Quasimodo saw Esmeralda as an angel (Heaven's Light), while Frollo saw her as a devil tempting him to sin (Hellfire). Phoebus was the only one to see her for who she really was and accepted what being with her actually meant.
And I'm glad that Quasi saw that although she loved him, it was a friendship and nothing more. Most people thought that that was stupid because 'Oh, so Quasi doesn't get a girlfriend because he's treated like an ugly monster', and I'm just...no, it's character. Esmerelda doesn't go with Quasi because he's ugly. She doesn't go with Quasi because he's a friend. That's enough for him. And I love that! Sorry for the rant... I just saw somewhere that someone hated that Quasi didn't get with a girl, and the reason was because he's ugly.
@sinfulsoul-2003 Honeslty, same. Although I'm a hopeless romantic, I love my friendships even more. I don't exactly need a romance, my friends are awesome, I love them as such and I will cherish them...
@@bluewolf6323 To be fair, there's some truth to the idea that she doesn't go with him because he's ugly. People do tend to end up with people who they naturally find physically attractive, and someone like Quasimodo is not very likely to be found attractive by anyone from the outset. Personally, I like that they don't end up together because it doesn't create an unrealistic expectation. Finding reciprocal romantic love for someone like Quasimodo is going to be significantly harder than for someone like Phoebus. And I feel like this movie does a good job at showing that although that's painful, you can still be happy without that, and friendship is more important.
You know, this story is based on a book written in 19th century by Victor Hugo.. original story is MUCH more darker than the movie is. Cause in the original book, Esmeralda dies and Quasimodo is later "found" dead, hugging her body in her grave. Yes, the book doesn't have a good ending.
Also frollo is the arch deacon of Notre Dame, not some random "judge". Also, Phoebus isn't actually the noble hero. Disney took hella creative liberties. 🤣
Following this, The Little Mermaid, and Hercules among others, I read a humorous article years ago that talked about what certain stories would be like if Disney got a hold of them. Like in Moby Dick the whale and Ahab would understand their differences and become great friends.
Yeah, it's part of a latin prayer called 'Confiteor', which is a prayer for confession. You can hear it through most of the song. Makes you wonder if Frollo is subconsiously aware that he's lying to himself.
The crowd scene is so deeply disturbing. Because You can actually imagine it happening: Huge crowd, high emotions, lots of alcohol - the mood can change to friggin quickly, it is _scary_
I find that scene more upsetting and disturbing now than when I was a kid. The mob mentality, the public humiliation, how the people mock and laugh at him and thereby crush his dream of getting to spend ONE DAY among them like a regular guy, and also proving to Quasi that Frollo was right all along and people would never accept him. If it wasn't for Esmeralda befriending him later on he would probably have stayed cooped up in the belltower, avoiding people for the rest of his life. I just had no frame of reference to understand exactly how cruel and soul-crushing that scene was until I got older.
@@PugsleyThePearAnd I think the worst part of it is the "Frolow was correct" part. Because the sad things is that when Frollo says: "You are deformed and you are ugly and _These are crimes for which the world has littly pity_" and "Out there they'll revile you as a monster, out there they will hate and scorn and jeer" he isn't entirely wrong. He is wrong to make Quasimodo feel like that is _his_ responsibilty, but he isn't entirely wrong that humanity, as a collective can be incredibly cruel to those who are different. The thing that Frollo cannot understand ist that humanity and humans are two different things. Individual humans will be kind to him, treat him well, love him even. But humanity, as a collective especially in huge groups will probably be dismissive at best and cruel at worst. And this is the monstreous thing Frollo did: He took the choice from Quasimoddo. The choice to bear humanity, for the love of the few kind ones or to turn his back on humanity and live his life without any love at all. I personally think that the love of the few is worth it, always. But Quasi never even got the choice, _abd_ when he gets it in the end, he does choose the first. He does choose to keep the love of those people in his life, even if it may entail unpleasant encounters along the way.
@@peterlewis2178actually when I was a kid this scene terrified me so much I felt it like it was what they were doing, even the tomato juice on his face felt like blood flooding. Watched it since a 8-9 kid and in french. It’s the only disney I know that sounds so much more linguistically distinguished in french
Frollo, praying: Beata Maria, please make that evil witch vanish!! St. Mary: Sure thing, dude! (Soldier tells Frollo that Esmeralda vanished) Frollo: I'm gonna find her even if I have to burn all of Paris!!! St. Mary: 😐 Why did I even bother....
I also think the guard was an angel or holy being. His voice was deep and commanding, not matching with any guard we had seen. They were giving Frolo the chance to course correct and he didn't.
@@DevilfishFaceand note the almost angelic blue color that shines into Frollo's demonic red environment. He was given a choice by God himself and he rejected it for his own selfish reasons.
Frollo is literally the darkest Disney villain, in just five minutes he jailed innocent people, killed a mother and almost drowned a baby. He wasn't playing around, and his song Hellfire is just his narcisism speaking out, saying blasfemy after blasfemy trying to justify that he feels what any other man would. When the guard interrupted the song, that indeed was the answer he just asked, giving him one last chance to avoid his dark fate, but he doubled down and in the end he called god himself to punish him when he said "and he shall smite the wicked and send them into the fiery pit". Frollo isn't just a Disney villain, is THE Disney villain.
Also the gargoyles (the ones that serve to drain rain water away from the building) spewing lava became some creepy foreshadowing to real life. It happened in 2019 when Notre Dame burned, it melted the gutters the gargoyles began spewing molten metal 😬 That was... horrifying, to say the least!
No way, really?! I was really sad to learn about the fire at Notre Dame when it happened. I'm glad I was watching the Olympics opening ceremony on TV live when the bells rang again for the first time. It really lifted my heart. So much work went into restoring it. You should see the guy who was in charge of the restoration - he has tattoos all over him of details from Notre Dame
Frollo actually is not a religious leader, he's a judge. While he believes himself to he acting on behalf of the church, he's not a priest, and it's the priest in this story who acts as the counterpoint to that worldview.
