The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Firstly, I do understand the message being portrayed here. Yes, Quasimodo & Esmerelda are both outcasts and heroes in this film, and that is indeed a good thing. I also liked the fact that (spoilers!) Esmerelda does not fall in love with Quasimodo at the end, because that would have been just a little too unrealistic for me. I liked the ending. I also didn't have any particular problem with Esmerelda's dress or behaviour, as this could easily be explained to a child as a type of cultural dress (although some parents should be aware that they may find Esmerelda's dress and dancing very provocative). BUT, I will not be showing this film to my daughter until she is a teenager, and frankly probably not at all (she probably won't be interested by then anyway). The reason for this is largely because of the villian of the piece, Frollo, and his violent obsession with Esmerelda. As adults, we can watch and more or less understand (though hopefully not identify with!) a character whose obsessive desire leads them to viciously hate the object of their lust rather than to love her. But I do not feel that this is something a child can deal with or understand, nor do I feel they should be expected to. I have seen that some reviewers have spoken of this element of the film "going over kids' heads", but I suspect a lot less goes over our kids' heads than we would like to think. I think the Hellfire song would be very confusing and disturbing to most small children, and even some older ones. I can't imagine why they put it in, to be honest - it just isn't appropriate for a children's movie in my opinion, and it wasn't necessary to the plot at all. If you do let your kids watch this movie, be well prepared for questions on this issue. The film is also quite violent for a kids' movie - in one scene, an innocent family (with children) is locked into their home, which is then burned down (much screaming etc) - although they are rescued from the house, they still lose their home, which I think would scare my daughter a lot. The scariness/violence level may be okay for some kids, I don't know - my daughter is still little, and even for her age is quite sensitive to scary things. But seriously, this movie should NOT be G-rated. You should vet this first, and make your own judgement for your own kids.

I just finished watching this movie, and I have to say that it's the most mature Disney movie. Esmeralda wears revealing clothes for that time period. And then there's Frollo, who has to be the most terrifying Disney villain ever. The whole movie is intense, and there's also cursing. I was suprised they let "d-mn" into a Disney movie. The "H-llfire" sequence was intense and is about lusting after Esmeralda and hell, which is also a surprise for a Disney movie. However, it's a good movie, don't let it turn you off.

This is one of my favorite Disney films, and that is saying something because its REALLY hard for me to choose. It's a dark film, but also very heartfelt. You can completely feel for Quasi, and he is so sweet too. I loved this film from beginning to end. When it comes to violence..there's loads: A mother dying, a baby nearly thrown down a well, swordfights, things being thrown around, being tied and gagged with ropes (I nearly cried seeing that scene with Quasi) nearly being stabbed, arrow shot at back, falling into a bit of lava... but, it made it interesting to watch :) For sex: Esmeralda dances a little iffy, but not too bad. She shows a little cleavage, but nothing really scandalis about it. There's a few kisses, the villan of the film lusts for Esmeralda. Language: 'Hell'- but as a place. Esmeralda said "sneaky son of a-" but Pheobus told her to watch it, she was in a church. A few threats. Drugs/Alcohal: The towns people are seen drinking grog at a festival. But I would hardly hesitate to show this film to 'my' children. It's a little much to take in at first, but you and your kids may love it if you get past your up-tight attitudes. Besides, they could have done what they did in the book: A majority of characters died- but, they didn't. So watch the movie :)