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The Little Mermaid is a 1989 Disney animated film about Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to live on land and falls in love with Prince Eric after saving him from danger.
Overview
Plot Summary
Main Characters
Critical Reception
Production History
Animation Techniques
Music And Soundtrack
Themes And Symbolism
Awards And Nominations
Box Office Performance
Influence On Popular Culture
Inside this Article
Beauty And The Beast
The New York Times
Academy Awards
Renaissance
Broadway
Standard
Academy
Mermaid
Kingdom
Dreams
Prince
Did you know?
🧜♀️ The Little Mermaid was released by Disney in 1989.
🌊 Ariel is the main character who dreams of becoming human.
🔱 Ariel falls in love with Prince Eric after saving him from a shipwreck.
🦞 Sebastian, a crab, is Ariel's loyal friend who tries to keep her safe.
🐙 Ursula is the sea witch who tricks Ariel into giving up her voice.
🎶 The film's soundtrack includes famous songs like 'Under the Sea' and 'Part of Your World.'
🎉 The movie helped start the Disney Renaissance, leading to many beloved animated films.
✨ Over 800 artists worked on the animation of The Little Mermaid.
🏆 The film won two Academy Awards for its music.
💰 The Little Mermaid grossed over $211 million at the box office!
Introduction
The Little Mermaid is a magical 1989 animated movie from Disney! 🧜
♀️ It tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of living on land. The film takes place under the sea, in a colorful kingdom called Atlantica, filled with friendly fish and other sea creatures. Ariel yearns for adventure and explores the world beyond her underwater home. This charming tale was inspired by a story written by Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1837. Children around the globe love its catchy songs and beautiful animation, making it a true classic! 🌊✨
♀️ It tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of living on land. The film takes place under the sea, in a colorful kingdom called Atlantica, filled with friendly fish and other sea creatures. Ariel yearns for adventure and explores the world beyond her underwater home. This charming tale was inspired by a story written by Hans Christian Andersen, first published in 1837. Children around the globe love its catchy songs and beautiful animation, making it a true classic! 🌊✨
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Plot Summary
In The Little Mermaid, Ariel, a curious mermaid, falls in love with a human prince named Eric after rescuing him from a shipwreck. 🔱
Despite her father's wishes, Ariel trades her voice to the sea witch Ursula for legs, hoping to win Eric's heart. As Ariel explores the human world, she faces challenges, including Ursula's trickery. With her friends, a fish named Flounder and a crab named Sebastian, Ariel discovers that true love is worth fighting for! 🦞
Will she manage to break Ursula's spell and win Eric’s heart? The adventure combines excitement, humor, and heartwarming moments!
Despite her father's wishes, Ariel trades her voice to the sea witch Ursula for legs, hoping to win Eric's heart. As Ariel explores the human world, she faces challenges, including Ursula's trickery. With her friends, a fish named Flounder and a crab named Sebastian, Ariel discovers that true love is worth fighting for! 🦞
Will she manage to break Ursula's spell and win Eric’s heart? The adventure combines excitement, humor, and heartwarming moments!
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Main Characters
Ariel is the adventurous mermaid who dreams of being human! 🌟
Eric is the charming prince Ariel loves. Sebastian, a crab, is Ariel’s loyal friend who tries to keep her out of trouble. 🦀
Flounder, her best fish buddy, is always by her side. And then there's Ursula, the sea witch! She is clever but very sneaky. 🐙
Don't forget King Triton, Ariel's protective father, who rules the underwater kingdom. These characters bring the story to life with their unique personalities and memorable moments! Each character has a special role in Ariel's exciting adventure!
Eric is the charming prince Ariel loves. Sebastian, a crab, is Ariel’s loyal friend who tries to keep her out of trouble. 🦀
Flounder, her best fish buddy, is always by her side. And then there's Ursula, the sea witch! She is clever but very sneaky. 🐙
Don't forget King Triton, Ariel's protective father, who rules the underwater kingdom. These characters bring the story to life with their unique personalities and memorable moments! Each character has a special role in Ariel's exciting adventure!
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Critical Reception
When The Little Mermaid was released, critics loved it! 🌟
They praised its beautiful animation, unforgettable music, and engaging story. Many considered it one of Disney's best films, allowing the company to shine again after some not-so-great movies. 🎬
It received highly positive reviews from major publications like The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly! People of all ages enjoyed the adventure of Ariel and the enchanting underwater world. The film won several awards and became a favorite among families, proving its timeless appeal! 🌈
They praised its beautiful animation, unforgettable music, and engaging story. Many considered it one of Disney's best films, allowing the company to shine again after some not-so-great movies. 🎬
It received highly positive reviews from major publications like The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly! People of all ages enjoyed the adventure of Ariel and the enchanting underwater world. The film won several awards and became a favorite among families, proving its timeless appeal! 🌈
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Production History
The Little Mermaid was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released in 1989! 🎉
The film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who wanted to create a new animated classic that captured the magic of Disney. The animation took about three years to complete, involving over 800 artists! Did you know the movie's budget was around $40 million? 💰
It became a landmark in Disney’s history and started the Disney Renaissance, a period of successful animated films like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The Little Mermaid transformed Disney's animation style forever!