@PHSDM104 That actually fits. At the time Disney was still leaning fairly heavily into religion. Can't have the church be viewed in a negative light, so they made him a judge instead of a deacon.
@@ApinofArc Also makes more sense with the power Frollo has in the city. Contrary to popular belief a priest setting fire to Paris like that would have been facing consequences from the church and the king.
You may recall the voice actor of Frollo, Tony Jay - he had a small voice part as the man who runs the Asylum, where Gaston tries to ship Belle's father off to in Beauty and The Beast. He was known for his distinct, deep, baritone voice so he often was given villain voice roles. Speaking of Beauty and The Beast, Disney included a 'blink and you'll miss it' cameo of Belle during 'Out There', when Quasimodo looks down into the square, you see her walking.
He did his own singing for this role too (not always the case for Disney voice acting). He actually wanted a lower final note in "Hellfire," he didn't think he could hit it. Alan Menken was like "nah, just take a couple extra singing lessons, you got this." And then he absolutely did have it!
12:20 or so: it's called "Mob mentality" where someone starts something (usually negative in connotation) and suddenly everyone is getting in on the act whether it's because they find it funny, just caught up in the moment, or don't want to be singled out as being a "kill-joy" or go against everyone else.
The fact that Frollo's portrayal its how some people are till this day speaks to how much we can project our own sins/failures onto others all the while pretending we are above it. The famous glass ceiling of it all fascinates me
He is a very similar character to the pharisee on Jesus' parable of the tax collector and the pharisee- a "sinner" being more justified because he understands the depth of his sin over someone who has an incorrect and overinflated sense of their own righteousness
Frollo is one of the most realistic Disney villains, a "holy" man who justifies his horrible actions with religious fervor, and that makes him the scariest Disney villain as well. He's pretty much what we now call an "incel," and he believes he has a divine right to be that way. Scary shit. As an aside, anyone who enjoyed "Hellfire" should check out the metal cover by Jonathan Young. It is EPIC and highlights just how disturbing Frollo's obsession is.
Notice how during Hellfire he literally gets what he wants, Esmerelda is missing, she's gone. He could've left it at that, but he immediately turns around and pursues her.
Ah, the old tale. If a righteous man like Frollo is unable to control his urges, it MUST be the "witches" fault. He can not do wrong so she must be controlled. I think I only watched it once but had an audio cassette retelling the story that included the songs that I used to listen to as a kid. It's so tragic though and hard to stomach. I believe the original novel was much much worse.
This movie was so underrated! The most operatic animated musical, IMO. Something most people miss is that Frollo's prayer to be free of her is actually immediately answered when the soldier comes to tell him Esmerelda is gone at 22:18, but he immediately vows to track her down instead. Another way his prayer is self-serving and insincere.
I think that is not even a soldier, but God or one of his angels showing up. The voice is soothing unlike what we heard from the soliders before and the blue light surrounding him is another hint. Plus how would the soldiers know that hd was not in the cathedral? They were all guarding it outside and even if they went in to check it is a huge building so they couldn't have possibly known if she was there or not.
I just realized, after all these years... Frolo patronizes Quasimodo over believing the gargoyles can move and talk. He dies after seeing a gargoyle head glare and growl at him. Poetic justice. Every part of his death is poetic justice.
"Quasi, take it from an old spectator. Life's not a spectator sport. If watchin' is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya." Fun Fact: Director Gary Trousdale voiced The Old Heretic. Location Location Fact: To stay consistent to the architecture and details of Notre Dame, animators spent several weeks in and around the actual cathedral. They were given office space at the recently-opened Disneyland Paris in the interim. Historical Fact: Several times during the film there are references to a war. The conflict in question was the Hundred Years' War between England and France, that engulfed all Europe from 1337 to 1453 and also involved Portugal, Scotland, Genoa, Navarra, Aragon, Bohemia, Brittany, Castille, Aquitaine, and Burgundy. Ultimately, it was won by France and the reigning House of Valois. Music Enthusiast Fact: The song Hellfire (1996) is considered one of the darkest songs written for a Disney film, and was nearly cut from the film. For the scene where Judge Frollo (Tony Jay) sings "Hellfire" and sees Esmeralda (Demi Moore) dancing in the fire before him, the MPAA insisted that the Disney animators make Esmeralda's clothing more well-defined, as she seemed nude.
There are a couple frames where those "clothes" on Esmeralda aren't super defined that appear as if she strips them off briefly, at least implied by the movements of her arms and hands. That's the most risque they could go but tbh I think her dancing figure and how he interacts with the smoke tells what you need to know. Brilliant animation!
Extra fact to add to the Music Enthusiast fact: Hellfire was recorded, animated, and presented by the team as a fait accompli for addition to the film. It was put in, and later regretted, but the movie had already been released. The song scared Disney the company so much that they didn't do another villain song for 8 YEARS, finally putting one in Home on the Range: Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-Oo, sung by Alameda Slim.
It's funny that you mention Jafar because Frollo's voice actor, Tony Jay, originally auditioned to be Jafar. Jonathan Freeman ultimately got the part, but Disney was so impressed with Tony's audition that they kept him in mind for a future role... so when it came time to cast Frollo, they gave him a call to offer him the part.
ooh, Scar? I never got that vibe but maybe I was too young. I only got power-hungry jealousy of Mufasa, but I'm sure coveting everything of someone can mean... "everything". 😵💫 Totally agree on Jafar.
