I've just had my first baby. Dylan - born on 15th July. He is gorgeous!
I've just had my first baby. Dylan - born on 15th July. He is gorgeous!
Member since:22.01.2003
Reviews:31
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I remember being taken to see this by my mum when I was younger. I've been brought up on Disney films and am now buying one on DVD every now and again so that when I have children I'll be able to share that with them too. Maybe that's why I'm such a fan of Disney films. Whenever I sit down to watch them I feel a warm comfortable family feeling. I love knowing that good will triumph over bad in Disney films and all will end well.
Ariel is the star of our tale a beautiful young girl of 16. Not any ordinary girl though. Ariel is a mermaid and not just any mermaid either. She is the youngest and most favourite daughter of King Tritan. She is a mer-princess. Unlike all of her many sisters (six to be exact) she doesn't appreciate her position in life. She, being a princess as you can imagine, could have a life of luxury and happiness but this is not so for Ariel. None of this can make her happy. She longs for a different life the life of a human.
To King Tritan and the rest of the mer-folk, humans are barbarians. Bad and dangerous people but that is not what Ariel thinks. Her life consists of sneaking off with Flounder. Her little fish friend in search of ship wrecks. She hunts through them to find objects
that humans would use and keeps them all in a little hide out. She finds the things they make beautiful and interesting. So how could the people that make them be barbarians?
She ventures to the surface get advice from a friendly and somewhat dim seagull named Skuttle. She asks him what the objects are that she finds which he always wrongly identifies but she isn't to know and treasures all of them. For example a fork which he calls a dingle hopper is according to him an implement to comb your hair.
One night she sees a ship go over head and hears lots of strange noises. Driven by her curiosity and never put off by danger she swims to the surface. She is much like me in that way I think. A daydreamer who likes to see the good in people and things, so sometimes fails to so the dangers. The noises she heard were fireworks. It is a celebration for Eric's birthday. It is love at first sight when Ariel sees Eric.
Lightening strikes nearby and suddenly the ship faces danger. Lightening strikes the ship and everyone but Eric escapes safely who went back to save his dog. The ship explodes but fortunately he remains in one piece, though out cold. Ariel swims him to shore and sings to him but he wakes and she has to flee. From this point onwards they are both in love and Ariel vows in song
I don't know when I don't know how But I know something’s starting right now
Watch and you'll see Someday I'll be Part of your world
To her father she is a nightmare and he is afraid for her safety. Going to the surface is a very dangerous thing to do. He fears his daughter will be snared by a fish eaters hook. He sends his court composer ( a distinguished crab whose job is usually composing music for the King's shows) to keep watch over her.
Unfortunately for him there are much greater dangers than a fish hook. A bitter old witch called Ursula has a grudge against King Tritan and sees Ariel's situation as an opportunity for nasty blackmail to gain power. She used to dine in the palace. I assume she was cast out because she is evil and now she wants revenge. With the help of her creepy eels Flotsum and Jetsum she puts her wicked plan into action.
Ariel longs to be humans and Ursula, seeming friendly offers to help, with one price, her voice. She may have three days as a human and much get Eric to fall in love with her and kiss her before the sunsets on the first day. Ariel being oblivious to the dangers signs a contract without seeing Ursula's ulterior motives.
This is a great film. All Disney films have good and bad sides. I love to hate the Disney villains and Ursula is repulsive. She is easily detestable with that harsh voice and heartless actions, taking advantage of two people in love. Booo hisss to her, the nasty old witch.
One thing I noticed about this film was how extremely colourful it was. It is a vibrant film especially on the "Under the sea" song with all the multi-colured sea creatures and plant life. That scene must have taken a lot of work and is really spectacular. The rest of the film is very bright and colourful too. The beach scenes look so warm and bright. What I wouldn't give to be on one of those right now.
Another clever thing I picked up on by the artists was the ability to make the mermaids hair look real under water. I don't know if you have ever noticed but hair goes all big and floaty under water. They got that effect just right.
It is funny when she first gets legs because she can't walk properly and she does silly things that us humans wouldn't because she isn't used to human life.
The music in this film is excellent.
Part of that world - My favourite in the film. Knowing the feeling of wanting and not belonging, you can really feel for her.
Under the sea - Sebastians efforts to make Ariel realise how great her life is in the ocean. Like I said a very colurful and well put together track.
Kiss the girl - Sebastian trying to create a romantic mood to encourage Eric to kiss Ariel. A pretty little song.
Poor unfortunate souls - Ursula trying to convince Ariel to sign. Not my favourite but you aren't supposed to like her. She is evil.
Based on Hans Christian Andersons fairytale, this is a lovely story of family, friends, love and danger all in one. I enjoyed this and will be adding it to my collection as soon as it is released on DVD. The film was made in 1989. I hadn't realised it was that long ago. I was only 8 then. It is a U certificate so suitable for all. The running time is 79 minutes only.
If you are a Disney fan like me don't miss this one out. It is a must see.
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![The Little Mermaid [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78469300.jpg "The Little Mermaid [DVD]")
Jan 15th, 2004
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