Tarzan (1999): A Forgotten Disney Gem
Tarzan, the enchanting adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic tale by Walt Disney, often gets overlooked when Disney movies are mentioned and remains a forgotten gem.
Perhaps it is because Tarzan was released during a time when other Disney films were dominating the box office. Or it could be because it deviated from traditional fairy tales and princess narratives that were more prevalent at the time. Whatever the reason is, it deserves more recognition.
Captivating Storytelling
One of the reasons Tarzan is deserving of more attention is its exceptional storytelling. The film takes viewers on an emotional journey as they follow the titular character’s life from being raised by gorillas to discovering his true identity. The themes of self-discovery, acceptance, family, and love are beautifully woven into the narrative, making it relatable and touching for audiences of all ages.
Going through multiple emotions — just wanting to belong and being told to his face as a child that he doesn’t, Tarzan experienced emotional turmoil, not knowing what creature he was and still not being acknowledged by Kerchak.
In the end, he was accepted by Kerchak on his deathbed, who gave his blessings to be the next leader of the family. Tarzan figured out what he was after meeting Jane, his love interest, and her father. He also found the picture of him as a baby with his parents, after his adoptive mother, Kala, finally showed him the tree house.
Remarkable Music Score
The soundtrack is nothing short of extraordinary. Mark Mancina, the incredible composer, and Phil Collins worked together to breathe life into it, with the latter singing his heart out.
The strong emotions “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “Two Worlds” evoke are more than just from mere nostalgia, it is feeling the song on a deeper level, and you can tell this was performed with undiluted passion.
The songs not only enhance the storytelling but also become an integral part of the film’s essence, with each piece adding depth and emotion to key moments in the story.
Astonishing Animation and Voice Acting
Such beautiful animation was way ahead of its time with three-dimensional backgrounds that were animated perfectly, down to the littlest details. It looked like it was taken out of a painting and that’s what the animators intended.
The voice actors were perfectly cast as they all brought their A-game to these characters, giving them in-depth personalities.
The scene where Jane described Tarzan to her father and Clayton was completely improvised by Minnie Driver, the voice actress for the character, and that turned out to be one of the best scenes in the entire film.
Despite these qualities, Tarzan has unfortunately slipped from people’s minds over the years. Perhaps overshadowed by other Disney classics or simply lost amidst a sea of newer releases, this hidden treasure deserves rediscovery.
Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia’s sake or seeing it for the first time, Tarzan is absolutely magnificent and timeless and reminds you why it deserves its place among Disney’s beloved repertoire.