@@gpcheng87 there's a scene although it's been a long time it might have been a deleted scene where he talks to Simba's mom, and he says something of the effect she's never allowed to mention Mufasa's name. Also just as a lion, he gets all the females since he's the only grown male.
there was also some dialogue in live action lion king that hinted more at this and I wish they expanded that in the live action to give it something fresh @@gpcheng87
The Hellfire sequence of Esmeralda in the fireplace flames and smoke was one of the integral animated visuals that made me want to be an animator growing up. I was 12 when this movie released, and that was when I started seriously buckling down to improve my drawing skills. Life took some twists and turns (like Disney shutting down their Florida studio my freshman year of art school followed by all of their traditional animation in general) and I ended up becoming an illustrator instead of an animator. After 15+ years in the industry I still love what I do, though, and it all started with the Disney Renaissance films of the '90s. 😊 And that fireplace scene STILL enchants me.✨
I just wanted to ask if you have been watching any of the indie produced hand-drawn animated series? Most popular are of course Hazbin Hotel (the Pilot) and Helluva Boss, but there are other less known shows like Lackadaisy and Monkey Wrench with less crude type of humour. Lackadaisy is currently in production for a full season and the work they do is amazing. There are some 3D assets mixed seemlessly with the 2D characters and backgrounds. You can see their pilot and 2 vignettes (shorts) on their youtube channel to see what I love about it. Monkey Wrench also has an amazing quality to it, and feels like a cartoon from the 2000s. Sadly they haven't gotten the recognition they needed, so they are having to cut the amount of animations just so they aren't underpaying their artists...
The Bells of Notre Dame is almost inarguably the most viscerally powerful piece of music Disney ever composed. When it hits those high notes before the choir kicks in with the "aah-aah-aah" chorus? So good.
Hellfire is the scariest and most disturbing Disney villain song. Because it is REAL. Women see this and go "yep", because there are real men like this out in the world that every woman has had to deal with at some point. Men who are well-respected in society but prey on woman that they feel owe them something because they are attracted to us. Every day of the week there are men that want to, try to, or DO hurt women physically or emotionally when they are (or feel) rejected. Even without violence, there's even more the "nice guy" trope or "good guy" trope. Men who thinks women should want them "just because" Frollo THINKS he's a good man and therefore deserves to have Esmerelda. Even Quasi makes her into a "savior trope" for him to place all his worth on. (which is why she belongs with Phoebus) What makes Quasimodo better is that he comes to understand that Esmerelda doesn't OWE him romantic love and it would be forced. He accepts that their love is friendship and that that doesn't have to be less meaningful. But yeah, that's why Frollo is SO creepy and scary. Because he's REAL.
Omg yes!!! The representation is so accurate it makes me deeply uncomfortable. It's revolting, disturbing, cringey, horrifying, scary, disgusting all at once because we have LIVED it. I can't watch Frollo's scenes with Esmeralda, it awakens such vivid feelings I recoil in my seat. 😖
I've been waiting for you to get to this, because people are always shocked to find out that *this* material somehow made it into a 90s Disney animated musical. By far my favorite of the decade, best music, best aesthetic, most probing questions, and deeper character complexity. This movie has everything. Sexual fantasies, religion, burning people alive, throwing a baby down a well, the protagonist not getting the girl, and genocide. You know. Light family fare. Can't wait to watch your reaction.
In general, 90s Disney was just a lot more willing to treat kids with maturity (to be fair, that's true of culture in general in the past). I can't even see them making something like The Lion King today, with Mufasa's death. No one meaningful is allowed to die anymore in anything meant to be watched by kids.
@@sunflower-xi5ct If you're interested in her, Lindsay Ellis has a video essay on this movie that traces the history of the book and adaptations all the way to the Disney version. It's an interesting watch.
The original ending for this movie was gonna have Quasimodo stabbed and bleeding out as he asks his friends Esmeralda and Phoebus carry him up to the bell tower so he can ring the bells one last time. the towns people hear them ringing, start cheering for Frollo"s defeat; as Esmeralda and Phoebus start crying over Quasimodo's death. Even people who love the original novel prefer the ending we got to what could have been.
This adaptation is such a wild departure from the source material, and I didn’t know that as a young teen, so I read the original… I was not prepared. This depiction is dark, but it’s got NOTHING on the original.
Yes the music is gorgeous!!! And the lyrics are so skillful. They combine Latin prayer texts with the characters' lines brilliantly, especially in "Hellfire". Frollo claims he is utterly guiltless. In the background, the choir sings the text of confession of sins. Sheer brilliance.
Frollo in the cartoon is not nearly as complex as the version in the book but the Hellfire song really captures the book version after he goes full evil.
I love seeing Christian content creators on here and I love how real your reactions are. Not over the top, not flat and dull, a perfect, genuine reaction is hard to find!
This movie does symbolism really, really well. Did you notice both Phoebus and Esmeralda in white by the end for their innocence and purity? How Frollo cited Scripture with God smiting the wicked before the church herself turned on him? Esmeralda's song for mercy on others against other people's song for blessing for themselves (and luxurious blessing, not sufficient blessing). Frollo's song against the Latin confession showing that in his heart, he knows he's wrong. It's really very dark and depressing if you imagine the gargoyles as Quasimodo talking to himself. I can never decide if I like it better or worse than the church liking Quasimodo like she hates Frollo. I also like how Quasi is able to choose generosity in the end and extend honest friendship to both Esmeralda and Phoebus, despite his prior feelings for Esmeralda. It contrasts beautifully against Frollo, who let his lusts, racism, and rejection consume him. Others have mentioned how the source material is way, way darker. Esmeralda is pretty much the only heroic character in Hugo. Also only raised by Romani and actually blond and born to white people. (I love that they ditched that little plot point.) Naturally, she dies because of the systemic corruption of the world she lives in and the utterly contemptible actions of those in power (which in the source material does include Phoebus). That's Hugo's point. The difference between Quasi's reception when he ventures into the world and Rapunzel's is stark, and it does speak to some guts Disney has lost in the decades since this came out. (This whole movie does, actually.) They are very similar characters-skilled, sensitive, and kind individuals who have been locked up and emotionally abused their entire lives. But Rapunzel has pretty privilege, and when she leaves home, she can sing happiness and compassion into the hearts of hardened criminals. Quasi falls victim to mob violence within his first half hour. I doubt Rapunzel in real life really would have it so easy-but she certainly would have it easier than Quasimodo. I loved your reaction to this. Your attention to the song lyrics and passionate response to the moralities on display was lovely to watch.
We saw a live production too! Our Quasimodo wasn't played by a deaf man. However it is honestly one of the top productions of anything I have ever seen.
