While I don’t find Ariel to be the strongest of the Disney princesses/heroines, I disagree with this statement. For one, she’s proven to be a very independent character in the beginning of the film. There’s no question about that. Then she sees Prince Eric, is fascinated by him and the idea of a human life, and saves him (I felt like I had to point this part out–he would have died without her help, and yes, she’s a woman). And there’s nothing at all wrong with wanting to be with a man. She simply chooses to pursue a life with him. But Ariel’s biggest goal in the film is to simply be human, though. I can imagine her still being happy if things didn’t work out with Eric, as long as she has legs and is out of the sea.
Plus, if you look at Disney films, when the protagonist is a male, he’s seeking a specific female. So Disney doesn’t seem to be sexist in that way–just silly romantics.
On the topic of hunting in Bambi, I’m fine with the way it’s portrayed. If deer could speak and clearly communicate their thoughts, I’m sure they wouldn’t be saying, “Well, hunting is acceptable as long as it’s regulated, so I suppose it’s fine that we’re killed because of this.” There’s no way the forest creatures’ lives wouldn’t be disrupted by hunting. I wouldn’t call it propaganda, either; the story people probably wanted to take an honest look at something through the perspective of the victims.
Aaaaand as for why Bambi is at the top of my list… For starters, the instrumental score is lovely and I think there are at least two good songs. The characters are adorable (Not annoying! Never!). It shows life and death, which I find to be a very beautiful thing. The watercolor backgrounds are breathtaking. If you look at the film in context with Disney’s preceding films, the designs are much more refined. It’s also clear how much observation was done on real-life animals for reference to the animators, and the resulting product is just incredible to me. I also really adore seeing Bambi attempt some minor things like skating on the frozen pond, trying to jump over a log, and meeting a female fawn for the first time. It’s all very innocent, but in a way that’s true to the characters’ age.
She’s like Andy’s mom(on which I got totally roasted ). I can’t really give you reason, I just can’t stand her.
However, I much like Ariel’s physical design, and the film’s score. I can watch the movie, I just have no respect or ability to take the character seriously.
I know this is off the subject of sexism and hunting, but there’s another reason I don’t like Ariel. Her hair! I don’t know, it’s not the reason why I dislike her, it just bothers me. It’s too red!
Hopefully I can get more creative here in the next couple of posts. One thing I have noticed, though, is how last time I logged on to Disney Movie Rewards, I took a survey. In the survey, it asked me how many films in the last year I saw at the theaters or bought on home video were Disney. I found myself saying 5-10 for each or something like that. Seriously, I don’t know why, but Disney seems to be the provider of nearly all of my favorite entertainment. I’ve seen nothing but quality efforts in the last couple of years, although I’m not sure about all of the live-action projects. I’m not even completely biased, I guess Disney, especially today, just really suites me as a person.
I just realized something. One page ago, I was saying how much I hate Ariel and how annoying she is. Now I don’t feel that way at all. I definitely see why others don’t like her. But one day I watched the movie, and completely changed my mind!
Isn’t it weird? Sometimes I totally change my mind about a movie, song or character for no reason! Ariel wooed me somehow. She isn’t my favorite either, but my top 5 definitely.
I guess that could be a reason, but in actuality, there are very few films I watch each year that aren’t Pixar or Walt Disney Animation Studios. I feel bad because somehow, I’m just not very interested in many other films out there. Only some live-action, and some other animation like all Blue Sky movies, a few DreamWorks, and a select few others like Despicable Me movies.
). I can’t really give you 
