Absolutely floored.
With a dramatic prologue, I was plunged into one of Disney's most complicated animated masterpieces! Quasimodo has been locked up in the bell towers of Notre Dame all his life, and though his flight for freedom turns into a disaster, he finds an unexpected friend in another social misfit, the gypsy dancer Esmerelda.
Meanwhile, Judge Frollo seeks to purge the world of sin, ignoring the terrible condition of his own soul.
This was no simple story. The cruelty of humankind is revealed in some people's treatment of Quasimodo, but mercy and love shines from others. Persecuted for many years, the gypsies are quite willing to return the same treatment on their enemies. Esmerelda is a street dancer, but she seems to wish for another way to survive. Her heart to help others is truly touching. But Quasi isn't the only one who falls for her. Captain Pheobus, lately returned from war, also notices her beauty and courage. And as if things weren't complicated enough, the evil Frollo simultaneously burns with lust for her and the desire to destroy her and all gypsies.
The music in this film is stunning. The opening and closing songs gave me chills. In another beautiful scene, Esmerelda sings a song to God, which while not entirely accurate, still shows an honest desire to know Him better.
The characters were incredibly well-developed. Though I adore Quasi and Esmerelda, Captain Pheobus became my favorite. Quite honestly, he left the Disney princes behind in the dust.
And I found so many Rapunzal vibes throughout this movie. Someone locked up in a tower because of a lie... As if that wasn't enough, Maximus from Tangled wasn't the first animated horse to take orders like a dog. Ha! Pheobus's horse, Achilles, doesn't show up often, but is awesome. And in one brief scene, Pheobus tells him, "Achilles, heel." I didn't even get it until my mom started laughing.
For those of you who have watched this movie and have read the Goldstone Wood books, didn't Esmerelda's goat remind you of Beana? Hee, hee, hee.
While this movie definitely was not for kids with the villain's raging lust and a surprising amount of casualties, I was simply delighted to discover this magnificent story. I don't understand why I've barely heard anything about this movie, because it topped so many of the Disney classics in so many ways. Was it just me who hadn't watched this movie or did you not know much about it either?
If you haven't watched it yet, I strongly recommend it! :) Who is the Monster and who is the Man?
7 comments:
I watched this movie after seeing the very eccentric, happy, and overly weird Ponyo. I needed to watch something normal...The contrast was monumental. :P I liked Hunchback too (especially the gyspy jester and his puppet!) but was quite surprised at how dark it was.
I'd heard about it a few times, but hadn't actually watched it. I still haven't, but I'm thinking about it. That's mostly because I've heard a few songs from it and really like them, so I want to find out the whole story.
LOVE this movie--the music is absolutely fantastic. :D
Yes, I was so delighted to discover this treasure. Glad to hear others enjoyed it too! I think you would really like it, Sarah!
I completely agree with you! I only watched it recently, and it is now one of my favorite Disney movies ever. I love the story, the characters, the songs, and especially the depth of the plot. It was beautiful. I let my siblings watch it, and they were a little freaked, but they still liked it. Still, I don't think that they can fully appreciate it until they get older. It's definitely a much darker Disney movie than most others.
And I totally get what you mean about the Rapunzel similarities. there are so many!
The movie was excellent, and Foebus was definitely my favorite character! My favorite songs were "Out There," and "God Help the Outcasts". The lyric where Esmeralda wonders if God was an outcast, too, was amazingly profound. I liked how the other supplicants requests for worldly things was shown in contrast to Esmeralda's eternal desires. Thanks for recommending the movie.
Rayne: Oh yes! I'm glad you discovered it too!
Meredith: I'm so glad I was able to introduce you to it. And yes, that song is incredibly powerful. :)
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