Tarzan

Tarzan is an iconic animated film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1999. This mesmerizing adventure tale is based on the classic story "Tarzan of the Apes," authored by Edgar Rice Burroughs — yet it comes with a unique Disney twist that makes it a story of its own. Rich in themes of identity, family, and friendship, the film boasts beautiful artwork, captivating characters, and a riveting narrative that appeals to audiences of all ages.

The movie plunges viewers into the lush, vibrant jungles of Africa, where a shipwreck leaves a baby boy orphaned. In a twist of fate, this human infant is found and adopted by Kala, a gentle gorilla, who names him Tarzan. Despite the initial resistance from Kerchak, Kala's mate and the leader of their gorilla family, the baby is reluctantly accepted and he grows up oblivious to his human heritage.

Tarzan then matures into a nimble and fearless young man, skillfully traversing the treacherous jungle landscapes like no other, displaying abilities that range from swinging from vines to communicating with various jungle creatures. His life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of a crew of human explorers, among them the captivating Jane Porter, whom Tarzan is immediately smitten with. With Jane and her party, Tarzan experiences a profound culture clash, while they are fascinated and perplexed by this well-spoken wild man who moves with the grace and force of an animal.

As he interacts with the explorers, particularly the beautiful and intelligent Jane, Tarzan faces an identity crisis. His yearning to connect with Jane and her world conflicts with his loyalty to his gorilla family and his sense of belonging in the jungle. This inner turbulence is poignantly depicted in the film, symbolizing the rift between modern, civilized society and the wild, untamed natural world, to which Tarzan truly belongs.

Tarzan’s journey is not just a physical one, but also a voyage of self-discovery and acceptance. Throughout the movie, he grapples with who he is — not quite man, not quite ape — and learns to reconcile these parts of himself. It's a relatable struggle that echoes the universal experience of yearning to fit in and find one's place in the world.

However, Tarzan not only needs to make peace with his identity - he also has to deal with threats from both the human and animal world. For instance, the sneaky and opportunistic hunter Clayton who is part of Jane’s crew, with his greed for capturing gorillas, introduces conflict in the paradise.

The film is made immeasurably richer by its stunning animation. The creators put particular effort into accurately depicting the dynamic movements of both the human and animal characters, resulting in fluid and breathtaking animation sequences that truly transport viewers to the heart of the jungle. It's clear that the animators took their time studying the physical attributes of the animals in the film to recreate their unique mannerisms and bring them to life on the screen.

Furthering the cinematic experience is the unforgettable soundtrack by Phil Collins. Each song effortlessly complements the narrative and plays a pivotal role in expressing the emotions and tensions in the story. The haunting tune of "You'll Be in My Heart," which won an Academy Award, encapsulates the beautiful bond between Tarzan and his adoptive gorilla mother Kala.

In essence, Tarzan is an exhilarating roller coaster of emotions, action, and life lessons. It is an adventure that braids together elements of romance, suspense, and comedy with the thoughtful exploration of identity, family, and the concept of home. The story's heartfelt messages, combined with its bold animation and enchanting music, seal it as a timeless classic in Disney's animated collection. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting it after years, Tarzan is bound to captivate and entertain you with its compelling story and its vivid portrayal of the wild.