When watching this movie shortly after it came out my Mom said something to me that has stuck with me to this day. She told me, "God thought more of Esmeralda's prayer than all those other people in that church. Where all those other people are praying for themselves, she was praying for others." Also I've seen people speak of Belle, but dud you know that if you look at the rugs on one of the washing lines one of them is the Magic Carpet from Aladdin.
This was my favorite disney movie growing up, I related a lot to Quasimodo. And his ending tears me up every time. He didn't really want the girl, glory or anything like that. He just wanted to get out there and be among the people, to be accepted. And the music, oh the music! Out of this world.
I will always point that out: Frollo is considered by many the best Disney villain. There are SO MANY Frollos in this world, that see themselves as pure and do the worst atrocities, not to mention the whole gaslighting. Also, Hellfire is THE BEST Disney villain song (soundtrack was made by the golden duo Alan Menken and Steven Schwartz) ❤
The worst villains of the real world are often not hardened criminals or raving madmen, but people who believe in their causes so much that nothing is off-limits to them in their quest. Their goal is so "pure", so good, that humans cease to matter.
I love how they use the Wizard of oz reference with the birds attacking the guards when the Gargoyle say's fly my pretties, fly. As she laughs. That is totally the wicked witch scene with the flying monkeys. I love it.
I think the most masterful allegory of man and monster in this movie is shown in how Guasi feelings for Esmeralda are “heavens light” and Frollos are “Hells fire”
Also im a second generation Atheist but still respect most religions and have studied them to a certain degree to better understand them but 5 years ago i was sad when Notre Dame burned again and history and artifacts were lost to the fire but now it is repaired and i hope to see it someday and see the craftsmanship of it
Oh, I love the Disney version of hunchback of Notre Dame! Esmeralda is my most number one favorite Disney heroine ever. I especially love her song God help the Outcasts. I especially love her strong spirit, and her kindness towards Quasimodo.
If i remember correctly the actor for Quasimodo was actually found by him performing the song "one day out there" and they fell in love with him and I believe they used his audition for his actual voice in the movie cuz it was so perfect
This always been one of my favorite, had it on VHS as a kid. What makes Frollo the best and most evil villian is how real he is.. No magic power, no turning in to a dragon.. Just human evil.. Burning a family in their house, like WTF dude. Everything is just so real about it, and Quasi talking to the stones, only he sees it.. Maby something in his mind by being isolated for so long. Just.. Its such a great movie with awesome songs.. Glad more people are watching it! First video I see with you, gave you a follow :D
The 'Fly my pretties, fly, fly!' bit is a nod to the Wizard of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West doing the same with her flying monkeys. They even used the same music and sound effects. It's basically a scene for scene recreation, but with a gargoyle and birds instead lol Also I just noticed while watching this, that right at the end when Quasi leaves Notre Dame, you can hear the theme to 'One Day Out There', the song from the beginning that Quasi sung.
I love the off Broadway version of this especially! There’s a song Made Of Stone that Quasi sings near the end that’s CHILLING. the music of this movie is close to unmatched.
6:43 get the girl also I think Esmeralda was singing to Jesus was was also percecuted and crucified for criticizing the local rulers and religion. And Frollo was a judge in this version while in the book he was the archdeacon
When I was a kid, I watched Hunchback of Notre Dame EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Now, as a non-Christian adult, this movie still blows me away. It's one of the most beautiful pieces of art that Disney ever made and I'm always so happy to watch people's reaction to it. It has so much subtext that I didn't pick up when I was younger, which just goes to show how important a film it is for all ages. 💕 Loved listening to your thoughts. 😄
11:43 I vividly remember this moment being the first time I ever felt genuinely unsettled by watching a movie as a kid. The first time a movie made me sad. Not to start crying or anything, just a bad feeling in my gut. I think I was like 7 or 8.
I really adore how this movie contrasts Quasimodo and Frollo. They both feel unrequited feelings towards Esmeralda; Frollo wishing to burn her (and Paris with her) if he can't have her, while Quasi risks his life to save her, and gives his blessing to her and Phoebus. Heaven's Light and Hellfire wonderfully shows he difference between the two men as well. I love how instead of "rewarding" the virtue of the protagonist with "the girl", we instead see the virtue of our protagonist displayed through how he handles not getting what he wants, despite being denied over and over in life.
I love your very accurate observations and connections- you're absolutely right to connect it so strongly to Tangled (they're both some of the best depictions of 'real' type evil and abusive personalities). And you're noting Quasi can do parkour and has many creative skills is something that I've loved about this film for a long time- that Quasi is shown to be objectively strong, and graceful, and skilled. He only becomes clumsy when something happens to make him lose his confidence- Frollo showing up, or being in a new and strange environment, for example.
To answer the question "What's with all the bones?": The catacombs below Paris are filled with bones. There are church cellars decorated with bones. It's really beautiful in a way! But that might be my morbid European attitude.
I heard this quote once about this movie (idk if someone has already written it): Frollo demonized Esmeralda, whilst Quasimodo glorified her. Phoebus just saw her for who she was, a person. That’s why they make the most sense.
22:05 notice that when Frollo prays for help and basically says “either get rid of Esmeralda or give her to me” , a guard suddenly shows up and tells him she’s disappeared. What does Frollo do? He immediately chases after her! God literally answered his prayer and he was too self-obsessed to spot it.
This movie is a beautiful masterpiece from its animation to the music. Absolutely loved your reactions to this, especially when you were saying, "couldn't get worse." Haha. When I was younger, my father said that the movie/story was a representation of the Dark nature in humanity and cruelty of man, but that the real lights come from the shadows. P.s. always loved the small cameo of seeing Belle walking during the Out There song.
