The Little Mermaid (1989)

Introduction

The Little Mermaid (1989) is not merely an animated film—it is a landmark in cinematic and animation history. Often credited with launching the “Disney Renaissance,” the film resurrected the fortunes of Walt Disney Animation Studios after a period of creative and financial stagnation in the 1970s and early '80s. Drawing inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale but reimagined with humour, warmth, and a romantic optimism, the film set a new standard for what animated storytelling could achieve in terms of character depth, musicality, and emotional impact.

With its lush animation, memorable characters, and Broadway-calibre songs, The Little Mermaid established a formula that would define Disney’s storytelling for a generation—and in many ways still does.

Plot Overview

The story follows Ariel, a curious and adventurous 16-year-old mermaid princess who dreams of living on land among humans. Fascinated by the world above, Ariel collects human artifacts and defies her father, King Triton, in her pursuit of understanding the human world. During one of her excursions, she saves Prince Eric from drowning and falls in love with him.

Desperate to be part of his world, Ariel strikes a dangerous bargain with Ursula, the sea witch. She trades her voice for human legs, with three days to receive a kiss of true love from Eric—or risk becoming Ursula’s prisoner forever.

The plot unfolds with urgency and charm, filled with humorous interludes (thanks to characters like Sebastian, the uptight crab, and Scuttle, the clueless seagull), suspenseful confrontations, and heartfelt moments of transformation and self-discovery.

Themes and Subtext

Identity and Self-Discovery

Ariel’s desire to explore another world mirrors the universal adolescent yearning to break free from familial and societal constraints. Her rebellion is not just romantic; it's existential. She wants to forge her own path, discover who she truly is, and live a life aligned with her inner voice (ironically, the one she temporarily loses).

Voice and Empowerment

The idea of Ariel surrendering her voice—her most powerful asset—for a chance at love has been scrutinized and reinterpreted in feminist discussions. However, the film also subtly critiques the silencing of women, with Ursula’s haunting line, “You’ll have your looks, your pretty face, and don’t underestimate the importance of body language,” parodying archaic gender roles. Ariel ultimately reclaims her voice, literally and metaphorically, which leads to her salvation.

Fear vs. Understanding

King Triton’s mistrust of humans parallels broader themes of prejudice and fear of the “other.” His eventual change of heart underscores the importance of empathy and letting go of control in order to support one’s children in their own journeys.

Sacrifice and Love

Ariel’s sacrifices—her voice, her home, even her relationship with her family—are all part of her maturation. Love in The Little Mermaid is not portrayed as purely romantic; it’s tied to growth, choices, and consequences.

Characters and Voice Performances

Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson)

Benson’s voice performance as Ariel is iconic. Her expressive vocal range captures Ariel’s innocence, longing, and fierce determination. Her performance of “Part of Your World” remains one of Disney’s most beloved musical moments, and is key to humanizing a character who, for a portion of the film, cannot speak at all.

Ursula (voiced by Pat Carroll)

One of Disney’s greatest villains, Ursula is a deliciously theatrical presence. Pat Carroll’s performance mixes camp, menace, and charisma. Inspired by the drag queen Divine, Ursula exudes a magnetic power. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is a showstopping number that encapsulates her manipulative brilliance.

Sebastian (voiced by Samuel E. Wright)

Sebastian, the Caribbean-accented crab, is both comic relief and moral anchor. His musical numbers “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” are highlights of the film, filled with rhythmic energy and visual creativity. Wright’s performance gives Sebastian heart beneath the crustacean exterior.

Prince Eric (voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes)

Eric is among the first Disney princes to be given real personality. He’s adventurous, kind, and notably respectful—traits that would evolve more fully in later Disney male leads.

Supporting Cast

Scuttle (Buddy Hackett), Flounder, and King Triton (Kenneth Mars) round out the cast with warmth and humour. King Triton, in particular, provides emotional grounding and an arc of acceptance that mirrors Ariel’s growth.

Direction, Animation, and Visuals

Directors Ron Clements and John Musker, previously known for The Great Mouse Detective, bring tight pacing and a balance of action, romance, and comedy. The animation, overseen by Glen Keane (Ariel’s lead animator), is rich with detail, especially in underwater sequences. The hand-drawn animation remains vibrant, with fluid motion and a vibrant palette that still holds up decades later.

The visual design of The Little Mermaid helped return Disney to its roots in lush, fairy tale storytelling, using modern techniques such as CAPS (Computer Animation Production System, which would be implemented in later films). From the gleaming royal palace under the sea to Ursula’s sinister lair, each setting feels distinctly realized and emotionally resonant.

Music and Score

The music, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, is the soul of the film. The soundtrack is a masterclass in musical storytelling, blending Broadway tradition with Caribbean rhythms and pop sensibilities.

“Part of Your World” – A soaring “I want” ballad that defines Ariel’s hopes and is often cited as one of the greatest Disney songs ever written.

“Under the Sea” – A jubilant, steel-drum-accented celebration of ocean life that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

“Kiss the Girl” – A romantic calypso tune that’s playfully orchestrated and visually inventive.

Menken’s score adds emotional texture throughout, particularly in moments of wonder and tension. The music is integral—not just an accessory, but a narrative engine.

Impact and Legacy

The Little Mermaid redefined Disney animation and ushered in the Disney Renaissance, leading to a string of hits including Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. It revitalized the animated musical as a genre and proved that animation could be as emotionally and artistically resonant as live-action filmmaking.

Culturally, the film introduced a new generation to musical theatre tropes and gave rise to a fandom that spans generations. Ariel became a pop culture icon, especially for young girls who saw in her a figure of curiosity, courage, and transformation.

In 2023, the film was remade as a live-action adaptation, sparking renewed conversation about its themes, characters, and impact—further proof of its enduring relevance.

Criticism and Controversy

Modern audiences have raised critiques, especially around the perceived message of Ariel sacrificing her voice for love. Some feminist scholars have challenged the film’s portrayal of agency. However, others argue Ariel’s quest is more about autonomy and self-realization than submission.

Additionally, elements like Sebastian’s exaggerated accent and certain tropes about good and evil characters have sparked discussions on representation and stereotype in animation.

Still, most agree that the film’s heart, humour, and artistry remain compelling and significant.

Conclusion

The Little Mermaid is not just a milestone in animation history—it’s a luminous tale of longing, identity, and transformation. With unforgettable characters, an emotional and musical richness, and ground-breaking animation, the film earned its place in the pantheon of great American films. It is both a nostalgic treasure and a work of lasting artistic value.