content: I don't think there's any need to read so much oppression and manipulation into it. It's a coming-of-age story of a girl who prefers action to needlework and must work to redefine her relationship with her well-meaning but overbearing mother. The king and queen provide a realistic (for a cartoon) portrayal of traditional masculine and feminine modes of power, and commentary on the complementary nature of both and the strengths and weaknesses of each. The overarching morality play is a traditional message that we must embrace growth and change but have a right to do so on our own terms. 8/10 I liked it so sue me.