It was funny, but really sad and kind of disturbing. Especially all the interaction between Esmeralda and Frollo. . . it was kind of bizarre. But I liked how kind Quasimodo was in spite of the way almost everybody thought him a freak.
4 Reviews
an underrated Disney classic
panicatthewisco26 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
this is one of my favorite Disney movies. i'm a sucker for classic literature, so i tend to like the movies based on books more. i use the term based loosely, of course. still, this is an enjoyable movie. the songs are catchy and it tells an interesting story. it drags on a bit but its really beautifully told and i love the animation. some people have to remember, this is A KIDS MOVIE. there are limits they can't cross, unless they want angry parents to form a lynch mob. i really think Disney did their best with it, they showed what they could and in my opinion it was more risqué than usual - Esmeralda in skimpy outfits, frollo's lust and thirst for blood, and the fact Quasimodo doesn't end up with the girl. so everyone just chill out and enjoy it for what it is - an entertaining Disney movie adaption of a hugo novel.
Les gargouiles ne parlent pas...
LaChantefleurie10 December 2001
Another classic example of an outstanding masterpiece of literature completely ruined by Disney. My opinion of this sop is basically covered by the previous comments; however, the moment that really did it for me was Quasimodo sweeping joyfully down the battlements of the cathedral, all the while singing a canned melody. We see none of the beautiful story and deep, introspective look into human nature that the Victor Hugo novel contains. None of the horrible dilemma Esmeralda has to face, of her finally finding her mother (Paquette, la Chantfleurie) only to be ripped from her arms and hanged in front of all of Paris. And my final gripe, and a big one: the gargoyles don't talk! They're big hunks of stone, and are supposed to look more forboding than friendly. Perhaps if the original was a comedy, this would have done quite well. Yes, I know that it's Disney, and that unusual smartaleck companions are mandatory. But the point seemed to be missed big time. The book was heart-rending, this just gave me a headache. Disney, stick to mermaids next time.
Good in its own right, but unworthy adaptation of the classic novel
bitterbonker4 January 2004
Warning: Spoilers
May contain spoilers
This movie is an unfortunate example of the "disneyification" of a story, whereby even a feasible work of fiction is dumbed down through such vices as the establishment of unquestionable villains and heroes, as well as the happy ending bereft of loose ends. To begin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an extremely dark story, reminiscent of the time period in which it is set, and therefore the near antithesis of any Disney animated feature. Secondly, it clearly establishes Phoebus as a "good guy" and Frollo as a "bad guy". Nearly the opposite is the case--in the book, Phoebus was a womanizing S.O.B., who even stood by and watched while Esmeralda was executed for his own murder (ahh, the wisdom of justice). Presumably, this is changed because Phoebus is attractive and young, a suitable mate for Esmeralda, thus allowing the story to play to its ideal conclusion. Secondly, Frollo is by no means an evil man, but like many REAL people is tempted by circumstance to commit acts of sin. In the end, when Quasimodo sees Esmeralda's hanging, and himself throws Frollo from a rooftop, he laments the loss of everyone he loved, and dies holding Esmeralda's corpse in his arms. It is a searing parable of life and love, and the consequences of cherishing beauty. Though, I guess the kiddies are a little oblivious to that, in which sense this film seems to fill a niche. In that vein, I'll give it a 7/10.
Followed by a sequel (ughhh...)
This movie is an unfortunate example of the "disneyification" of a story, whereby even a feasible work of fiction is dumbed down through such vices as the establishment of unquestionable villains and heroes, as well as the happy ending bereft of loose ends. To begin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an extremely dark story, reminiscent of the time period in which it is set, and therefore the near antithesis of any Disney animated feature. Secondly, it clearly establishes Phoebus as a "good guy" and Frollo as a "bad guy". Nearly the opposite is the case--in the book, Phoebus was a womanizing S.O.B., who even stood by and watched while Esmeralda was executed for his own murder (ahh, the wisdom of justice). Presumably, this is changed because Phoebus is attractive and young, a suitable mate for Esmeralda, thus allowing the story to play to its ideal conclusion. Secondly, Frollo is by no means an evil man, but like many REAL people is tempted by circumstance to commit acts of sin. In the end, when Quasimodo sees Esmeralda's hanging, and himself throws Frollo from a rooftop, he laments the loss of everyone he loved, and dies holding Esmeralda's corpse in his arms. It is a searing parable of life and love, and the consequences of cherishing beauty. Though, I guess the kiddies are a little oblivious to that, in which sense this film seems to fill a niche. In that vein, I'll give it a 7/10.
Followed by a sequel (ughhh...)
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
