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The Little Mermaid
1989
GDirector
Ron Clements, John Musker
Runtime
83 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters -- including the villainous sea witch Ursula.
Where to Watch
Diversity & Representation
Overall Score
Limited
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
Gender Representation
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Religious & Cultural Diversity
Disability Representation
Strengths
- Ariel possesses significant personal agency in her quest to explore the human world.
- The film features high production values and classical, memorable storytelling.
Areas for Improvement
- The narrative fails the Bechdel test, as female interactions center on male characters.
- The human world lacks racial and ethnic diversity, presenting a monolithic Western view.
- The film reinforces patriarchal structures and traditional gender hierarchies.
- There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent characters.
AI Analysis
The Little Mermaid is a quintessential example of traditionalist fairy-tale storytelling. It relies heavily on established archetypes and restorative arcs that validate conventional social hierarchies rather than challenging them. The narrative prioritizes heteronormative romance and Eurocentric human archetypes. While Ariel is a proactive protagonist, her agency is ultimately funneled into a traditional romantic pursuit, reinforcing existing gender roles. Ultimately, the film lacks intentionality regarding diverse identities. It functions as a classic specimen of the Disney Renaissance, focusing on universalized Western tropes rather than systemic subversion.