Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Disney's full-length animated feature The Little Mermaid, is based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen story and has some scary moments. The sea witch grows into a giant and wields a trident in a climatic scene. Also, a bloodthirsty French chef merrily chases after Sebastian the crab with a cleaver, hoping to make him the main course. Parents may also want to keep in mind that Ariel is a very popular Disney princess, whose brand reaches far and wide, with branding on consumer merchandise, food products, etc. as well as in books, websites, and other media.
Sexual
Content
The entire movie revolves around Ariel's crush on Prince Eric and her desire to be with him. One sweet-natured song is all about getting a kiss out of Prince Eric.
Violence
Ariel's father is imprisoned by the cruel sea witch, Ursula, who also grows larger than a ship and tries to crush it wielding a giant trident. Ursula brags about all the mermaids she's imprisoned and those "poor unfortunate souls" are shown shrunken down and sad. A French chef runs around the kitchen after Sebastian the crab with a cleaver and merrily chops up other fish. Eric almost drowns when his ship sinks in stormy waters. Ursula dies rather dramatically in the end.
Language
Not applicable
Social
Behavior
This movie places high value on romance and the concept of true love -- Ariel is so enamored with Prince Eric that she sacrifices everything, from her family to her voice, in order to be part of his world. Many think this storyline is problematic because it reinforces the idea that a woman should give up her pursuits and opinions in deference to a man. But others can put this concept aside to enjoy the sweetness of the central character and the universal challenges of love.
Consumerism
Ariel is a very popular Disney princess, whose brand reaches far and wide, with princess branding on consumer merchandise, food products, etc. as well as in books, websites, and other media.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
