When Carmela Spinelli hears the word "tomboy, " a particular look comes to mind: Strong, independent, rebellious.

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Because I d been a tomboy and I wanted to look grown and wanted to wear high-heeled shoes and fishtail gowns and big long rhinestone earring.

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To begin with, the star of the film is not Ms Howard, a pretty tomboy, made up to look slightly cadaverous, who is initially taciturn, then unconscious after being attacked by a grass-covered wolf intent on making mincemeat of her before she carries out her mission.

ECONOMIST: Fantasy with a moral