The message of this classic Disney animation still resonates 35 years later

Thirty-five years ago this week, Disney released Ron Clements and John Musker’s The Little Mermaidand pop culture was never the same. Between its iconic visuals and addictive soundtrack, the film has long become one of the Mouse House’s most beloved films, and for good reason. Ariel’s story is timeless and continues to inspire the imagination. Even though some want to claim that parts of the story are problematic, The Little Mermaid has a message that resonates to this day.

I grew up with The Little MermaidSo I have a lot of affection for that. Ariel was one of my favorite Disney princesses as a child, and I was fascinated by the underwater world she inhabited. Now, I’ve watched several of my young cousins ​​fall in love with her and her story (and her villain, in one rather memorable case), which only further proves that her impact hasn’t diminished at all. Even with a solid live-action remake released last year, the original is still superior.

The Little Mermaid has some of Disney’s best characters

And the animation is perfect too

I imagine it would be difficult to find someone who doesn’t know the story of The Little Mermaid at this point, but in case anyone forgot: the film follows the titular princess, Ariel (Jodi Benson), as she longs to explore the world above and learn the ways of humans. When sea witch Ursula (Pat Carroll) offers her a deal in which Ariel must give up her voice in exchange for legs, she accepts, paving the way for her romance with daredevil Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes).

Like most Disney animated films, The Little Mermaid tells its story at a fast pace, effectively establishing each character and their personality before diving into the meat of the plot. Ariel’s impulsive decision to give up her voice, often criticized today, can be understood in the first moments of its appearance​​​​​​. Her desire to know more about the human world is so strong that she would gladly explore a dangerous shipwreck, so of course she would jump at any chance to rise to the surface. Her curiosity is one of her defining characteristics, making her one of Disney’s most attractive princesses.

Each character is clearly defined and expertly drawn, and this extends to the evil Ursula, one of Disney’s best villains. Ursula’s character design is the most inventive; The lower part of her body is that of an octopus, she is able to sneak and float across the screen in a visually appealing way (something that is also a testament to the grandeur of the animation). As a whole, The Little Mermaid makes the most of its underwater setting. This is best seen in the notable musical number “Under the Sea,” which features numerous sea creatures singing and dancing.

Why I believe the Little Mermaid endures

The soundtrack is a big part of it

On the topic of music specifically, The Little MermaidThe soundtrack is quintessential Disney. Alan Menken’s delightful songs, from the soulful yearning of “Part of Your World” to the menacing allure of “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” define the film’s voice and tell us a lot about the characters who sing them. I actually liked 2023 Little Mermaid remake and felt the new songs added were strong, but whenever I revisit its soundtrack, I always go back to the classics.

The Little Mermaid it has only become more poignant over the years. There’s a lot we can learn from Ariel — a world different from ours doesn’t have to be scary, and we should be more open to learning about other experiences. Yes, there’s little doubt that the choices she makes are reckless and reckless, but the film doesn’t claim otherwise. Ariel faces the consequences of her actions, leading to a genuinely chilling and thrilling climactic battle with Ursula. I’m still surprised by how dark the ending is, given that Ursula’s ultimate fate isn’t as ambiguous as other Disney villains.

The Little Mermaid has endured in pop culture for 35 years, and I hope it stays that way, even as Disney places more value on its live-action offerings. There’s something deeply comforting about the classic hand-drawn animation style, and it’s a joy to revisit. I’m already looking forward to watching it again.