Eesh, '90s sequels. Thank goodness Lasseter put a stop to those.
I love the symbols and themes in this movie! I think they really did try to keep the essence of the novel, which is great. One of my friends read the novel and has thus far refused to see the movie cuz she thinks it’ll be a fluffy Disneyfication. While it’s definitely Disneyfied to some extent, Victor Hugo kills off practically everyone, which isn’t much of an ending. Other than that, it’s remarkably close to the source material. As an alternative to death everywhere, I think Hunchback has a really strong ending- redemption, acceptance, all that jazz.
Ooh, I learned recently that the Tony Jay, the voice of Frollo, also voiced the asylum owner from Beauty and the Beast. He’s just ruining everyone’s happiness, isn’t he?
Yeah, I always wondered what Quasi’s dad looked like. Something I wanted to know was what Quasi looked like as a baby. Frollo described him to be a monster.
I admit Hunchback isn’t among my favorite Disney films, but it is rather under-appreciated. Alan Menken composed a fine score with more weight than in previous Disney movies, and I like that the story is darker than most Disney films. I’ll be honest here, though: I don’t have religious beliefs, and I find this to be rather uncomfortable to watch at times. That’s just my perspective… I respect that it’s a classic story, but scenes like “God Help the Outcasts” make me squirm. I also attribute this reason to why I almost never watch The Prince of Egypt.
My favorite parts of the movie are the songs “Out There” and “Hellfire,” the latter of which which shows Frollo’s awesomeness.
In fact, I think that makes me like it more, actually, because I don’t think the film depicts religion in a wholly positive light. Frollo represents the dangers of misguided faith and a radical religious fanaticism. I also like the “God Help the Outcasts” scene, because it’s sung by a character that actually doesn’t completely believes in God, but makes a commentary on the injustices that happen in the world and that sometimes are made in the name of the Church.
In turn, I know Christians who feel kinda offended with the film cause they see it as a negative view on Catholicism.
I thought I’d share that I’m a Christian, and I really like the movie. You’re right about it not portraying religion completely positive, but in any religion or group, there will always be someone who is misguided and radical.
Exactly. That’s why I think those offended Christians are wrong. It’s not so much a commentary on religion as on the negative effects of being a radical at anything.
Another Hunchback fan here–great movie! Almost as good as the Charles Laughton classic from 1939–with one of the greatest ending lines ever…“Why was I not made of stone like thee?”
