Glen Hall
Song of the South (1946)
A highly controversial live-action/animated movie, set in the Reconstruction-era South. The movie follows young Johnny, who visits his grandmother’s plantation and befriends Uncle Remus, a former slave. Uncle Remus tells Johnny the stories of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear, teaching valuable life lessons through these folktales. The film explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of storytelling. However, it has faced criticism for its depiction of African American characters and perpetuation of racial stereotypes, leading to its controversial status and limited availability.
James Baskett who played Uncle Remus, was voted an Academy Honorary Award for his role in the controversial film and was the first African-American man to win any kind of Oscar. It’s featured song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” won the award for Best Original Song at the 20th Academy Awards.
The movie is also the inspiration behind The Disney Park ride Splash Mountain which in 2020 was revitalised to suit the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog. The original theme is still being used in Tokyo Disney.
Aladdin (1992)
When Aladdin, a young street rat in the fictional city of Agrabah, discovers a magic lamp containing a genie, he is granted three wishes. With the help of the genie, Aladdin transforms himself into a prince to win the heart of Princess Jasmine, who is confined to the palace by her father, the Sultan. However, Aladdin’s plans are thwarted by the nefarious sorcerer Jafar, who seeks to seize power for himself. As Aladdin navigates the challenges of his newfound identity and battles against Jafar, he learns valuable lessons about honesty, integrity, and the true meaning of friendship. The film is celebrated for its enchanting storytelling, vibrant animation, and memorable musical numbers, including the Academy Award-winning song “A Whole New World.”
Aladdin is notable for its ground breaking animation techniques and memorable characters, particularly the Genie voiced by Robin Williams, showcasing Disney’s ability to innovate and entertain audiences with visually stunning and comedic storytelling.
Pinocchio (1940)
Pinocchio is a timeless tale of a wooden puppet’s journey to become a real boy, brought to life by the masterful storytelling of Disney. Guided by the Blue Fairy and accompanied by the wise cricket Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio encounters a vibrant array of characters, each contributing to his quest for self-discovery and growth. From the charming yet deceitful Stromboli to the conniving fox and cat, every encounter teaches Pinocchio valuable life lessons on honesty, bravery, and selflessness. It also taught kids the importance to staying away from strangers… no one wants to remember “that” scene.
The film’s stunning animation and unforgettable characters captivate audiences while delivering timeless moral themes that resonate across generations. “Pinocchio” stands as a testament to Disney’s dedication to advancing the art of animation and setting new standards of quality in storytelling.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
The story follows Ariel, a young mermaid princess who dreams of living on land and experiencing life among humans. When she falls in love with Prince Eric, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to trade her voice for legs. Ariel must then navigate the challenges of life on land while trying to win Eric’s heart before Ursula’s dark intentions threaten her happiness. The film is celebrated for its catchy songs, vibrant animation, and empowering message about self-discovery and following one’s dreams.
It must be noted like most Disney movies, this is also based on a pre existing fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, but unlike the story it’s based on, it took some lets say… creative liberties to make it more family friendly and less horror.
The Little Mermaid is often credited as the rebirth of interest in Disney and one that revitalized animated musicals for a new generation, re-establishing Disney as a dominant force in animation and popularizing the formula of the Disney princess film.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Beauty and the Beast follows the story of Belle, a bright and independent young woman, and the Beast, a cursed prince trapped in the form of a monstrous creature. When Belle’s father is imprisoned by the Beast, Belle offers to take his place, eventually forming an unlikely bond with her captor. As Belle learns to see beyond the Beast’s exterior and discovers the kindness within, their relationship blossoms into a tale of love and redemption. However, their happiness is threatened by the villainous Gaston, who seeks to claim Belle for himself and destroy the Beast. With its enchanting story, memorable characters, and timeless themes of love and acceptance, “Beauty and the Beast” remains a cherished classic in Disney’s animated canon.
The first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, Beauty and the Beast elevated the status of animated films as legitimate contenders for prestigious awards, solidifying Disney’s comeback as a leading animation studio.
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Lilo & Stitch is a heart warming animated film that follows the story of Lilo, a spirited young girl living in Hawaii, and Stitch, a mischievous and genetically engineered alien creature. After Stitch escapes from his captors and crash-lands on Earth, he disguises himself as a dog and is adopted by Lilo as her “dog” named Stitch. As Lilo and Stitch form an unlikely bond, they embark on a series of adventures together, learning important lessons about family, friendship, and acceptance along the way. However, their happiness is threatened by the arrival of Stitch’s creators, who seek to capture him and take him back to their home planet. With its unique blend of humour, heart, and Hawaiian culture, “Lilo & Stitch” is celebrated for its touching story, memorable characters, and enduring themes of love and ohana (family)
Noteworthy for its departure from traditional Disney storytelling, featuring a more contemporary setting and themes of family and acceptance. It demonstrated Disney’s willingness to experiment with new storytelling approaches and connect with broader audiences.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Finding Nemo follows the journey of Marlin, a clownfish, who embarks on an epic quest to find his son, Nemo, after he is captured by a scuba diver and taken to a dentist’s office aquarium. Along the way, Marlin encounters Dory, a friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, who becomes his loyal companion. Together, they brave the dangers of the ocean, encountering sharks, jellyfish, and other obstacles, as they search for Nemo. Meanwhile, Nemo forms friendships with the other fish in the aquarium and plots his escape. Through their separate journeys, Marlin, Nemo, and Dory learn valuable lessons about courage, perseverance, and the importance of family. “Finding Nemo” is celebrated for its stunning animation, memorable characters, and heartfelt storytelling, making it a beloved classic in Pixar’s animated repertoire.
A Pixar film released under the Disney banner, Finding Nemo became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time, further solidifying the success of CGI animation and Pixar’s reputation for delivering emotionally resonant stories.
