You are here:

Tarzan

Name: Tarzan
Director: Chris Buck, Kevin Lima
Released: 1999
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

1999

Director

Chris Buck, Kevin Lima

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Tarzan balances traditional demographic structures with progressive themes. It deconstructs the divide between civilization and nature, critiquing extractive capitalism through its antagonist, Clayton. However, the film remains limited by its Western-centric human cast and a conventional romantic arc. While it avoids harmful racial caricatures, the lack of diverse human identities narrows the representation. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its critique of Western expansionism, presenting it as a source of systemic disruption.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Tarzan have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a traditional framework where everyone is assumed to be straight or cisgender. There are no non-traditional gender identities represented.

How does Tarzan portray gender?

Good

Jane Porter acts as an intellectual peer with scientific expertise, challenging traditional stereotypes of submissive women in period animation.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tarzan?

Limited

The human cast is portrayed from a Western, Anglo-centric perspective. While it avoids harmful racial caricatures, the lack of non-white actors limits the diversity.

How does Tarzan represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques Western institutions and colonial exploitation. It portrays the arrival of civilization as a destructive force against the natural order.

Does Tarzan include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Disability is not used as a narrative device or plot point.

Present on Screen

Jane Porter challenges gender stereotypes through her scientific expertise and intellectual independence.
The film offers a sophisticated critique of colonialist exploitation and predatory commercialism.
The narrative avoids harmful racial caricatures while highlighting the indigenous ecosystem.

Limited or Absent

The human cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining predominantly Anglo-centric.
The romantic arc follows a conventional framework without any queer representation.
There is a lack of representation for characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Tarzan was a small orphan who was raised by an ape named Kala since he was a child. He believed that this was his family, but on an expedition Jane Porter is rescued by Tarzan. He then finds out that he's human. Now Tarzan must make the decision as to which family he should belong to...

How are these scores produced? →