The Hunchback of Notre Dame [PG]

High above the city of Paris, hidden away in the vast bell towers of Notre Dame lives the mysterious bell-ringer; a boy named Quasimodo, deformed from birth, but kind and warm-hearted. Locked away for his own “protection” by his proud and evil master, Frollo, Quasimodo dreams of one day being amongst the people that he’s watched for years and, one day, he defies Frollo and leaves his tower to attend the Festival of Fools. Along with incurring the wrath of his wicked master, Quasimodo befriends the beautiful gypsy Esmerelda and so begins an adventure of a lifetime. 

You know, this is the only film of the Disney classics that’s rated PG. I find that rather interesting as a few of Disney’s earlier films like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast can actually get quite violent and scary. In The Hunchback of Notre Dame we have low-level violence, the tiniest bit of intoxication, and very little or no sexual references. You know what I think it is? I think it’s the religion factor. 

High above the city of Paris, hidden away in the vast bell towers of Notre Dame lives the mysterious bell-ringer; a boy named Quasimodo, deformed from birth, but kind and warm-hearted. Locked away for his own “protection” by his evil master Frollo, Quasimodo dreams of spending just one day amongst the people whom he has watched from his tower for so many years and, one day he defies Frollo and leaves his tower to attend the Festival of Fools. Whilst incurring the wrath of his wicked master, Quasimodo befriends the beautiful gypsy Esmerelda and so begins an adventure of a lifetime. 

The film is based on the book by Victor Hugo and, watching it as an adult, you can pick up some pretty interesting and derogatory points about organised religion and what it can do to people. Take Frollo for example, he’s a god-fearing man, righteous and all that, and yet he’s the villain and those who are different, outsiders, or “heathens”, are the true heroes of the story. 

I think this has to be the most “adult” of the Disney films as the script is very mature, packed with long and arduous words that no child could possibly understand, and the themes of religion, good vs evil, defiance, and acceptance, although very important in a child’s social development, are a little more grown up. 

That’s not to say the film cannot be enjoyed by a junior audience. The uplifting musical numbers, the comedic characters of the gargoyles, the slapstick elements of the final battle, and the dazzling, really dazzling animation can ensure wide eyes and open mouths with laughter issuing forth. It’s a fantastic film for the entire family. 

Featuring the voice talents of Tom Hulce, Jason Alexander, Jim Cummings, Tony Jay, Charles Kimbrough, Demi Moore, and Kevin Kline, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a visually stunning film that’s packed with action, adventure, romance, moving songs, drama, comedy, and memorable characters. It’s a must-have in any Disney tragic’s collection!