Hunchback of Notre Dame vs. Hercules

[Jazzy]

In the 1990's I think these are probably the least memorable of all the films. I'm not to fond of either, and I was wondering which of these you thought was better and why?

I prefer Hunchback, though I'm probably in the minority on this. Hercules I though was boring and ridiculously meaningless and stupid. I like the song Go the Distance thats about it. Hunchback on the other hand I feel has a depth to it, though it is probably one of the most depressing movies ever. I like Frollo as a villain too, I think he's not a typical Disney villians. I love how they try to passively tell you that he lusts for Esmeralda sooo unDisney like but I love it!

[Random Prince]

I agree that these were the worst of the 90's. I've been putting off watching Hunchback for years and years cos I remember it being pretty intense (for a Disney movie anyway ) but I know I absolutely hated Hercules when I saw it! I remember there were good songs but the story was just stupid. So I guess I like Hunchback better.

[UmbrellaFish]

I enjoyed both The Hunchback and Hercules. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is just a really good movie, and I've been waiting for Disney to finally make it into a Broadway play.
Hercules is good, I liked the bright colors, and one of my favorite things in the world are Greek and Roman myths.

[seaking89]

I prefer Hercules over the Hunchback of Notre Dame because I felt Quasimodo's story was too dark for a Disney film while Hercules was the kind of story we've come to expect from Disney, light, fun, and upbeat.

[emily]

As much as I adore Hercules, I have to go with the Hunchback. It's always been one of my all time favorite Disney movies. It's true that it's pretty dark, but I mean, there are dark themes in other Disney movies. I can't really think of any right now, but I was talking to a lady working at the Disney store a little while back, and she was talking about how older movies like Dumbo and Pinnachio were actually kind of dark.

Anyway, back on topic, I think the Hunchback sends a really good message to kids. People today are still cruel to people with any physical differences. I actually wrote a whole paper on this in English, because my brother is disabled, and I know going out with him people just stare like he's an alien. So, the movie shows that even people who are considered "different" have feelings too, they're normal people.

[Random Prince]

dreamerofthesea said:

I think the Hunchback sends a really good message to kids. People today are still cruel to people with any physical differences. I actually wrote a whole paper on this in English, because my brother is disabled, and I know going out with him people just stare like he's an alien. So, the movie shows that even people who are considered "different" have feelings too, they're normal people.

This is going to sound terrible, but I have to disagree. I watched Hunchback as a child and was so bewildered by it (mainly the religious aspects) that I didn't get any kind of message. I remember all of my friends who went to see it didn't enjoy it or learn from it either, which is such a shame because the message you are talking about is SO important!

What I do agree with is your views on disability. I have some very close friends with disabilities and you're absolutely right, they are sometimes treated like aliens instead of the wonderful human beings they really are. And the reason is ignorance. Children need to be better educated about disability and given the chance to understand. I think Hunchback had the potential to make a big difference, but for me it was a letdown.

[tnadav1]

Hercules for sure .
I hate Hunchback espically Esmeralda,she dumped Quasi just because he "looks like a "monster and off she went to blondie she should have died .

[Deleted]

Well, I think both are two of the best Disney movies (with TLM and BatB) but I will choose Hercules because I think it´s very funny.

[WishesAndDreams]

Both are wonderful but I have to say Hunchback - I love its message, the music, and the shots of Notre Dame and Paris are sooo amazing
I love Hercules because...I do XD I love the Gospel-style of music, and I think the story was really sweet

[emily]

I just watched the Hunchback the whole way through for the first time in a few years I think, and I forgot how powerful and moving it is. I mean, just the opening to the movie, that line Clopin sings, "Who is the monster and who is the man?" Really, really powerful.

I get what you're saying Random, I think for most little kids the whole message of the movie kind of gets lost. Since it is a big concept. Not just the whole accepting people with physical anomalies, but all the religion and other stuff going on. Hellfire was intense man! I forgot about that whole thing with Frollo and Esmeralda. Ick!

I think it is good for kids to at least be exposed to it though. I mean, I grew up with my brother who as I've said before is physically and mentally disabled, so seeing the movie I already understood that people who are "different" are people with feelings too. But a lot of kids grow up never being around people who have disabilities, so when they see someone they react... inappropriately. I've been around ADULTS who stare at my brother almost in disgust. It just really shows society has a lot of growing up to do.

