The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a movie I missed out on as a kid and it’s only until now that I’ve gotten around to watching it. I forgot it was based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. Though I’m sure this Disney version is much “happier” than its source material. I haven’t read the book.
The story first shows us Frollo, an official in Paris with ties to the government and the church. His hatred of gypsies is clear and after killing a young mother, he tries to drown her deformed infant. But a priest compels him to spare the child and “adopt” him as a “son.”
The boy becomes Quasimodo, a hideous Hunchback who tends to the bell tower of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral. The only person he sees is Frollo and he often wants a better life. But Frollo warns him that it’s an evil world out there.
Quasimodo soon puts all his fears away after he meets Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy woman. But she will soon catch the eye of Frollo, who will find every reason to condemn her. Quasimodo falls in love with her, but can anyone love a Hunchback?
Overall, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to watch the movie. It’s got a wonderful story and plenty of excellent songs as well. It might not be the greatest work by Disney but it’s among the best.
Score: A-
My little brother used to watch this one all the time.
I haven’t seen this one.