Lesson 1: Heroic Heroes
Welcome to our very first lesson of Disney Studies! Today, we are going to learn a little bit more about some of the characters that children admire the most in any movie: the heroes! Whether they have super powers, strength beyond measure, or a cunning brilliant mind, the heroes are not afraid to sacrifice their lives in order to help others! That’s impressive, don’t you think? So, let’s start!!
PETER PAN from the movie PETER PAN (1953)
THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS: Peter Pan is a boy who refused to grow up. He can be hot-headed but he is also very brave. He meets the Darling siblings when he was looking for his shadow. He instantly befriends them, teaches them how to fly (you only need faith, trust and pixie dust!), and takes them to Never Land. In Never Land, he is the leader of the Lost of Boys. Peter Pan is in constant war with Captain Hook and his crew of pirates, and Peter is actually the responsible for the loss of Captain Hook’s left hand! Despite his temperamental nature, Peter Pan shows his heroic skills when he rescues Wendy, Michael, John and the Lost Boys by fighting Capitain Hook in an exciting and unforgettable battle! Peter Pan, even turns Captain Hook’s ship, the Jolly Roger, into a flying one, and helps the Darling siblings to return home safely.
Important characters include: Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, The Darling Siblings: Wendy, John and Michael; Captain Hook, Nana, Mr. Smee, Tiger Lily, The Crocodile, The Lost Boys.
Important characters include: Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, The Darling Siblings: Wendy, John and Michael; Captain Hook, Nana, Mr. Smee, Tiger Lily, The Crocodile, The Lost Boys.
MUSICAL MAGIC:
Some Peter Pan’s songs include:
Some Peter Pan’s songs include:
- “The Second Star To The Right”
- “You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!”
- “Following The Leader”
- “The Elegant Captain Hook”
- “Your Mother and Mine”
FUN FACTS:
- Based on J. M. Barrie’s works of Peter Pan.
- Walt Disney’s 14th classic animated feature.
- Peter Pan was one of Walt Disney's favorite stories and in 1935 he intended for Peter Pan to be his second film after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, however he could not get the rights until four years later.
- The lyrics for the song “Never Smile at a Crocodile” where cut down from the movie, but where included in the “Sing-Along” versions.
- The melody for "The Second Star to the Right" was originally written for Alice in Wonderland as part of a song to be entitled "Beyond the Laughing Sky".
- Did you know that Nana, the dog, was meant to have a more important role? In the originally-planned version, Nana traveled with the children to Neverland. Also, one of the early concepts of the film involved it being narrated from Nana's point of view.
- The Lost Boys were boys who fell out of their prams while the nurses weren't looking.
- A sequel titled Return to Neverland was released in 2002.
ALADDIN from the movie ALADDIN (1992)
THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS: Aladdin is a poor, kind-hearted and brave boy with big dreams. His condition as “Diamond in the Rough” makes him Jafar’s perfect target for his vile intentions (he dreams of becoming the new sultan), and tricks him into entering the Cave of Wonders and get the magic lamp for him. Luckily, Jafar’s plan doesn’t work out, and after a treacherous move in which Jafar tries to kill Aladdin, Abu the monkey helps him and find themselves locked inside the cave, but alive and with the lamp Jafar so desperately wanted. Inside the lamp Aladdin finds a genie, who becomes his friend and offers him three wishes. After they get out of the cave, Aladdin’s next move is to conquer Princess Jasmine’s heart. He thinks that the only legitimate way to achieve that is by looking like a prince. At first it works out, but later Jafar reveals Aladdin’s true self and kidnaps Jasmine. This is Aladdin’s perfect time to prove his worth, and after a heroic battle between him and Jafar (who became a powerful wizard and could turn into a cobra!), Jafar is defeated thanks to Aladdin’s courage and cunning mind, who convinced Jafar into asking to become a genie and locking him that way into his own magic lamp!!