I'm glad you watched this!! This is one of Disney's best and most underrated films they've ever produced, imo. The theme, the music, the story, the characters, the artwork and animation.. It's all top notch. The intro alone is a master class in how to grab an audience's attention. Watching this with you made me realize I still roll my eyes at all of Frollo's delusional gaslighting which makes him a very effective villain. Great reaction my dude! ❤
I love this movie. Frollo is the most evil Disney villain imo hands down. I know you mentioned as a Christian being tired of the idea of a religious leader being the bad guy but like you said the other religious leader of the church tried to stand up to him. And keep in mind this is a Disney animated movie it's a pretty radical idea to have someone like Frollo as a villain even though its based on the book by Victor Hugo its still very shocking to have a character like him in many aspects. He commits genocide, charges Esmeralda of witchcraft, and blames the victim Esmeralda for his unholy thoughts about her. I had seen this when I was really young but in later years when I was a teen I rewatched it, I don't get emotional easy during movies even animated ones (tho I did for Mufasa and Bambi's mother ngl) but when Frollo was singing with Quasi "you are deformed....and you are ugly" and Quasi repeats it I started crying it literally hurt my heart.
As long as religious leaders continue to do evil in real life it will remain justified to have them as villains in fiction. It's lot like there is a dearth of persons in secular positions of power and authority being portrayed as monstrous bad guys. Of course, as someone with some slight anarchist leanings I think the power and authority quite possibly might be the problem, regardless of it being religious or secular. That and the moral vanity but that too is something that is to be found everywhere.
Fun fact: Frollo's horse is unofficially named Snowball. Also I feel like Frollo and Mother Gothel would make a great couple, just based on their similar views on raising children!
match made in heaven (hell). Frollo does have a thing for women with black curly hair and green eyes, which Gospel has and SHE IS A WITCH, so he would be right in thinking she is a witch. badabim badabum, perfect match. They even die the same way.
22:19 Interesting theory: this scene where the guard comes in, because his face is hidden, I once read that symbolically that was supposed to represent an angel sent to give Frollo one last chance.
after the hate this movie got for the love interest choosing a conventionally attractive guy over him its great to see someone who gets it. she doesn't owe him anything or need his approval to get together with a truly kind person that saved her life on multiple occasions just because she is the first girl hes ever had a conversation with and he takes her friendship as something else
Yay!! I wondered if you'd covered Hunchback- so happy to find you have, and that you enjoyed it so much. It's absolutely my favourite Disney film... just everything about it- the animation, the strength of characters (as you mentioned,) and the songs blow me away. Infact one of my favourite sequences in any Disney movie is Frollo chasing Quasimodo's mother through the streets. The combination of animation, music, danger... everything about that sequence is a masterpiece of filmmaking.
Fun fact: Frollo’s last words, “And he shall smight the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit.” are a pretty loose adaptation of Isaiah 11:4 in the Bible. And before anyone says it, yes I know I’m named after that chapter.
When you asked "Is that Patrick Star?" It totally clicked in my head. That is indeed Bill Fagerbakke and this movie predates Spongebob Squarepants by 3 years!
I loved your reaction! You gave so much time to all the scenes and characters. I really appreciated your take on the Christian aspect because as a Christian myself, I run into the same issue with fiction. The "positive priest" is not present in the original story but the book is honestly so different that it shouldn't be compared. I love both for different reasons. I didn't see this movie until a few years ago and my reaction was very similar to yours. It quickly became my favorite Disney film and I even listen to the soundtrack sometimes. lol Anyway, excellent content. I've never seen you before but I will certainly subscribe.
This movie is the reason I always wanted to See Notre Dame. I cried so hard when it burned, but I am glad that A) they are rebuilind it and they are trying to rebuilid it as it was and B) this specific Window survived. It is a very famous, beautiful Rosetta window and it did luckily not destroyed in the fire. Still, part of me thinks this is a bit of a sign: Don't put off the things you wanna do and see, you'll never know what is going to happen
Judge Claud Frolo wasn’t a religious leader, he was more like the government leader who was super religious. The only priest in the film was a good man. Quasimodo’s family history may have been under the seal of the confessional*. I thought he was a priest too until someone corrected me * so he couldn’t tell anyone
That was a rejiggering done by the movie in order to avoid antagonizing Christians/ Catholics. They leaned into Frollo being a judge for the secularism, where in the book he is an archdeacon iirc. Disney knew this film would be controversial, touching on everything from racism to religious prejudice (look at Esmerelda shouting justice to a crowd of drunk French, a PoC woman fyi, perfect representation for today's extreme political division), and they mitigated the usual "priests are all offenders" slander by making their villain a judge instead.
My favorite part is this Esmerelda: maybe Frollos wrong about the both of us. Hugo: What did she say? Laverne: Frollos nose is long and he wears a truss. Hugo:I told yah Pay up Victor: ohh Hugo: chumps
You'll find a lot of similar harmonies and melodies between these songs and songs from other Disney movies made around this time, mainly because all of them were composed by an absolute icon AKA Alan Menken! (He did Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors, Lala Land, Beauty and the Beast, Hercules, Pocahontas, and so much more!) Because he is a behind the scenes person who creates and composes music, he really doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Based on Hugos dark novel, indeed..but the popularity of that book did help lead to the first restoration of the derelict forgotten queen of cathedrals, the true star of the movie. For me, Its based more on the Charles Laughton '39 film than the novel though. And Maybe this animated love letter to Notre Dame helped rekindle a long held appreciation that eventually fueled the current post fire restorations and return to glory
I think Esmeralda was singing to Jesus "... perhaps you were an outcast too." Btw, Mary (Jesus` Mom) had a husband, Joseph ;) Little funfact - I never recognized myself until now: About that woven city map-necklace, that Esmeralda gives to Quasimodo - the place where the black cross aka the Court of wonders is, there is a little plaza and a famous bookstore today (Shakespeare and Company). I´m not sure if it`s a coincidence, but it would be funny if not, since the story of the movie is based on a book. :)
The song Hellfire is one of the most cinematically awe inspiring Disney has ever done for an animated film. Such a dark and intense gothic vibe. I understand 3D animation is now the norm, but I do miss the 2D days.
Tony Jay was a fantastic voice actor. His role as Frollo is one of my favourites. He was also Megabyte from ReBoot, and Shere Khan in the Jungle Book 2 and TaleSpin!