The film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who wanted to create a new animated classic that captured the magic of Disney. The animation took about three years to complete, involving over 800 artists! Did you know the movie's budget was around $40 million? 💰
It became a landmark in Disney’s history and started the Disney Renaissance, a period of successful animated films like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The Little Mermaid transformed Disney's animation style forever!
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Animation Techniques
Disney used traditional hand-drawn animation for The Little Mermaid, combining it with new techniques! ✨
Artists drew over 1 million frames to bring Ariel and her friends to life. They also used a method called "multiplane camera" to create a 3D effect, making underwater scenes look extra magical. 🖌
️ The vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds, like coral reefs and treasure chests, are stunning. Some scenes even incorporated live-action footage to improve the animated characters' movement! The animation techniques in this film helped set a new quality standard in animated movies, making it a visual treasure! 🎨
Artists drew over 1 million frames to bring Ariel and her friends to life. They also used a method called "multiplane camera" to create a 3D effect, making underwater scenes look extra magical. 🖌
️ The vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds, like coral reefs and treasure chests, are stunning. Some scenes even incorporated live-action footage to improve the animated characters' movement! The animation techniques in this film helped set a new quality standard in animated movies, making it a visual treasure! 🎨
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Music And Soundtrack
The soundtrack of The Little Mermaid is famous for its catchy songs! 🎶
Alan Menken composed the music, while Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics. One of the most popular songs, "Under the Sea," won an Academy Award for Best Original Song! 🏆
Other memorable songs include "Part of Your World" and "Kiss the Girl." The music helps tell Ariel's story, making her dreams and struggles come alive. The film's songs have been loved by fans since its release and are often performed in schools and theaters! 🎤
The music adds a sparkle of joy to the underwater adventure!
Alan Menken composed the music, while Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics. One of the most popular songs, "Under the Sea," won an Academy Award for Best Original Song! 🏆
Other memorable songs include "Part of Your World" and "Kiss the Girl." The music helps tell Ariel's story, making her dreams and struggles come alive. The film's songs have been loved by fans since its release and are often performed in schools and theaters! 🎤
The music adds a sparkle of joy to the underwater adventure!
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Themes And Symbolism
The Little Mermaid has exciting themes, such as following your dreams and discovering who you are! 🌊
Ariel's desire to be human symbolizes curiosity and adventure. The story also shows the importance of love and friendship—Ariel's bond with Flounder and Sebastian helps her through tough times! 💖
Another theme is sacrifice; Ariel trades her voice for legs, showing how love can lead to difficult choices. The sea can represent both freedom and danger, reminding us that exploring the unknown can come with risks. These themes give the story depth and meaning!
Ariel's desire to be human symbolizes curiosity and adventure. The story also shows the importance of love and friendship—Ariel's bond with Flounder and Sebastian helps her through tough times! 💖
Another theme is sacrifice; Ariel trades her voice for legs, showing how love can lead to difficult choices. The sea can represent both freedom and danger, reminding us that exploring the unknown can come with risks. These themes give the story depth and meaning!
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Awards And Nominations
The Little Mermaid won several prestigious awards, celebrating its excellence! 🏆
It received two Oscars in 1990 for Best Original Song ("Under the Sea") and Best Original Score by Alan Menken. ⭐
Additionally, it was nominated for three other Academy Awards! The film also won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy! 🎉
These awards show how much people loved the movie and recognize its place in animation history. The Little Mermaid's impact is still felt today, inspiring future artists and filmmakers!
It received two Oscars in 1990 for Best Original Song ("Under the Sea") and Best Original Score by Alan Menken. ⭐
Additionally, it was nominated for three other Academy Awards! The film also won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy! 🎉
These awards show how much people loved the movie and recognize its place in animation history. The Little Mermaid's impact is still felt today, inspiring future artists and filmmakers!
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Box Office Performance
The Little Mermaid was a huge success at the box office! 💰
It grossed over $211 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of its time! Its success helped Disney make more animated movies that youngsters love. The film started the Disney Renaissance, leading to a new age of beloved stories. 📊
The popularity of The Little Mermaid also spurred merchandise, video games, and even a Broadway show! The amazing financial performance showed that kids and parents loved the charming underwater tale, ensuring Ariel's story would be shared for generations!
It grossed over $211 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of its time! Its success helped Disney make more animated movies that youngsters love. The film started the Disney Renaissance, leading to a new age of beloved stories. 📊
The popularity of The Little Mermaid also spurred merchandise, video games, and even a Broadway show! The amazing financial performance showed that kids and parents loved the charming underwater tale, ensuring Ariel's story would be shared for generations!
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Influence On Popular Culture
The Little Mermaid has influenced many aspects of popular culture since its release! 🧜
♀️ You can find Ariel's image in theme parks, toys, and clothing. The movie also inspired a Broadway musical, making its captivating tale even more magical! 🎭
Today, you can see Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder in Disney’s theme parks, where kids can meet their favorite characters. The songs are performed in schools, and many versions of the story have been created. The Little Mermaid continues to inspire new generations with her adventurous spirit and dream to be part of the human world! 🌍
♀️ You can find Ariel's image in theme parks, toys, and clothing. The movie also inspired a Broadway musical, making its captivating tale even more magical! 🎭
Today, you can see Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder in Disney’s theme parks, where kids can meet their favorite characters. The songs are performed in schools, and many versions of the story have been created. The Little Mermaid continues to inspire new generations with her adventurous spirit and dream to be part of the human world! 🌍
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