The Hunchback of Notre Dame is, in my opinion, one of Disney's darkest films. It has a terrible, wicked enemy and a heart-rending story. I listed it as one of my favorite Disney films in an earlier blog, and now I present to you my review from Amazon.com:
A Brilliant, Darker Disney Film
I've said this before, but I guess I have to say it one more time. Why do all "great" Disney movies have to have some great morality tale to them? Why can't they just be fun movies like Hercules and The Emperor's New Groove? Why can't they be somewhat dark and even a tad depressing like this film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame? Although The Lion King is probably one of the best Disney films ever, it set a standard that it appears most popular critics feel that every Disney movie should attain to.
Hunchback, much like The Lion King, really is a wonderful story. However, it takes the road less travelled in Disneyland with its depiction of cruelty toward the lead character, Quasimodo, the prejudices held against the gypsies in the hearts of the sinister Frollo, and it throws a little bit of titillation and Catholicism in to boot. All of these components mix together to make a wonderful little recipe of deception, trust, love, and, in true Disney fashion, heroism.
Tom Hulce voices Quasimodo, the unwanted bellringer at Notre Dame. Demi Moore is the sexy and seductive Esmerelda. She really gives Jessica Rabbit a run for the money with her dance moves. Kevin Kline voices Phoebus, one of the most likeable guys in Disney lore. The evil and sinister Frollo, one of the most wicked villains in Disney's catalog, is given a voice by Tony Jay. Jason Alexander, David Ogden Steirs, and Paul Kandel round out a superb cast of characters.
This dark tale starts with the death of Quasimodo's mother at the hands of Frollo. Frollo is forced to care for young Quasimodo and decides that he should stay in the belltower of the beloved Cathedral of Notre Dame. As Quasimodo grows older, he begins to long for the one thing he has never had, which is acceptance among others. Convinced by a few funny gargoyles named after Victor Hugo, he sneaks out of the cathedral and takes part of the Festival of Fools. Exposed and picked at, Quasimodo is protected by the beautiful Esmerelda.
As the story rolls along, Frollo becomes somewhat enamored with Esmerelda and when he finds out that he can't have her, he forces the captain of his forces, Phoebus, to destroy Paris until she is found. Eventually we learn that the monster isn't always the ugliest player in the game. In fact, the man can be even uglier than any physical deformity.
The music in this story is wonderful. Each song plays on the emotion of the viewer. From happiness in songs by Quasimodo, to lust and hatred in Frollo. The animation is nice and vibrant when necessary, but there is a dark tone to this entire film. It's a breath of fresh air for a Disney film. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty to laugh at in this flick, but this movie is meant to be more of a drama than a comedy. Overall, this film is great viewing for most of the family. If your children have tender hearts and hate to see others berated, steer clear. However, if you think that your children deserve a dose of reality and need to see just how cruel people can be towards those who aren't "normal," then Hunchback is the perfect film for you. I talked with my four-year-old daughter as scene after scene of cruelty to Quasimodo occurred. She quickly caught on that Quasimodo may look like a monster, but he's the most loving and caring figure in the film.
Highly recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment