The Hunchback Of Notre Dame Reviews

VICTOR HUGO'S CLASSIC IS FLAWLESS

I am a huge Walt Disney fan and have seen mostly all the films. this was released when i was little and is really a great movie. based on the story by Victor Hugo. the film starts with a young gypsy mother with a baby in a bundle who is raised by an evil Judge named Claude Frollo. the child is given a cruel name which means ' half formed' and that name is Quasimodo{Tom Hulce- Amadeus}and the tale is really moving. basically the film sees how Qausimodo is locked from everyone else in Paris within the Notre Damne Cathedral's bell tower because Frollo believes he will scare everyone off{it would also ruin Frollo's reputation.} meanwhile there is this gypsy girl named Esmerelda{ Demi Moore} who is the only person who really is sincerely kind to Quasimodo. then we have Frollo's knight Phoebus{Kevin Kline} who's named after Phoebus Apollo in Greek myth. the film sees Phoebus fall in love with Esemerelda. Esmerelda isn't fond of Phoebus but becomes his friend in time. Quasimodo also has some gargoyle friends named after the book's author: Victor & Hugo are joined by a third gargoyle named Leverne, she is funny. Hugo is hilarious. great songs. great story. why not see it today? you won't be dissapointed!

Superb Film

For once a children's film that lives up to your expectations of it. The graphics are amazing, especially of the Cathedral. The music is wonderful with the lead characters singing in enchanting voices. Above all, though, is the story which, based as it is on the famous novel, can't be beaten. What is beauty? What is evil? Can outcasts defeat the system? It's a truly inspiring film and one you will want to watch with you children time and time again. My children are 3 and 6 and there are strong scenes in this film that you might want to watch with them the first time: a baby threatened with being thrown in a well; a 'witch' on a stake about to be burnt alive, but explained carefully, these only add to the great drama of this film and make it something beyond the useful patronising stuff made for children.

Superb film, will be watched over and over.

A darker story than usual for disney...

...and a surprisingly faithful retelling of Victor Hugo's classic tale (if you overlook the required comic relief in the form of 3 talking gargoyles), leaving in many of its darkest elements such as the cruelty endured by Quasimodo and the sexual obsession Frollo develops for Esmerelda and it is a better film because of it. There is still plenty to keep small children entertained but it is also more likely to appeal to an older audience who will understand many things which will be overlooked by children. In addition to being an excellent story, it is worth watching just for some of the songs, in particular, the beautiful 'God Help the Outcasts', which is so good that I bought the soundtrack just to get a copy.

one not to be missed by the kids

it is a very good film for the kids and big kids.

well done disney

[Highly rated reviewer]

Disney does Broadway!!!

I loved this movie at the cinema and I love it on DVD. The only thing is, it's a heavy duty musical which adults will love and kids (young) will get up and leave. Perhaps from about 7+ they'll sit for it, but anything younger and you're just wasting your time.

If you are an animation fan and you like spectacle then rent this epic musical. Excellent!

Not one of the best Disney titles but definitely still worth renting. For over 4's only I would say. Great music score.

Excellent

Guaranteed to keep the children quiet, no matter what their ages. This cartoon film is excellent entertainment.

Fantastic

My daughter really enjoyed this movie

Average Disney

Not one of Disney's best from this period (Lion King/Aladdin are better) but still entertaining. A bit dark for my three year old but she still enjoyed it.

Hunch Back.... Hunch Back !!

Ooops my bad, kids already have this on VHS, still a top Disney movie though (according to the kids!).