Nevertheless, Tanikumi's three page complaint insists that Frozen stole the story, characters and general feeling from her work and demands a jury trial. She lists 18 examples of what she claims to be plagiarism from characters' names to the animated film's central sisterly relationship.
Amazon's synopsis describes her autobiography as a "compelling, introspective account" which sees Tanikumi take readers on a journey "through various phases of her remarkable life from her family's survival during the devastating earthquake of 1970 in Huarez to the trials of overcoming heartbreaks of her youth".
A scene from the Disney film Frozen.
There is the 'sister element' of Frozen, apparently, as Tanikumi recalls "conquering personal insecurities and exploring the reaches of her intellect while facing the tragic, and untimely death of her beloved sister, Laura".
Then there's her struggles getting used to American life and culture, her "many enduring friendships" and a dialogue with "long lost love Eduardo".
In contrast, IMDB summarises Frozen as follows: "When a princess with the power to turn things into ice curses her home in infinite winter, her sister, Anna, teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer and a snowman to change the weather condition."
A scene from the Disney film Frozen.
Perhaps Tanikumi's autobiography needs to be read in full but regardless, she shows no signs of letting this one go.
Representatives for Tanikumi are directing enquiries to a copy of the lawsuit, which can be read online here. Disney is yet to respond to a request for comment.
- Independent