Important characters include: Aladdin, The Genie, Jafar, Princess Jasmine, Abu, Iago, The Sultan.
Important characters include: Aladdin, The Genie, Jafar, Princess Jasmine, Abu, Iago, The Sultan.
MUSICAL MAGIC:
Some Aladdin’s songs include:
Some Aladdin’s songs include:
- “Arabian Nights”
- “One Jump Ahead”
- “Friend Like Me”
- “Prince Ali”
- “A Whole New World”
FUN FACTS
- Disney’s 31st animated feature.
- Based on Aladdin’s tale from One Thousand and One Nights.
- The Peddler was voiced by Robin Williams, however, since the actor could not hit some of the high notes in "Arabian Nights", Disney hired Bruce Adler, who proved himself able to imitate Williams' voice.
- The song “Prince Ali” is playable in the videogame “Just Dance 2014”
- “Friend Like Me” was the first scene in Aladdin to have its animation finished.
- Aladdin’s mother was removed from the film.
- Originally, the peddler would be revealed to be the Genie at the end. That is why both characters have many similarities (the eyebrows, the beard, and the four-fingered hands).
- Iago was originally thought as a calmed, British type parrot, but was turned into a funnier character.
- Jasmine was originally conceived as a bratty princess who would learn humility after falling in love with Aladdin. She even had a song showing that personality titled “Call Me a Princess”.
HERCULES from the movie HERCULES (1997)
THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS: Hercules is the newborn baby of God Zeus and Hera. He is a pretty baby, however, he is already hated by someone: Hades, the God of the Underworld and who desperately wants to overthrow Zeus from Mount Olympus. He sees a good chance when he learns that in eighteen years, a planetary alignment will allow him to locate and free the Titans to conquer Olympus, however, that victory won’t happen if Hercules interferes. Hades feels very confident, I mean, how difficult could it be to eliminate a defenseless baby? To achieve that goal, Hades sends his minions, Pain and Panic, to finish with baby Hercules once and for all, first by turning him mortal and then by killing him. Pain and Panic managed to turn Hercules mortal but fail to kill him when Hercules super strength shows in. Due to the attack, Hercules falls from Mount Olympus and is adopted by a mortal family that raise him with care and love. While growing up, Hercules feels like he doesn't fit in any place because he is constantly rejected when his out of control strength causes gret troubles. His parents decides to tell him the truth and Hercules travels to the temple of Zeus looking for an answer. In there, Zeus appears and tells him that he is his son, and that the only way to return to Mount Olympus is by showing true acts of heroism that will turn him back immortal. To aid him in his journey, Zeus calls Pegasus and sends them to see the satyr Philoctetes. After a first denial, Phil accepts to train Hercules with succesful results. When Megara (another of Hades’ minions who sold her soul to him to save an unfaithful lover) reveals that she had been saved by a super strong young man known as Hercules, Hades becomes furious and tries to kill Hercules at all cost by sending his most dangerous creatures at him, but Hercules defeats all of them. Hades soon realizes that Hercules’ only weak spot is Meg because he loves her, so on the day of the planetary alignment , Hercules is ambushed by Hades when he pretended to kidnap Meg and offers him a deal: Hercules would give up his powers for twenty four hours on the condition that Meg will be unharmed. Hercules accepts and gives up his strength but feels very disappointed when Hades reveals that Meg was actually working for him. With the planets on his favor, and with Hercules incapable to fight him back, Hades frees the Titans and starts his attack on Mount Olympus. What Hades didn’t expect was that Megara was also falling in love with Hercules, and she heroically sacrifices her life to save Hercules. This breaks Hades’ deal because Meg wasn’t kept safe and Hercules recovers his strength, and fights the Titans back much to Hades’ dismay. Now that Meg is Hades property, Hercules makes another deal with him: his life in exchange of hers. Hades agrees believing that Hercules wouldn’t be able to save Meg, however, when Hercules was about to die swimming in the life-draining river looking for Meg, his actions reveal that he is a true hero and recovers his immortality. Hercules rescues Meg and Hades is punched into the river, presumably trapping him forever with the creepy souls. In the end, Hercules gives up his immortality once more when he decides to stay with Meg because he loves her! He is really a true hero!
