The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Isolated bell-ringer Quasimodo wishes to leave Notre Dame tower against the wishes of Judge Claude Frollo, his stern guardian and Paris' strait-laced Minister of Justice. His first venture to the outside world finds him Esmeralda, a kind-hearted and fearless Romani woman who openly stands up to Frollo's tyranny.
- Gary Trousdale
- Kirk Wise
- Jennifer Yuan
- James P. Alles
- Peter J. Deluca
- Paul Brizzi
- Gaëtan Brizzi
- Victor Hugo
- Irene Mecchi
- Tab Murphy
- Jonathan Roberts
- Bob Tzudiker
- Noni White
- Tab Murphy
- Stephen Schwartz
Rating: 7.1/10 by 4980 users
Alternative Title:
El geperut de Notre Dame - AD
노틀담의 꼽추 1 - KR
คนค่อมแห่งนอเทรอดาม - TH
Walt Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame - US
Country:
United States of America
Language:
Latin
English
Runtime: 01 hour 31 minutes
Budget: $100,000,000
Revenue: $325,300,000
Plot Keyword: dance, paris, france, based on novel or book, judge, sword, obsession, mockery, ugliness, cathedral, villain, musical, fool, bell, religion, orphan, army captain, festival, angry mob, notre dame cathedral, witch hunt, 15th century
I've always enjoyed Disney's 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'. I love the atmosphere of the film, how fairly dark it is in parts and how lovely the animation looks. There are also many characters to enjoy, from Quasimodo to Esmeralda to Frollo to Phoebus to Clopin. The striking score is truly excellent too. As for the voice cast, all of those who speak for the aforementioned bring them to life splendidly. Tom Hulce does well in the lead role, while Demi Moore is very good in the role alongside Hulce. Tony Jay is menacing as the antagonist. Credit to Kevin Kline and Paul Kandel too, as well as the three who voice the gargoyles of Victor, Hugo, and Laverne. All the songs are solid if not massively memorable, with the obvious exception of "The Bells of Notre Dame". It's Alan Menken's score that brings things to life dramatically, as it suits every scene - particularly the opener, which makes for enthralling viewing. This is a very good production from 1996.
This is what you might call a "free" adaptation of Victor Hugo's early 19th century tale of 15th Century French evil, bigotry, fear and love. "Quasimodo" is a young gypsy baby seized in Paris by the evil Justice Minister "Frollo". After the timely intervention of the Archdeacon, he is put in the care of the church at the imposing Notre Dame cathedral and grows into manhood - largely ridiculed for his hunchback appearance - charged with ringing the bells. During the annual Festival of Fools, "Quasimodo" takes part, wins and is crowned - much to the annoyance of the Minister who has him flogged. This is where the charming and mysterious "Esmerelda" comes to his rescue and to avoid the pursing "Capt. Phoebus" seeks sanctuary in the church. "Frollo" is besotted with the young girl and mobilises every resource at his disposal to capture her for himself. "Phoebus" is also smitten, and as soon as he realises his boss is a nasty piece of work tries to help her too - leading to a tiny bit of a love rivalry between the soldier and her protector. The film is fun, the animation well crafted and the script is clever and witty. The songs are way too slushy, however - and there are too many unnecessary characters (i.e. the Gargoyles) but it builds well to an exciting denouement with good vocal stuff from Tom Hulce ("Quasimodo"); Demi Moore ("Esmeralda"); Tony Jay ("Frollo") and Kevin Kline ("Phoebus"). Not the best, but still an engaging story of temptation and lust!
