The Little Mermaid

The movie, 'The Little Mermaid,' is a 1990 family fantasy film directed by Randal Kleiser and produced by Ron W. Miller. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's 1837 fairy tale, the film features music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. However, the plot and setting have undergone significant changes to deviate from the original work, instead incorporating elements of Disney's signature style and charm. Set in the underwater kingdom of Atlantica, the story revolves around Ariel, a beautiful young mermaid who is the daughter of King Triton. Ariel's fascination with the world above the ocean drives her desire to explore and learn more about human culture. Her best friend, a fish named Flounder, encourages her to follow her dreams, but Ariel's father is fiercely opposed to such notions. Ariel befriends an amnesiac human named Eric, who has washed up on the shore after a storm. Using her voice to sing to the sea creatures, Ariel makes an enchanting impression on Eric, and he becomes infatuated with her. Ariel is smitten and sets her sights on finding a way to be with Eric, even if it means sacrificing her life as a mermaid. The sea witch Ursula, who seeks to overthrow King Triton and take the throne for herself, discovers Ariel's plans. Ursula offers to help Ariel in exchange for her beautiful voice, and in an underwater bar, Ariel makes the deal. The voice belongs to Ariel; Ursula needs it to seduce Eric and marry him, thereby gaining control over the ocean and its inhabitants. Once Eric falls in love with Ursula disguised as Ariel, Ariel finds herself torn between her love for Eric and her loyalty to her father and home. Ariel's sisters, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Aquata, Alana, and Adella, try to keep Ariel grounded, but Ariel's strong connection with Eric makes it difficult for her to return to her family's expectations. In a climactic finale, Ariel and Eric team up with Ariel's fish friends to defeat Ursula and save the kingdom. Ariel must also find a way to break the curse that binds her to Ursula, restoring her voice to its former glory. The final battle is intense, with Ariel ultimately making a decision to save the people and creatures she loves, giving up her voice to be with Eric. Ariel's love for Eric and the people she's met during her time on land ultimately triumph over Ursula's manipulations, allowing her to live in peace with Eric. Meanwhile, the film features a charming underwater world full of whimsical colors and captivating music, with memorable characters like Scuttle, a wise-cracking seagull who helps Ariel adjust to life on land. The film's success marked a turning point for Disney's feature films, with 'The Little Mermaid' establishing itself as a timeless classic and a staple of the Disney universe. The movie, featuring a talented voice cast, including Jodi Benson as Ariel and Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian, received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. With its captivating storyline and memorable characters, 'The Little Mermaid' has become a beloved favorite among Disney fans of all ages, solidifying its place in film history and Disney's repertoire of classic movies.