Tangled’s Problematic Mother-Daughter Relationship

Disney’s 2010 animated film, Tangled, is one of my favourite movies ever. I can easily watch
every weekend. I love Rapunzel and can identify with her on so many levels. I
think Flynn Rider is a hottie, especially when he forgets about smouldering and
shows his more sensitive side. Plus Pascal and Maximus are two of my favourite
sidekicks. And, let’s not forget about that amazing score and soundtrack. I
even listen to it in my car on the way to work some days.

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But, I have a major issue with Rapunzel’s relationship with
Mother Gothel.

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, go do so now, because
SPOILER ALERT coming in …

3…

2…

1…

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Rapunzel shows no remorse whatsoever when Mother Gothel
dies.

Okay, I get it. Their relationship is incredibly
dysfunctional. Gothel is her kidnapper, for heaven’s sake. BUT – Rapunzel only
finds this out at the very end. For 90% of the film, Rapunzel believes Gothel
to be her real mother. Yes, a manipulative narcissistic one who points out
every real and fictitious flaw Rapunzel may have (seriously, why the girl
doesn’t have major self-esteem issues is beyond me), but her mother
nonetheless.

We see real affection for the girl as Gothel raises her from
infancy, tender moments where they brush Rapunzel’s ridiculously long hair
together. They even have the cutest ritual I’ve ever seen between mother and
child onscreen:

GOTHEL: I love you very much, dear.

RAPUNZEL: I love you more.

GOTHEL: I love you most.

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Even if you consider the fact that Gothel might actually only be referring to Rapunzel’s ability to keep her young here, to Rapunzel this is a loving exchange, and one that she has taken part in all her life.

So to me, watching the only mother you’ve ever known turn to
dust before your eyes (even if you recently found out that she had stolen you
as a baby) without so much as a pang of dismay, seems just a little callous.

Even if said mother had just stabbed your first ever
boyfriend.

What do you think?
Does Mother Gothel deserve at least a tear or two from Rapunzel, or is the
teenager right in pushing all childhood affection aside so easily?