Tags
1990's, Animated, Demi Moore, Disney, Kevin Kline, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tom Hulce, Tony Jay
Film Title
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Directors
Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Voice Cast
- Tom Hulce as Quasimodo
- Demi Moore as Esmeralda
- Tony Jay as Judge Claude Frollo
- Kevin Kline as Phoebus
One of Disney’s darkest and most mature animated films, The Hunchback of Notre Dame emerges as an excellently crafted drama on faith, acceptance and prejudice inspired by the Victor Hugo novel of the same name. It may not be as cute and cuddly as other Disney films, but it boasts a mature and important message about not judging people simply because they are different.
1482 Paris. Quasimodo is the kind and gentle deformed bell-ringer in Notre Dame. He is watched by Judge Claude Frollo, a cruel minister who hides behind the cloak of religion and who has a deep loathing of gypsies. Unbeknownst to Quasimodo, Frollo had a part in the death of his mother who was a gypsy on the steps of Notre Dame. He tells Quasimodo that he must never leave the bell tower as he is a deformed creature. Yet Quasimodo yearns for a taste of freedom and urged by his only friends, the trio of gargoyles known as Victor, Hugo and Laverne, defying his master sneaks off to the annual Festival of Fools. Quasimodo is crowned the King of Fools and appears to be enjoying himself. That is until the crowd begin to turn on him and viciously torment him. As he struggles for help, Frollo lets the cruelty continue to teach Quasimodo a lesson even though the kind Captain Phoebus wants to end the humiliation. Quasimodo is saved by another outcast, the beautiful and selfless gypsy dancer Esmeralda who voices her views on Frollo’s intolerance towards those who are different. This encounter between Quasimodo and Esmeralda forever changes both of them in this tale of prejudice, bravery and how although we are all different, we still have the right to be treated fairly.
I’ve always found The Hunchback of Notre Dame to be an underrated entry into the Disney collection of films. The animation is second to none in recreating the bustling streets of Paris and the gloomy splendour of Notre Dame in which Quasimodo resides. For a Disney film, it does deal with some deep themes such as prejudice, religious hypocrisy and also lust. The theme of prejudice is handled in a sophisticated manner, we as an audience grow to like Quasimodo and see the kindness of him rather than just his outward appearance that others judge him on. Religious hypocrisy is embodied by the evil Frollo, who often conceals his hatred of those behind the veil of faith. He truly is a frightening villain because of the cruelty he inflicts on those, especially Quasimodo. It is interesting to watch Frollo because he says he hates gypsies, yet he finds himself lusting after Esmeralda. The scene in which he sings the song “Hellfire” and the fireplace displays visions of Esmeralda dancing is a strange, sinister moment indeed.
The songs in the movie are not as memorable as other Disney tunes, but there is a haunting level of maturity to them. “Out There” sung by Quasimodo is a yearning number about his longing to be free from being trapped in the bell tower. The previously mentioned “Hellfire” is a Gothic song of uncertainty as the pious Frollo wrestles with his passion for Esmeralda. But the song that is most beautiful and memorable is “God help the outcasts”, an earnest ballad sung by Esmeralda inside the eponymous cathedral as she asks God to look over those around her who suffer prejudice and ridicule on a daily basis. One of the biggest highlights of this startling mature Disney venture is the voice cast assembled. Tom Hulce provides pathos and wonder as the downtrodden Quasimodo, a character who is a victim of cruelty because of his appearance. Demi Moore combines passionate selflessness and feisty attitude as the dancing gypsy Esmeralda, who is the first person to show Quasimodo kindness and understand his plight. Tony Jay is villainy personified as Frollo, his deep angered voice and all-consuming power quite scary to behold. Rounding out the deeply poignant voices is Kevin Kline as Phoebus, the captain who comes to resist Frollo’s persecution of others and begins to see life differently after meeting both Quasimodo and Esmeralda. The gargoyles provide some side-splitting comic relief throughout the story and act as humourous advisors to Quasimodo in his journey.
Dark yet hopeful and important, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an underrated Disney gem that shows a level of maturity and awareness than isn’t often seen in other pieces.
jjames36 said:
Another positive review. I need to see this one at some point.
Good work!
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, see it as it is underrated in my book.
LikeLike
drakulus23 said:
I love this movie. It’s actually my favorite Disney film of all time. It also has my favorite Disney soundtrack of all time. It might even be my favorite soundtrack of all time. That Hell Fire song is amazing. Great review dude.
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks, glad to hear someone else give it praise.
LikeLike
thomasjford said:
I’ve not seen this, nor a lot of Disney stuff to be honest. I think I should. Once my son gets a bit older hopefully I’ll be able to start enjoying some of this kind of stuff
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks, it’s definitely worth a watch for the animation, music and message.
LikeLike
teny said:
I remember watching this movie, and it was a pleasant surprise. Loved the way in which they crafted this one!
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks, the animation was amazingly crafted, especially the interiors of Notre Dame.
LikeLike
Writer Loves Movies said:
Nice review. Haven’t watched this one for many, many years but your review makes me want to take another look.
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks, glad you liked the review.
LikeLike
Paul S said:
Excellent review.
I agree with you in terms of the tone. I rewatched this one a few months ago and was surprised by how dark and sexually charged it actually was. The whole third act still looks amazing.
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks, yeah it is a startling mature movie at times. The animation is so stunning to witness.
LikeLike
literaryvittles said:
I remember watching this as a kid. Always thought it was a terribly sad movie. It’s funny, because the scenes you chose to focus on – Esmeralda’s song and Quasimodo being tormented during the festival – are the ones I remember most clearly. Of course, Disney gave it a “happy” ending. In the novel, both Esmeralda and Quasimodo die. And gypsies are still considered less-than-human in many European countries today.
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks, those two scenes are the ones that have always lingered in my mind.
LikeLike
Kim @ Tranquil Dreams said:
Awesome review!:) I haven’t seen this one in a really long time.
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks, I’m glad I watched it again as it had been ages since my last viewing.
LikeLike
The Movie Man [Ben Russell] said:
Great review Vinnieh! I adore this film. It’s been a favourite of mine since I was a child. I always get chills during the songs “The Bells of Notre Dame,” Out There,” “Hellfire,” and “God Help the Outcasts.”
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks, glad you liked the review. The songs are really good in this and carry a lot of emotional weight.
LikeLike
Hypersonic55 said:
Great review, I’ve loved this film since I was a kid and while I never speak as highly of it as other Disney films, as I’ve grown up I’ve come to see how deep and complex this film was even though it was made for children and considering how of the source material had to be changed it is certainly impressive what Disney came up with. Its definitely one of the most underrated Disney films and I think it has one of the best soundtracks of any of the films, “Hellfire” is a kick ass and devilish song that me and my sister really love, “Out There” and “The Bells of Notre Dame” are also stand outs too. But my favourite song is “Topsy Turvy”, it is crazy, fast-paced, fun and addictive.
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, I admire Disney for the way they handled the mature themes present.
LikeLike
Lights Camera Reaction said:
Excellent review! A classic film thats still enjoyable to watch now.
I’m currently reading the book, actually, haha.
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment. It really does stand up up well.
LikeLike