Important characters include: Hercules, Phil, Hades, Megara, Pegasus, Zeus, Hera and the Muses.
Important characters include: Hercules, Phil, Hades, Megara, Pegasus, Zeus, Hera and the Muses.
MUSICAL MAGIC:
Some Hercules songs include:
Some Hercules songs include:
- “The Gospel Truth”
- “Go The Distance”
- “Zero To Hero”
- “I Won’t Say I’m In Love”
- “A Star Is Born”
FUN FACTS:
- Disney’s 35th animated feature. Loosely based on the legendary Greek hero, Heracles.
- Hades was scripted as a slow, menacing character until James Woods took the role and impressed the crew with his rapid-fire style.
- The role of Hades is one of James Woods' all-time favorite characters. So much so, any time Disney needs him to reprise the character for any cartoon show and video game, he has agreed to do so.
- While the movie is about Greek myths, Hercules is actually the protagonist's Roman name. Heracles is his Greek name.
- The "Air Herc" sandals brand is a reference to the Nike Air footwear line. Moreover, the Hercules mosaic showing Hercules running resembles an actual Nike print ad.
- Nike was the Greek goddess who personified triumph and inspired the shoe company's name.
- In the original myths, Zeus did not bestow the underworld on Hades but the two, along with Poseidon, drew lots.
- In Greek mythology, there were nine Muses. The five shown in the movie are: Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Melpomene (tragedy), Terpsichore (dance), and Thalia (comedy).
- The Spice Girls were considered for the roles of the Muses.
- In the version for Latin America, the voice of Hercules is played by Ricky Martin.
MULAN from the movie MULAN (1998)
THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS: Mulan is a pretty girl who isn’t comfortable with the idea of limiting herself to the duties of a bride. When the Emperor asks that one man from each family joins the army to fight the Huns, Mulan dresses herself as a man to avoid that his father, a sick man, goes to battle and potentially saving his life this way. In his journey, Mulan is helped by Mushu, the family dragon, and a lucky cricket. At first, Mulan has great difficulties following the activities of the army, and she was even expelled by Captain Li Shang when he realized how weak Mulan was. However, discipline and perseverance always pay off! And Mulan showed Captain Shang that she was a valuable element, worth to be kept in the army. During an attack from the Huns, Mulan saves Shang’s life but is wounded. When they were healing her, they find out that she was just disguising as a man. That action was deemed as High Treason, and her punishment should have been death, however Captain Shang, remembering her courage, decides to spare her life but forces her to leave the army. They continue the journey without her, but when Mulan discovers the Hun’s plot to kill the Emperor, it is Mulan’s time to act! In the end, she does not only save the Emperor, but also all China! Mulan definitely is one of my favorite heroines!!
Important characters include: Mulan, Mushu, Captain Li Shang, Shan Yu (chief of the Huns), Army guys: Yao, Ling and Chien Po, Chi Fy, The Emperor of China.
Important characters include: Mulan, Mushu, Captain Li Shang, Shan Yu (chief of the Huns), Army guys: Yao, Ling and Chien Po, Chi Fy, The Emperor of China.
MUSICAL MAGIC:
Some Mulan’s songs include:
Some Mulan’s songs include:
- “Honor To Us All”
- “Reflection”
- “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You”
- “A Girl Worth Fighting For”
FUN FACTS:
- Disney’s 36th animated feature.
- Originally, Mulan was only going to be an animated short entitled “China Doll”, but later it was suggested to make a movie about a Chinese Poem, “The Song of Fa Mu Lan”, so both projects were combined.
