The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Little Mermaid (1989): A Deep Dive Into Disney’s Underwater Classic

Released in 1989, The Little Mermaid became an instant classic, marking a pivotal moment in Disney’s animation history. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, this film became the spark for Disney’s Renaissance era, which brought about a string of animated hits. Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Little Mermaid follows the adventures of a young mermaid who dreams of a world beyond the sea, where she can follow her heart and find her true place in the world.

Plot Summary

The story begins in the undersea kingdom of Atlantica, where Ariel, a curious and adventurous young mermaid, dreams of exploring the human world above. Despite being the daughter of King Triton, the ruler of Atlantica, Ariel feels a deep connection to the human world, collecting artifacts from shipwrecks and longing to experience life on land.

One fateful day, Ariel saves Prince Eric, a human prince, from a shipwreck. She falls deeply in love with him and becomes determined to be part of his world. Desperate to transform into a human, Ariel strikes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula. Ariel trades her voice for a pair of legs, with the condition that if she doesn’t win Eric’s love within three days, she will belong to Ursula forever.

On land, Ariel meets Eric but struggles to communicate without her voice. As they spend time together, Ariel and Eric form a connection, though Ursula, disguised as a beautiful woman named Vanessa, tries to sabotage their relationship by using Ariel’s voice. With the help of her friends, Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle, Ariel must find a way to break Ursula’s spell and win Eric’s love before it’s too late.

In the climactic final battle, Ursula’s true form is revealed, and Ariel and Eric must work together to defeat the evil sea witch. In the end, Ariel’s true love conquers all, and she is granted the chance to live on land with Eric, fulfilling her dream.

Key Themes

At its core, The Little Mermaid is a story of self-discovery, courage, and the power of love. Ariel’s journey is one of both literal and figurative transformation—she moves from the safety of her underwater world to the unknown of the human realm, learning to navigate love, sacrifice, and the importance of being true to oneself. The film also explores themes of freedom and independence, as Ariel longs for a life outside the constraints of her royal duties and oceanic upbringing.

Cast and Characters

• Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson): The adventurous and curious mermaid princess who dreams of a life above the sea. Ariel’s determination and longing to follow her heart make her one of Disney’s most beloved princesses.

• Prince Eric (voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes): The handsome and kind-hearted prince Ariel saves from the shipwreck. Despite not knowing her true identity at first, he shares an undeniable bond with Ariel.

• Ursula (voiced by Pat Carroll): The cunning and wicked sea witch who seeks to overthrow King Triton and take control of the seas. Ursula’s manipulative nature and her haunting song “Poor Unfortunate Souls” make her one of Disney’s most iconic villains.

• King Triton (voiced by Kenneth Mars): Ariel’s protective and powerful father, who forbids her from associating with humans. His authority is challenged when Ariel makes her fateful deal with Ursula.

• Queen Athena (voiced by Paddi Edwards): Ariel’s late mother, who is seen in flashbacks. She was a loving and understanding parent, instilling in Ariel a sense of adventure.

• Flounder (voiced by Jason Marin): Ariel’s best friend and loyal companion, a small, timid fish who often accompanies her on her adventures.

• Sebastian (voiced by Samuel E. Wright): A red Jamaican crab who serves as King Triton’s advisor. While initially skeptical of Ariel’s human desires, Sebastian becomes one of her most trusted allies.

• Scuttle (voiced by Buddy Hackett): A seagull who is friends with Ariel. Though often clumsy and misguided, Scuttle provides comic relief and helps Ariel in her quest.

• Flotsam and Jetsam (voiced by Richard Libertini and Ben Wright): Ursula’s eel henchmen who do her bidding and help in her plot to sabotage Ariel’s efforts.

Iconic Music and Songs

One of the defining features of The Little Mermaid is its unforgettable soundtrack. The film features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, both of whom would go on to create several Disney classics together. The film’s songs are integral to its storytelling, capturing the emotions of the characters and enhancing the plot. Here are some of the standout tracks:

• “Under the Sea”: Sung by Sebastian, this lively, Calypso-inspired song celebrates life under the sea and tries to convince Ariel to stay in her underwater world. It’s one of Disney’s most recognizable tunes.

• “Part of Your World”: Ariel’s powerful ballad expressing her desire to live in the human world. This song has become an anthem for those who dream of something greater.

• “Kiss the Girl”: A romantic song sung by Sebastian as he encourages Prince Eric to kiss Ariel, marking one of the film’s most tender moments.

• “Poor Unfortunate Souls”: Ursula’s villainous song, where she manipulates Ariel into giving up her voice. It’s both haunting and mesmerizing, showcasing Ursula’s wickedness.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Little Mermaid is often credited with revitalizing the Disney brand and ushering in the Disney Renaissance—a period from the late 1980s to the early 1990s that produced a string of highly successful animated films, including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Ariel, as one of Disney’s first independent and adventurous princesses, helped redefine the role of princesses in animated films, paving the way for strong-willed characters like Belle and Mulan.

The film’s success also spurred a franchise that includes merchandise, theme park attractions, a Broadway musical, and even a live-action remake. Ariel remains a beloved character, and The Little Mermaid continues to be celebrated as a cornerstone of Disney’s legacy.

Final Thoughts

The Little Mermaid (1989) is more than just a fairy tale—it’s a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. It’s a beautiful, heartwarming tale of love, transformation, and finding the courage to follow your dreams. With its stunning animation, unforgettable songs, and memorable characters, it’s no wonder The Little Mermaid remains a cherished Disney classic to this day.

Whether you’re revisiting the film for the first time in years or introducing it to a new generation, Ariel’s story is one that continues to inspire and enchant. Dive in and experience the magic of The Little Mermaid once again.