stefan

Lesley Manville  as Flittle

Imelda Staunton  as  Knotgrass

Juno Temple as Thistlewit

Sam Riley as Diaval

Brenton Thwaites as Prince Phillip

Kenneth Cranham as King Henry

Sarah Flind as Princess Leila's Handmaiden

Hannah New as Princess Leila

Isobelle Molloy as Young Maleficent

Michael Higgins as Young Stefan

Ella Purnell as Teen Maleficent

Jackson Bews as Teen Stefan

Angus Wright as Advisor to King Henry

Oliver Maltman as Advisor to King Henry

Gary Cargill as Nobleman

John O'Toole as Nobleman

Harry Attwell as Nobleman

Anthony May as Nobleman

James Hicks as Military Nobleman

Stephan Chase  as General

Mark Caven as General

Chris Leaney as  Servant in Wing Room

Jamie Maclachlan as  Soldier in Wood

Shaun Smith as Soldier in Wood

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt as  Aurora (5 yrs.)

Eleanor Worthington-Cox  as Aurora (8 yrs.)

John Macmillan  as  Captain

Tim Treloar  as Farmer

Peter G. Reed as Guard (voice)

Marama Corlett as Servant

Liam McKenna  as Overseer

Janet McTeer as Narrator (voice)

Key Themes

Redemption and Forgiveness: The story highlights how Maleficent’s hatred and curse were a reaction to a personal betrayal, leading to her journey of forgiveness and healing.

Female Empowerment and Complexity: Maleficent is portrayed as a multifaceted character whose actions are influenced by both anger and love, breaking the typical villain mold.

True Love Beyond Romance: The film redefines "true love" as not only romantic, but also as a profound, protective love, seen in Maleficent’s affection for Aurora.

Reception and Legacy

The film received praise for its visuals, Jolie's performance, and its fresh take on a classic story. It was commercially successful, prompting a sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, released in 2019.