Just a side thought going along with the Hunchback... I'm so disappointed they got rid of the show at Disney. :[ That was my favorite show, they did such an awesome job on it. Oh well. *shrugs*

[Random Prince]

Apr 26, 2008 15:21:20 GMT -5 emily said:

I get what you're saying Random, I think for most little kids the whole message of the movie kind of gets lost. Since it is a big concept. Not just the whole accepting people with physical anomalies, but all the religion and other stuff going on.

Just a side thought going along with the Hunchback... I'm so disappointed they got rid of the show at Disney. :[ That was my favorite show, they did such an awesome job on it. Oh well. *shrugs*

Yeah, it's all the religious stuff! It's a lot to take in and definitely not what you expect when you go to see a Disney movie. I guess they didn't want to dumb any any of the messages down and that's fair enough, but it makes it difficult for kids to understand. I should watch it again soon. I think I'd probably get it now.

I agree about the show at MGM!!! I didn't get to see the whole thing cos we were just passing by and it was way too hot to stick around, but it looked amazing.

[Aquisha]

I love both movies dearly (I think Hercules has some of the best music of any Disney movie and that Hunchback is the most beautiful film they ever made), but I think I'll have to go with Hunchback as my favorite of the two. As much as I want to be a muse in some live performance of Hercules, Hunchback is just an absolutely gorgeous film!

I hated it too when it first came out, but I highly recommend that people watch it again. Honestly, a ten year old can't understand what that movie is and no, it's not meant for small children. Should Disney not have made it then? Absolutely not. They went on a limb once (and they probably won't do it again for those who hate the movie) but still, they made something stunning.

Like I said, if when you first watched it, the movie was weird and dark, watch it again and try to take it as an animated film more than a "Disney movie". It might make all the difference.

[Random Prince]

Apr 28, 2008 21:03:49 GMT -5 Aquisha said:

Like I said, if when you first watched it, the movie was weird and dark, watch it again and try to take it as an animated film more than a "Disney movie". It might make all the difference.

That's exactly what I'm thinking, but to me it will always be a missed opportunity to teach millions of kids something really important.

[gorgona]

Even though i am Greek.I like Hunch Back better.Hercules was not at all like the real myth.I like disney films with more depth.

[Rena Bam Bena x3]

I like Hercules but Hunchback is amazing. I never realized how amazing it is; the music & the storyline! I've always like it but never have understand it as well as I do now

[Random Prince]

I watched Hunchback this morning. It was really good! I could see why I found it hard to understand as a young child and I still think it's a shame Disney didn't do a movie to communicate such important messages to kids when they had the chance, but I think they did the best they could have done with the Hunchback story. The animation was very impressive and the music was good too.

[stephhthemermaidd]

I actually am very fond of Hercules.
To me I was little when this came out, so I adored it. I just liked Meg.
I never understood the Hunchback when I was that little and I hated the part when Quasimodo got beaten.

[Frodo]

wow. my two favorite movies there are so many things i can say about both of them and how great and wonderful they are but i'm so lazy. maybe i'll come back to this post and edit it when i feel inspired

[toons27]

I prefer the Hunchback of Notre Dame. IT was a great movie. B/c I was little when I saw it in theaters, I didn't like it but thinking back now I appreciate it more. My mom enjoyed it when she saw it in theaters.
I don't like Hercules, because the movie was not true to everyting that happened in greek mythology! They messed up a lot facts about it. Most of the scenes were very awkard, cheesy, and scary!

[fathomsbelow]

Hercules. The movie IMPROVED Greek mythology and made it suitable, and teaches kids about Greek mythology. Seriously, real Greek mythology can be nasty--you don't wanna go there..though a lot of it is really good. They had to edit it..it just wouldn't be appropriate for children.
I don't like the Hunchback nearly as much. Hercules is like my number one fav Disney movie besides Beauty and the Beast and TLM. I think Hercules has an awesome love theme, and a touching story. I mean, both Hercules and Meg literally DIED FOR EACH OTHER. DIED! It can get more touching than that. The story also teaches you strength isn't everything, and follow your dreams. I love the songs--Go the Distance is great, and I Won't Say I'm in Love may well be my favorite song. The Muses rock, hands down. Meg just makes it awesomer
When I was younger I didn't understand Hunchback, and I don't like it as much because of its dark themes( good think Disney bounced back the next year with Hercules )
It has its good points, like looks aren't everything, but I really think Frollo looks monstrous on the outside too( snicker ). But I do like the story. Quasi is an amazing person, and I did feel sorry for him when Esmerelda chose Phoebus( seriously, he's not that great, and worse in the book ).
Anyway, Hercules is awesome.