TO generations of children, they have been beloved characters, with toys often passed down through the years. Now My Little Pony is being accused of going "woke" as the new film version adopts a more political approach.

 

My Little Pony goes back a long while?

To the early 80s. After an initial version of the original toy line - called My Pretty Pony - was released in 1981, its success led to the release of six colourful new toys in 1982 under the brand, My Little Pony, named Blossom, Blue Belle, Butterscotch, Cotton Candy, Minty, and Snuzzle. They are now collectors' items.

 

They quickly became TV stars?

Animated specials and then movies were released, updated over the years. The most recent incarnation launched 11 years ago, set in a fictional location named Equestria, with main characters including Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.

 

What’s the new movie?

Netflix has released the new 90-minute animated film, "My Little Pony: The Next Generation", and in keeping with the theme of older animated TV series and movies, the characters still go on adventures and navigate problems in their friendships and the world they live in, while the cartoon itself is still visually vibrant and colourful and has toe-tapping songs.

 

So what’s the issue?

Fans of the more traditional cartoons have criticised the film for going "woke" as it focuses on bigotry, fascism and tolerance.

 

How so?

Unlike the 2013 movie, ”My Little Pony: Equestria Girls” - which sees the main character Twilight Sparkle pursuing her stolen crown into an alternate world - or the 2014 "My Little Pony: Equestria Girls - Rainbow Rocks" film - which focused on a musical pony group who battle their rivals in a school competition - the new film is about ponies divided. The blurb explains that the "unimaginable has happened…Equestria has lot its magic! Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi are no longer friends and now live separated by species”, saying ponies are "living in fear and mistrust”.

 

What are the reviews like?

The New York Times describes the film as having “surprisingly unsubtle references” to the current political situation in America, with the “baddies” the ponies who are “anti-magic”, portrayed on screen as ignorant anti-science creatures likely to spread irrational fear and untruths.

 

So it’s fairly political?

Compared to older versions, yes. It even features a cameo from a character, Deputy Sprout, the antagonist, who has a tuft of blonde mane and bushy eyebrows in the style of former US President Donald Trump.

 

How does it all play out?

High School Musical actress, Vanessa Hudgens, plays the main character, idealistic Earth Pony Sunny, who "is determined to find a way to bring enchantment and unity back to their world”. The actress told ABC in the US: “I think that it really reflects the times. My character believes in inclusion and friendship.”

 

That sounds positive?

One reviewer says it’s a “fun film” focused on “the importance of unity, truth, and heart in the face of a culture of division and a tendency towards skepticism and blind fear. It teaches kids to keep these ideals at the forefront of their minds as they grow up and are confronted with today's toxic cultural tendencies.”