Aladdin (2019) is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s classic animated film, following the magical journey of a “diamond in the rough” who transforms from a street thief into a prince, discovering love and self-worth along the way.
Aladdin’s Life in Agrabah: The story begins in the bustling, vibrant streets of Agrabah, where Aladdin, a kind-hearted young thief, uses his street smarts to survive alongside his loyal monkey companion, Abu. Despite his rough circumstances, Aladdin has a good heart, often helping those in need, though he dreams of a better life. One day, while wandering the marketplace, Aladdin meets Princess Jasmine, who is disguised as a commoner to explore life beyond the palace walls. The two share a connection, but Jasmine quickly returns to the palace, leaving Aladdin smitten.
Jafar’s Scheme: Meanwhile, the villainous royal vizier Jafar, who craves power and the throne, seeks a way to overthrow the Sultan. Jafar learns of the Cave of Wonders, a magical cave that holds a mysterious and powerful magic lamp. However, only a “diamond in the rough” can enter the cave. When Jafar hears about Aladdin, he realizes that Aladdin is the key to retrieving the lamp.
Jafar tricks Aladdin into retrieving the lamp by disguising himself as an old beggar. Aladdin, along with Abu, ventures into the Cave of Wonders. Inside, Aladdin finds the magic carpet and the lamp, but Abu’s greed causes the cave to collapse. Aladdin narrowly escapes, but Jafar betrays him, leaving Aladdin trapped in the cave. Fortunately, Aladdin still has the lamp.
The Genie and the Three Wishes: While examining the lamp, Aladdin accidentally releases the Genie, a larger-than-life figure with incredible magical powers. The Genie, played by Will Smith, explains that Aladdin now has three wishes, but cannot wish for more wishes, cannot make anyone fall in love, and cannot bring people back from the dead. Aladdin tricks the Genie into getting them out of the cave without using a wish and soon asks the Genie to make him a prince so he can win Jasmine’s heart.
With the Genie’s magic, Aladdin is transformed into Prince Ali, complete with a grand entrance into Agrabah, filled with wealth, dancers, and elephants. Despite the spectacle, Jasmine remains unimpressed with his arrogance and posturing, though she feels drawn to him.
Jasmine’s Aspirations: As Aladdin tries to woo Jasmine, she reveals her desire to rule Agrabah as its Sultan, believing she is more capable than her father, the current Sultan. Jasmine is frustrated by the laws that restrict her from becoming Sultan because of her gender. Aladdin, under the guise of Prince Ali, starts to get closer to Jasmine by being more genuine. He takes her on a magical ride on the Magic Carpet, showing her “a whole new world” beyond the palace, and their bond deepens.
Jafar’s Rise to Power: Jafar, growing suspicious of Prince Ali, discovers Aladdin’s true identity. He steals the magic lamp and becomes the new master of the Genie, using his first wish to become Sultan. With his newfound power, Jafar overthrows the Sultan and imprisons Jasmine. Jafar’s second wish is to become the most powerful sorcerer in the world, giving him the ability to control Agrabah.
In a battle between Jafar and Aladdin, Jafar uses his magic to send Aladdin to the ends of the earth. However, Aladdin returns with the help of the Magic Carpet and tricks Jafar into using his final wish to become an all-powerful genie, which results in Jafar being trapped in his own lamp.
Aladdin’s Final Wish: With Jafar defeated, peace is restored to Agrabah. The Genie, though bound to the lamp, has developed a deep friendship with Aladdin. For his final wish, Aladdin selflessly wishes for the Genie’s freedom. The Genie, now free, transforms into a human and sets off to live his own life.
The Sultan, impressed by Aladdin’s character and Jasmine’s leadership, changes the law to allow Jasmine to become Sultan and marry whomever she chooses. Jasmine chooses Aladdin, and the two begin their new life together, bringing the film to a joyous close.
Closing Thoughts: Aladdin (2019) is a magical journey filled with stunning visuals, captivating musical numbers, and themes of self-discovery, love, and empowerment. It beautifully reimagines the classic story, with the relationship between Aladdin, Jasmine, and the Genie at the heart of the film. With Will Smith’s charismatic performance as the Genie and the chemistry between the cast, this live-action adaptation captures the spirit of adventure and wonder that made the original so beloved.
The Final Showdown and Aladdin’s Wish: In the climactic final moments of Aladdin, Jafar, having stolen the magic lamp, becomes the new master of the Genie. Using his wishes, Jafar makes himself the Sultan of Agrabah and the most powerful sorcerer in the world. With his newfound powers, Jafar imprisons Jasmine and the Sultan, and banishes Aladdin to the far reaches of the desert.
However, with the help of the Magic Carpet, Aladdin returns to confront Jafar. During their battle, Aladdin outsmarts Jafar by convincing him that true power lies in becoming a genie. Jafar, blinded by ambition, uses his final wish to become an all-powerful genie. This backfires, as Jafar becomes trapped in his own lamp, bound by the same rules that held the Genie.
Aladdin’s Final Wish: With Jafar defeated, peace returns to Agrabah. Aladdin, realizing the depth of his friendship with the Genie, uses his final wish to set the Genie free. The Genie, now free from the lamp, chooses to live as a human and explore the world.
Jasmine and Aladdin’s Future: Impressed by Aladdin’s bravery and character, the Sultan changes the law, allowing Jasmine to become Sultan and marry whomever she chooses. Jasmine chooses Aladdin, and the film ends with their joyous celebration, as they embark on their future together, ruling Agrabah with wisdom and love.
Closing Thought: The ending of Aladdin celebrates themes of freedom, love, and self-discovery, bringing the story to a joyful and empowering conclusion for all the characters.