Tarzan (1999) Review: Disney’s Animated Jungle Adventure
Introduction
Tarzan, released in 1999 and directed by Chris Buck and Kevin Lima, is a Disney animated film that brings the classic tale of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ jungle hero to life. Featuring the voices of Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, and Glenn Close, the film combines adventure, romance, and memorable music to create a captivating animated experience. With its impressive animation, engaging story, and iconic soundtrack, Tarzan remains a cherished entry in Disney’s animated filmography. This review will explore the film’s plot, performances, direction, and provide information on where to stream, rent, or purchase the film in the United States.
Plot Summary
Tarzan follows the story of a young boy who is orphaned and raised by a family of gorillas in the African jungle. As he grows up, Tarzan (voiced by Tony Goldwyn) grapples with his identity and the tension between his human heritage and his gorilla family.
The plot centers around Tarzan’s discovery of his human origins when he encounters a group of explorers led by Jane Porter (Minnie Driver) and her father, Professor Porter (Nigel Hawthorne). The explorers’ arrival brings new challenges and conflicts, particularly with the villainous Clayton (Brian Blessed), who seeks to capture the gorillas.
As Tarzan and Jane develop a deep bond, Tarzan must navigate the complexities of his dual identity and protect his gorilla family from external threats. The film’s narrative explores themes of belonging, identity, and the clash between nature and civilization.
Standout Performances
Tony Goldwyn voices Tarzan with a blend of strength, curiosity, and emotional depth. Goldwyn’s performance captures Tarzan’s journey from a curious, adventurous youth to a mature and courageous leader.
Minnie Driver brings warmth and intelligence to her role as Jane Porter, providing a strong counterpart to Tarzan’s character. Driver’s portrayal adds a sense of romance and discovery to the film, as Jane helps Tarzan understand his human heritage.
Glenn Close voices Kala, Tarzan’s gorilla mother, with compassion and maternal warmth. Close’s performance conveys the deep emotional connection between Kala and Tarzan, adding depth to the film’s exploration of family and belonging.
Brian Blessed provides a menacing voice for Clayton, the film’s antagonist. Blessed’s portrayal adds a layer of danger and threat, creating a compelling and memorable villain.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Chris Buck and Kevin Lima’s direction in Tarzan is characterized by its vibrant animation and dynamic action sequences. The film’s animation, supervised by Kevin Lima and Chris Buck, features lush jungle landscapes, fluid movement, and innovative visual techniques.
One of the film’s notable achievements is its use of the “Deep Canvas” technique, which creates a three-dimensional effect within the 2D animated environment. This technique enhances the film’s visual appeal and immerses viewers in the jungle setting.
The film’s action sequences are both exhilarating and visually impressive, capturing the thrill of Tarzan’s jungle adventures. The animation style effectively conveys the film’s emotional and dramatic moments, contributing to its overall impact.
Music and Soundtrack
Tarzan’s soundtrack, composed by Phil Collins, is a standout element of the film. Collins’ original songs, including “You’ll Be in My Heart,” “Son of Man,” and “Strangers Like Me,” contribute to the film’s emotional depth and storytelling.
The music plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s themes and atmosphere. Collins’ score and songs are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, adding a memorable and impactful musical dimension to the film.
Themes of Identity, Belonging, and Nature vs. Civilization
Tarzan explores themes of identity, belonging, and the conflict between nature and civilization. The film delves into Tarzan’s struggle to reconcile his human heritage with his life in the jungle.
The theme of identity is central to the film, as Tarzan navigates the complexities of his dual nature. His journey of self-discovery and acceptance is a key aspect of the narrative.
The film also addresses the theme of belonging, highlighting Tarzan’s relationship with his gorilla family and his desire to find his place in the world. The exploration of family bonds and personal identity adds emotional depth to the story.
The clash between nature and civilization is portrayed through the characters of Tarzan, Jane, and Clayton. The film examines the impact of external forces on the natural world and the challenges of balancing progress with environmental preservation.
Critical Acclaim and Reception
Tarzan received positive reviews from critics and audiences for its engaging story, impressive animation, and memorable soundtrack. The film was praised for its emotional depth, strong performances, and innovative animation techniques.
The film’s soundtrack, in particular, was highly acclaimed and contributed to its success. “You’ll Be in My Heart” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, further cementing the film’s place in Disney’s animated legacy.
Streaming and Rental/Purchase Options in the USA
For those interested in watching Tarzan, there are several streaming and rental/purchase options available in the United States:
- Streaming Services: Tarzan is available on Disney+, Disney’s streaming service. The film can be accessed with a subscription to Disney+.
- Rental/Purchase: If you prefer to rent or purchase the film, it can be found on digital platforms such as iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. Rental prices typically range from $2.99 to $4.99, while purchase prices are around $9.99 to $14.99, depending on the platform and video quality.
Conclusion
Tarzan is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging animated film that continues to captivate audiences with its adventure, romance, and memorable music. With strong performances, innovative animation, and a compelling story, the film remains a beloved classic in Disney’s animated film collection.
Call to Action
If you haven’t yet experienced the thrilling and heartwarming story of Tarzan, now is the perfect time to watch this Disney animated classic. Check out Disney+ for streaming options or visit iTunes, Google Play, or Vudu to rent or purchase the film. Discover why Tarzan remains a timeless adventure for audiences of all ages.
