Remember the first time that you watched the famous Disney 1953 film, "Peter Pan"? Well, I do. My first time watching it happened when I was 5 years old. My mother eagerly brought home the Disney VHS of "Peter Pan" for me and my sisters to watch.
When the film appeared on my old television set, the symphonic and dramatic introduction opened up a colorful title that instantly caused my eyes to stay fixated upon it. I can still recall of how enthusiastic I was, on not only the idea of Neverland, but also the relationship between the characters, Wendy Darling and Peter Pan. Their interaction and representation were what truly astounded me.
A girl named Wendy Darling, who faces a difficult time because she is forced to grow up, receives a visit from Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up. He brings her, along with her brothers, John and Michael, to his world, Neverland.
Despite the many times that I have wished upon a star that they would end up together throughout the film, the film does not explicitly demonstrate a romantic relationship between them. However, both Peter and Wendy have taught me many things about reality.
1. Peter's reaction to Wendy's struggle over growing up
I am able to relate to Wendy in her difficulty of growing up, Wendy indeed demonstrates that it is never easy to grow up. There are certain expectations that she must live up to. One of them compels her to leave behind the fairytales and stories that she loves reading and hearing about. On the other hand, Peter supports her decision to not grow up. Wendy gets to tell her stories as a mother to the Lost Boys, and Peter subtly reminds her that she does not need to forget those stories.
When she actually becomes a real mother, she could share and carry those stories to the new generations, like her children. I love how Peter gives her solutions to her problems. She is the only one who is able to comprehend them, but at the same time, I think Peter does not want her to acknowledge those loopholes in growing up so she can stay with him eternally in Neverland.
2. Peter and Wendy love each other for who they truly are
Peter, who always acts childish, becomes comfortable around Wendy. At first, Peter admires Wendy for her storytelling but gets bewildered by her girly nature. Peter then learns what a kiss is and a mother is, which are both new things to Peter. But he still continues to listen to Wendy and whatever she has to say. Moreover, Peter welcomes Wendy to his trip back to Neverland, especially after hearing that she has to grow up (which distresses Peter, who wouldn't be able to hear her stories if she does so.) Even after shortly arriving in Neverland, the excited Peter takes the opportunity to show Wendy to the place that she wants to see: the mermaids.
However, John and Michael argue to Wendy that they want to see the Indians, not the mermaids. Then, Peter decides to split and still tends to Wendy's wish. It takes a special someone to carefully listen to the things and consider them wholeheartedly. Peter did not crush or ignore her wishes, empathizing that it is fine to express herself even if some of the choices she wants to take on are different from others. He also simply encourages her to stay the whimsical Wendy that he adores while Wendy tolerates his child-like self.
3. Wendy teaches Peter the meaning of selflessness
Wendy thinks about her parents and her siblings, which leads to her decision to return home. Peter warns Wendy that she cannot come back to Neverland once she chooses to grow up, but takes the matter lightly by believing that she will come back to him. His trait of taking matters lightly and his selfishness deeply hurts those around Peter which he is oblivious to. If it weren't for Wendy, Tinkerbell would not have saved Peter from Captain Hook's gift trap and then Peter wouldn't be able to experience the fear of losing someone that is precious to him. Peter then learns the importance of thinking about others deeply and cherishing those around him, especially Wendy, who is unexpectedly going to leave him.
After defeating Captain Hook, Peter then gives Wendy her final wish by using the flying ship to transport her, John, and Michael home, in order to not lose his bond with Wendy. He doesn't want to force her to stay with him in Neverland, like her parents who force her to grow up. Peter ultimately sacrifices his wish of Wendy eternally staying with him in Neverland. Wendy, because of Peter, is able to return home, with the confidence and a new outlook on growing up. And in return, Wendy has helped Peter become a better person. With the act of selflessness, Peter and Wendy help complete each other.
Although I could forever ramble on this OTP, I will just conclude by saying this: Believe it or not, but Peter Pan and Wendy Darling are forever my first and unforgettable OTP.
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