As a Christian, I feel the need to clarify the Mary thing. Mary wasn’t unmarried when she became pregnant. She was engaged, but everyone knew they hadn't slept together yet so many, including even her fiance initially, believed she had cheated. That’s why she was an outcast. Edit: OK, I fixed the thing about Joseph and Mary, you can stop correcting me now.
False. Joseph and Mary wed only after she became pregnant with Jesus. Up until then, they were only betrothed, not married. In fact, Joseph initially thought she had been unfaithful, until experiencing a vision in his dreams in which the Angel of the Lord told him of the circumstances behind her pregnancy, that she was pregnant with the Son of God himself.
It’s worth mentioning Joseph wanted a secret divorce because he didn’t want her to be publicly shamed. Which considering he believed she cheated, was incredibly considerate.
Surprise, surprise, A Christian knowing absolutely nothing about their own scripture and history. Thanks for wasting time writing out a comment that was inevitably corrected because you can't be bothered to know your own religion. At least you learned something, even though knowledge is a sin
In my opinion this is a movie everyone should watch at least once. It's dark, but it tells a brilliant story. Not sure how many times anyone would rewatch it, but it's still a good movie to return to every once in a while I suppose.
Quasi is the only one talking and interacting with the gargoyles (except the goat for a second). This is a very good psychological factor as he needed friends up there. So he has his stone friends that keep him company. But at the end he has friends so the gargoyles are left in the tower
I’m Christian as well and I understand why that trope exists in storytelling considering the fear the church was in the past- but I completely agree with you. It was incredibly nice to see the good version as well, to see a devout Christian man actually trying to be the things taught. Especially because I’ve been learning about early Christian history and how it was employed to hurt people by some while spreading in this radical way a peaceful message that was uncommon in its day. Anyways- glad to be here❤
22:19 I love the symbolism here, the guard is shrouded in Heavenly Light while Frollo is backed by fire. Frollo can either choose to let Esmeralda go and let go of his obsession or continue to stray further into lust and damn himself to hell by continuing to go to horrible extremes to get Esmeralda
The intro set the stage so well for me. "You can lie to yourself and your minions but you cannot hide from the eyes of god." And he was scared because he KNOWS what he did was wrong. To be so cold to justofy murdering a woman and baby on the steps of a CHURCH. it's perfect.
Quasimodo saw Esmeralda as an angel (Heaven's Light), while Frollo saw her as a devil tempting him to sin (Hellfire). Phoebus was the only one to see her for who she really was and accepted what being with her actually meant.
What a woman :)
And I'm glad that Quasi saw that although she loved him, it was a friendship and nothing more. Most people thought that that was stupid because 'Oh, so Quasi doesn't get a girlfriend because he's treated like an ugly monster', and I'm just...no, it's character. Esmerelda doesn't go with Quasi because he's ugly. She doesn't go with Quasi because he's a friend. That's enough for him. And I love that! Sorry for the rant... I just saw somewhere that someone hated that Quasi didn't get with a girl, and the reason was because he's ugly.
@@bluewolf6323 I'm glad they don't end together, because I can relate to Quasi, this is all that matters for me 💥
@sinfulsoul-2003 Honeslty, same. Although I'm a hopeless romantic, I love my friendships even more. I don't exactly need a romance, my friends are awesome, I love them as such and I will cherish them...
@@bluewolf6323 To be fair, there's some truth to the idea that she doesn't go with him because he's ugly. People do tend to end up with people who they naturally find physically attractive, and someone like Quasimodo is not very likely to be found attractive by anyone from the outset.
Personally, I like that they don't end up together because it doesn't create an unrealistic expectation. Finding reciprocal romantic love for someone like Quasimodo is going to be significantly harder than for someone like Phoebus. And I feel like this movie does a good job at showing that although that's painful, you can still be happy without that, and friendship is more important.
You know, this story is based on a book written in 19th century by Victor Hugo.. original story is MUCH more darker than the movie is. Cause in the original book, Esmeralda dies and Quasimodo is later "found" dead, hugging her body in her grave. Yes, the book doesn't have a good ending.
I mean it's Victor Hugo lmao. Les Misérables shows us how much he doesn't hold back
Also frollo is the arch deacon of Notre Dame, not some random "judge". Also, Phoebus isn't actually the noble hero. Disney took hella creative liberties. 🤣
I read an illustrated classics version for kids in 6th grade. It was slightly abridged, but the ending was still intact
The real story is always darker sadder not a happy ending but when made into a animation and for Disney it's given a happy ending
Following this, The Little Mermaid, and Hercules among others, I read a humorous article years ago that talked about what certain stories would be like if Disney got a hold of them. Like in Moby Dick the whale and Ahab would understand their differences and become great friends.
Fun Fact: During Hellfire, when Frollo is singing“it’s not my fault”, the cloaked figures are chanting “me culpa” which means “my fault” in latin.
*Mea culpa and they also sing "quia peccavi nimis" meaning "for i have sinned too much" after he states he's purer than common man
Makes sense.
Yeah, it's part of a latin prayer called 'Confiteor', which is a prayer for confession. You can hear it through most of the song.
Makes you wonder if Frollo is subconsiously aware that he's lying to himself.
@@anib8863 actually, he’s a liar 🤥
I always understood mea culpa to be sort of... a way to take responsibility for your culpability. If that makes sense?
The crowd scene is so deeply disturbing. Because You can actually imagine it happening: Huge crowd, high emotions, lots of alcohol - the mood can change to friggin quickly, it is _scary_
Spoilers for the musical and potentially the book:
In the musical, it's even more disturbing. They strip and then whip him until he's bleeding
I find that scene more upsetting and disturbing now than when I was a kid. The mob mentality, the public humiliation, how the people mock and laugh at him and thereby crush his dream of getting to spend ONE DAY among them like a regular guy, and also proving to Quasi that Frollo was right all along and people would never accept him. If it wasn't for Esmeralda befriending him later on he would probably have stayed cooped up in the belltower, avoiding people for the rest of his life.
