She rocks. She rules. She reigns.|Aug. 03, 2001|USA|115 Min.|G
Genre: Comedy;Family;Romance
Description: The Princess Diaries is a 2001 film that tells the story of Mia Thermopolis, a high school student living in San Francisco with her single mother, Helen. Mia attends Grove High School and struggles with popularity among her peers. She fears public speaking and harbors a crush on Josh Bryant, who is often accompanied by his popular girlfriend, Lana Thomas. Mia’s closest friends are Lilly Moscovitz, a fellow social outcast, and Lilly’s older brother, Michael, who secretly has feelings for her.
Mia’s life takes a dramatic turn when her estranged grandmother, Clarisse, reveals that Mia is the sole heir to the throne of Genovia, a European kingdom. After the recent death of her father, Philippe, Mia is next in line to rule. Clarisse insists on transforming Mia into a refined princess, but Mia is overwhelmed by the responsibility and initially refuses. However, her mother convinces her to attend “princess lessons” under the condition that she can make her final decision at the Genovian Independence Day Ball in three weeks.
As Mia undergoes a glamorous makeover and adjusts to her new royal lifestyle, her schoolmates begin to treat her differently. Her hectic schedule strains her friendship with Lilly, though Mia eventually confides in her and asks her to keep the secret. Unfortunately, the truth is leaked to the press by Paolo, the hairdresser responsible for Mia’s transformation, and the paparazzi begin to follow her everywhere.
Despite a mishap at her first state dinner, Clarisse finds Mia’s awkwardness endearing and suggests they spend more time together. During this bonding period, Clarisse explains that Mia’s parents, although deeply in love, chose to divorce amicably to pursue their own passions. Philippe remained in Genovia to become king, while Helen returned to America to give Mia a normal childhood. The film explores Mia’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates her new identity and the challenges of royalty.
Cast director: Garry Marshall
Cast actor: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Patrick John Flueger, Heather Matarazzo, Hector Elizondo, Mandy Moore, Caroline Goodall, Robert Schwartzman, Erik von Detten, Sean O’Bryan
Original name: The Princess Diaries