Tarzan
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Tarzan
Disney's "Tarzan" (1999) is an animated adventure-drama film that retells the classic story of a boy raised by gorillas in the African jungle after his human parents are killed. The narrative follows Tarzan's struggle with his identity as he navigates life between his ape family and the arrival of other humans, particularly Jane Porter. The film is known for its groundbreaking animation, especially the 'Deep Canvas' technology, and its Academy Award-winning soundtrack by Phil Collins. It explores themes of family, belonging, loyalty, and the conflict between human civilization and the natural world, aiming to be a cross-generational appeal while being accessible to children.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains significant instances of implied and on-screen violence, including several deaths of main characters. The violence often involves animal attacks, hunting, and physical confrontations, which can be intense for younger viewers. While gore is largely absent, the emotional impact of the deaths is present.
1. The film opens with the implied death of Tarzan's biological parents, who are attacked and killed by the leopard Sabor. Later, Kerchak's biological child is also killed by Sabor, shown through the mother gorilla, Kala, finding the cub's deceased body. 2. Tarzan engages in a fierce and prolonged fight with Sabor, ultimately killing the leopard. Later, Kerchak is fatally shot by Clayton, leading to an emotionally impactful death scene where Tarzan cradles him.
Scary & Intense Content
The movie contains several intense and potentially frightening sequences, primarily involving dangerous animals and confrontations with human antagonists. The themes of loss and death can also contribute to the intensity for younger viewers.
Anti-Christian Themes
Christian reviews highlight concerns about underlying philosophical messages in "Tarzan" (1999) that are perceived as promoting evolutionary concepts and self-reliance over explicit faith in God. The film's emphasis on "two worlds, one family" and songs promoting belief in oneself are identified as potentially conflicting with Christian teachings.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 6+ with parental guidance for children aged 6-8, due to several intense and potentially frightening scenes involving animal attacks and death, as well as complex thematic elements related to identity and philosophical messages that may require discussion.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that while the film is rated G, its themes of loss, identity, and the intense action sequences warrant discussion with younger children. The philosophical undertones regarding creation and self-reliance, as noted by Christian reviewers, may also be points for parental discernment and conversation after viewing.
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