I just had no frame of reference to understand exactly how cruel and soul-crushing that scene was until I got older.
@@PugsleyThePearAnd I think the worst part of it is the "Frolow was correct" part.
Because the sad things is that when Frollo says: "You are deformed and you are ugly and _These are crimes for which the world has littly pity_" and "Out there they'll revile you as a monster, out there they will hate and scorn and jeer"
he isn't entirely wrong. He is wrong to make Quasimodo feel like that is _his_ responsibilty, but he isn't entirely wrong that humanity, as a collective can be incredibly cruel to those who are different.
The thing that Frollo cannot understand ist that humanity and humans are two different things. Individual humans will be kind to him, treat him well, love him even. But humanity, as a collective especially in huge groups will probably be dismissive at best and cruel at worst.
And this is the monstreous thing Frollo did: He took the choice from Quasimoddo. The choice to bear humanity, for the love of the few kind ones or to turn his back on humanity and live his life without any love at all. I personally think that the love of the few is worth it, always. But Quasi never even got the choice, _abd_ when he gets it in the end, he does choose the first. He does choose to keep the love of those people in his life, even if it may entail unpleasant encounters along the way.
@@peterlewis2178actually when I was a kid this scene terrified me so much I felt it like it was what they were doing, even the tomato juice on his face felt like blood flooding. Watched it since a 8-9 kid and in french. It’s the only disney I know that sounds so much more linguistically distinguished in french
@@peterlewis2178From what I remember, he also gets his head dunked in a bucket. That scene was dark
Frollo, praying: Beata Maria, please make that evil witch vanish!!
St. Mary: Sure thing, dude! (Soldier tells Frollo that Esmeralda vanished)
Frollo: I'm gonna find her even if I have to burn all of Paris!!!
St. Mary: 😐 Why did I even bother....
In love with this interpretation actually
I also think the guard was an angel or holy being. His voice was deep and commanding, not matching with any guard we had seen. They were giving Frolo the chance to course correct and he didn't.
WOW bruh it’s my fav disney since childhood I never noticed that 😆😱 waw
@@catandrobbyflores also back lit
@@DevilfishFaceand note the almost angelic blue color that shines into Frollo's demonic red environment. He was given a choice by God himself and he rejected it for his own selfish reasons.
Frollo is literally the darkest Disney villain, in just five minutes he jailed innocent people, killed a mother and almost drowned a baby. He wasn't playing around, and his song Hellfire is just his narcisism speaking out, saying blasfemy after blasfemy trying to justify that he feels what any other man would. When the guard interrupted the song, that indeed was the answer he just asked, giving him one last chance to avoid his dark fate, but he doubled down and in the end he called god himself to punish him when he said "and he shall smite the wicked and send them into the fiery pit". Frollo isn't just a Disney villain, is THE Disney villain.
It’s a literal movie about genocide
His persona hits harder because we know real people like this exist. Frollo is a very realistic villain. And that touches quite a bit more unnerving.
Don’t want to invalidate your comment, but it is spelled *blasphemy, however you’re still right
@franciscojaviermendezrinco1902
Get out of my head.
@@Redster3 don't worry, I didn't know how it was written after all. English isn't my main language.
Hellfire is a masterpiece of a villain song … and possibly the most dramatic response to a boner in movie history. 😂
Ha ha! I wouldn't say 'boner' per say as the most insanely obsessed, frustrated lust ever.
I call it Frollo's Simping Song. 😅
I think it’s way beyond boner, it’s his obsession, he can’t stop thinking about her day n night, n it’s spiraling his life out of control.
@@chrisofstars More like his incel song.
It is awesome and inspired by the villain Scarpia’s aria “Te Deum” in Puccini’s opera Tosca. Those two villains got a few things in common.
Also the gargoyles (the ones that serve to drain rain water away from the building) spewing lava became some creepy foreshadowing to real life. It happened in 2019 when Notre Dame burned, it melted the gutters the gargoyles began spewing molten metal 😬 That was... horrifying, to say the least!
The whole event was horrifying. Far more churches burn because of targeted arson than "electrical fires."
No way, really?! I was really sad to learn about the fire at Notre Dame when it happened. I'm glad I was watching the Olympics opening ceremony on TV live when the bells rang again for the first time. It really lifted my heart. So much work went into restoring it. You should see the guy who was in charge of the restoration - he has tattoos all over him of details from Notre Dame
Frollo actually is not a religious leader, he's a judge. While he believes himself to he acting on behalf of the church, he's not a priest, and it's the priest in this story who acts as the counterpoint to that worldview.
Although, in the original story and the stage musical, Frollo is the archdeacon. Disney made them two separate characters for this movie.
@@PHSDM104 Oh that's interesting, I didn't know that!
@PHSDM104
That actually fits. At the time Disney was still leaning fairly heavily into religion. Can't have the church be viewed in a negative light, so they made him a judge instead of a deacon.
@@ApinofArc Also makes more sense with the power Frollo has in the city. Contrary to popular belief a priest setting fire to Paris like that would have been facing consequences from the church and the king.
@@DevilfishFace oh, no doubt. But I was mainly just talking from a Disney perspective. Not a real life one :p
You may recall the voice actor of Frollo, Tony Jay - he had a small voice part as the man who runs the Asylum, where Gaston tries to ship Belle's father off to in Beauty and The Beast. He was known for his distinct, deep, baritone voice so he often was given villain voice roles. Speaking of Beauty and The Beast, Disney included a 'blink and you'll miss it' cameo of Belle during 'Out There', when Quasimodo looks down into the square, you see her walking.
Yay! Someone else said it! 😂
He did his own singing for this role too (not always the case for Disney voice acting). He actually wanted a lower final note in "Hellfire," he didn't think he could hit it. Alan Menken was like "nah, just take a couple extra singing lessons, you got this." And then he absolutely did have it!
Oh damn I can hear it! Wow!
12:20 or so: it's called "Mob mentality" where someone starts something (usually negative in connotation) and suddenly everyone is getting in on the act whether it's because they find it funny, just caught up in the moment, or don't want to be singled out as being a "kill-joy" or go against everyone else.
