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The Little Mermaid

Name: The Little Mermaid
Director: Ivan Aksenchuk
Released: 1968
Duration: 28 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1968

Director

Ivan Aksenchuk

Runtime

28 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ivan Aksenchuk’s 1968 animation is a classic character-driven fantasy rooted in European folklore. It succeeds in giving its female lead a sense of purpose and autonomy, moving her beyond a mere romantic interest. However, the film remains tethered to the conventional formulas of its era. The narrative lacks complexity by focusing on a singular, traditional romantic pursuit within a culturally homogeneous setting. While the film offers a unique perspective through its observational fish character, it does not challenge systemic social structures or provide diverse representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Little Mermaid have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story follows a traditional romantic arc centered on a mermaid and a prince. There is no explicit evidence of queer identities or non-straight relationships within the narrative.

How does The Little Mermaid portray gender?

Fair

The protagonist plays a significant role in driving the story by making life-altering decisions. Her desire to become human is driven by her own moral compass and active choice rather than passive reaction.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Little Mermaid?

Limited

Set in Copenhagen, the film focuses on a European folk tale. The cast appears homogeneous, reflecting the setting without evidence of ethnic blending or diverse casting.

How does The Little Mermaid represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film utilizes a traditional fairy tale framework. A cynical fish character provides a detached, observational critique of human customs, adding a layer of subjective morality to the story.

Does The Little Mermaid include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this production.

Present on Screen

The female protagonist demonstrates strong individual ability to act and moral conviction.
The inclusion of a cynical fish character offers a unique, critical perspective on human behavior.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, remaining strictly tied to its European setting.
The narrative follows traditional romantic clichés without exploring queer identities or subtext.

Official Synopsis

Rusalochka opens in modern day Copenhagen, Denmark. Several tourists gather around the capital's famous mermaid statue, as a tour guide explains its significance. A fish in the water below the tourists scoffs at their foolishness, and then, proceeds to tell about the doomed love of the mermaid. Upon reaching her 15th birthday, the Little Mermaid is allowed to swim up to the surface above. As soon as she does, however, the Mermaid spots a young prince caught up in a dreadful storm. She admires the man's bravery and decides to save him, declaring that, "The beautiful and the brave should not perish." After the mermaid returns to the ocean, she decides that she wants to become human.

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