- When Mulan sings "Reflection" in her father's shrine, the writing on the temple stones is the names of the Disney animators who worked on the film written in ancient Chinese.
- At first, they didn’t like the idea of Mulan having a dragon companion because dragons are too big! When they learned that in Chinese lore dragons could be any size, a small dragon was approved and Mushu was born!
- The opening titles were put together by simply putting watercolor on rice paper.
- Christina Aguilera’s version of “Reflection” went down so well that it landed her a recording contract with RCA Records.
- Lea Salong (Mulan’s singing voice), auditioned for the voice of Mulan, however they thought that it wasn´t “deep enough” when Mulan was acting as a male soldier so she only got the singing parts.
- Chi Fu’s name (one of the antagonist) literally means, in Chinese, “to bully”.
TARZAN from the movie TARZAN (1999)
THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS: Tarzan is a young man who was raised by gorillas. Kala found him when he was just a baby, but Kerchak didn’t really accept him because he knew how treacherous and dangerous humans can be. Despite that, Tarzan had a fun and happy childhood, always accompanied by his friends: Terk the gorilla and Tantor the elephant. When Tarzan grows up, he first shows his heroic skills when he killed Sabor (the leopard who actually killed Tarzan’s human parents and Kala’s baby gorilla), earning Kerchak’s respect. Tarzan’s wild, calm and fun life is shook when he meets a troop of human explorers: Professor Porter, his daughter Jane, and the hunter guide Clayton. Tarzan is thrilled with the sight of humans, and soon he befriends Jane and Professor Porter, however, Clayton is only interested in hunting the gorillas and only wants Tarzan to show him where they are. Tarzan learns a lot of the human world and starts to fall in love with Jane. When Clayton tells him that the only way for Jane to stay with him is if he showed them the gorillas, Tarzan accepts. Kerchak is really mad when he sees the humans and calls Tarzan a betrayer. Humiliated, Tazan decides to leave and go to England with Jane, however, when they are about to depart, they are ambushed by Clayton who returns to trap the gorillas. Tarzan manages to escape and defeats Clayton, saving all of his gorilla family! With Kerchak’s renewed respect, Tarzan decides to stay, but good news are that Jane and Professor Porter are also staying!!
Important characters include: Tarzan, Jane, Professor Porter, Kala, Kerchak, Clayton, Terk and Tantor.
Important characters include: Tarzan, Jane, Professor Porter, Kala, Kerchak, Clayton, Terk and Tantor.
MUSICAL MAGIC:
Some Tarzan’s songs include:
Some Tarzan’s songs include:
- “Two Worlds”
- “You’ll Be In My Heart”
- “Son Of Man”
- “Trashin’ The Camp”
- “Strangers Like Me”
FUN FACTS:
With this new bunch of information, it is time for your First Assignment. See you next month in a new Disney ride!
- Disney’s 37th animated feature.
- Based on the story Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
- The signature "Tarzan yell" is provided by Brian Blessed, the voice of the film's villain Clayton.
- Terk was meant to be a male character, however, none of actors clicked with the character during the auditions. When Rosie O’ Donnell auditioned, producers loved her and she got the part, so Terk was turned into a female gorilla.
- The teapot and set of teacups that appear in Porter’s camp, are Mrs. Potts, Chip, and the other teacups from “Beauty and the Beast”.
- In the original story written by Burroughs, Kerchak murdered Tarzan’s family.
- The Disney animators actually hired a professor of anatomy to consult with them over Tarzan's musculature.
- Animator Glen Keane was inspired to make Tarzan "surf" through the trees because of his son's interest in extreme sports and surfing.
With this new bunch of information, it is time for your First Assignment. See you next month in a new Disney ride!
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pan_(1953_film)
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046183/trivia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aladdin_(1992_Disney_film)
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103639/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulan_(1998_film)
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120762/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarzan_(1999_film)
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120855/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules_(1997_film)
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119282/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_2