Edgar Rice
Disney’s Tarzan Is More Than Just Singing Gorillas and Elephants
In 1999, as Disney was nearing the end of its Renaissance era, they were looking for something fresh, something new. Many previous hits had been primarily focused on just humans (with a couple animals present) or just animals (Lady and the Tramp). But Disney had yet to make a film focused on the coexistence between humans and animals. That’s when Tarzan burst onto the family film frontier.
Based off of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel, “Tarzan of the Apes,” Tarzan is the story of a baby whose parents were murdered by a ferocious leopardess in a desolate jungle off the coast of Africa. With no one else left to care for him, he is found by a gorilla named Nala, who had recently lost her own offspring in a leopard attack. She takes Tarzan in as her own and raises her human child as one of the apes. Years go by without any sort of human contact, but that doesn’t mean Tarzan’s life is without conflict. Considered as an outsider by his peers, he attempts any challenge presented to him in order to fit in.
Life seems to be relatively predictable until one day, Tarzan runs into a trio of humans walking through the jungle in search of gorillas: Professor Porter, the gun-wielding, hunter Clayton, and of course, Jane. Tarzan grows closer to those of his own kind, with Jane helping him to learn more about the world he had missed while growing up.
Tarzan is the story of family togetherness, yet there is also betrayal. It is the story of a boy wanting to prove his worth but is continuously unable to meet the expectations of his peers simply because he was born different. Tarzan teaches a valuable lesson in accepting and accommodating the differences of those around you. Through Nala’s love for her son Tarzan, we see that love conquers anything that may divide us. Through the movie, this is expressed in a gorilla versus human context. But this lesson is equally applicable in the real world in differences between ethnicities, nationalities, cultures, languages, etc.
Through Jane’s fascination with what Tarzan teaches her about the apes and Tarzan’s fascination with what he learns about humans, audience members can see the importance of appreciating and understanding other cultures.
It is truly a delightful film with phenomenal music, composed by the brilliant Phil Collins. From the exhilarating “Son of Man” to the memorable heart-tugger, “You’ll Be in my Heart,” the Tarzan soundtrack is undoubtedly one of the best of the Disney family films so far.
So, if you’re looking for a great movie for family night, Tarzan is the way to go. With its focus on unanimous respect for all and anti-animal hunting messages, it’s a good choice for both children and adults alike.
For more information or questions regarding buying or selling used family DVDs from Tarzan to George of the Jungle, visit www.used-familyentertainment.com. If you have any questions, please email us at customerservice@secondspin.com.
About the Author
Brad Parmerter has almost 20 years experience in the music and entertainment industry as a writer, programmer, and merchandiser. He has professionally interviewed and photographed such artists as: Rush, Metallica, Celine Dion, Live, Phil Collins, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Live, Van Halen, Queensryche, Anna Nalick, Styx, Def Leppard, and m any more.
Please visit SecondSpin.com for all of your entertainment needs.
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