The fact that Frollo's portrayal its how some people are till this day speaks to how much we can project our own sins/failures onto others all the while pretending we are above it.
The famous glass ceiling of it all fascinates me
He is a very similar character to the pharisee on Jesus' parable of the tax collector and the pharisee- a "sinner" being more justified because he understands the depth of his sin over someone who has an incorrect and overinflated sense of their own righteousness
This movie is a lot more fun if you pretend the statues aren't actually alive, Quasi just imagines them as a coping mechanism for his social isolation
Until they start fighting back. Then, you end up scratching your head raw.
In the musical version, that's actually explicitly a plot element
@@PHSDM104 But they do not fight back, they just trow rocks and things, which could be falling from the cathredal on their own
@@diablo.the.cheater And the "machine gun" fire? 😄
@@PHSDM104let ppl believe bro
Frollo is one of the most realistic Disney villains, a "holy" man who justifies his horrible actions with religious fervor, and that makes him the scariest Disney villain as well. He's pretty much what we now call an "incel," and he believes he has a divine right to be that way. Scary shit.
As an aside, anyone who enjoyed "Hellfire" should check out the metal cover by Jonathan Young. It is EPIC and highlights just how disturbing Frollo's obsession is.
The connection between Frollo and incels is scary hey. Totally see that.
Notice how during Hellfire he literally gets what he wants, Esmerelda is missing, she's gone. He could've left it at that, but he immediately turns around and pursues her.
"If I can't have this person/thing, no one can" is a fantastic trope.
@sunflower-xi5ct I hate to nitpick but I don’t think there were any romantic feelings involved
The amazimg symbolism
"And he shall smite the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit!"
God: *"Excellent suggestion, Frollo."*
Fitting that it was a gargoyle that killed him because they were designed with those creepy bestial forms to protect the church from evil entities.
Ah, the old tale. If a righteous man like Frollo is unable to control his urges, it MUST be the "witches" fault. He can not do wrong so she must be controlled.
I think I only watched it once but had an audio cassette retelling the story that included the songs that I used to listen to as a kid. It's so tragic though and hard to stomach. I believe the original novel was much much worse.
Tale as old as time.
@@sassylittleprophet And a tale that will forever be told as it is endless.
This movie was so underrated! The most operatic animated musical, IMO.
Something most people miss is that Frollo's prayer to be free of her is actually immediately answered when the soldier comes to tell him Esmerelda is gone at 22:18, but he immediately vows to track her down instead. Another way his prayer is self-serving and insincere.
I think that is not even a soldier, but God or one of his angels showing up. The voice is soothing unlike what we heard from the soliders before and the blue light surrounding him is another hint. Plus how would the soldiers know that hd was not in the cathedral? They were all guarding it outside and even if they went in to check it is a huge building so they couldn't have possibly known if she was there or not.
I just realized, after all these years... Frolo patronizes Quasimodo over believing the gargoyles can move and talk.
He dies after seeing a gargoyle head glare and growl at him.
Poetic justice. Every part of his death is poetic justice.
"Quasi, take it from an old spectator. Life's not a spectator sport. If watchin' is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya."
Fun Fact: Director Gary Trousdale voiced The Old Heretic.
Location Location Fact: To stay consistent to the architecture and details of Notre Dame, animators spent several weeks in and around the actual cathedral. They were given office space at the recently-opened Disneyland Paris in the interim.
Historical Fact: Several times during the film there are references to a war. The conflict in question was the Hundred Years' War between England and France, that engulfed all Europe from 1337 to 1453 and also involved Portugal, Scotland, Genoa, Navarra, Aragon, Bohemia, Brittany, Castille, Aquitaine, and Burgundy. Ultimately, it was won by France and the reigning House of Valois.
Music Enthusiast Fact: The song Hellfire (1996) is considered one of the darkest songs written for a Disney film, and was nearly cut from the film. For the scene where Judge Frollo (Tony Jay) sings "Hellfire" and sees Esmeralda (Demi Moore) dancing in the fire before him, the MPAA insisted that the Disney animators make Esmeralda's clothing more well-defined, as she seemed nude.
Those were fun facts 😁 👍🏻
There are a couple frames where those "clothes" on Esmeralda aren't super defined that appear as if she strips them off briefly, at least implied by the movements of her arms and hands. That's the most risque they could go but tbh I think her dancing figure and how he interacts with the smoke tells what you need to know. Brilliant animation!
bch7905 ...Agreed. 😁
Go in Peace and Walk with God. 😎 👍
Extra fact to add to the Music Enthusiast fact: Hellfire was recorded, animated, and presented by the team as a fait accompli for addition to the film. It was put in, and later regretted, but the movie had already been released. The song scared Disney the company so much that they didn't do another villain song for 8 YEARS, finally putting one in Home on the Range: Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-Oo, sung by Alameda Slim.
Scar and Jafar couldn't admit that they were motivated at least in part by lust,
Here we finally have a Disney villain who can.
It's funny that you mention Jafar because Frollo's voice actor, Tony Jay, originally auditioned to be Jafar. Jonathan Freeman ultimately got the part, but Disney was so impressed with Tony's audition that they kept him in mind for a future role... so when it came time to cast Frollo, they gave him a call to offer him the part.
ooh, Scar? I never got that vibe but maybe I was too young. I only got power-hungry jealousy of Mufasa, but I'm sure coveting everything of someone can mean... "everything". 😵💫 Totally agree on Jafar.
@@gpcheng87 there's a scene although it's been a long time it might have been a deleted scene where he talks to Simba's mom, and he says something of the effect she's never allowed to mention Mufasa's name. Also just as a lion, he gets all the females since he's the only grown male.
@@JessieWard33 I think there is also footage, from drawings, where he was very firm with getting at Nala.
there was also some dialogue in live action lion king that hinted more at this and I wish they expanded that in the live action to give it something fresh @@gpcheng87
The Hellfire sequence of Esmeralda in the fireplace flames and smoke was one of the integral animated visuals that made me want to be an animator growing up. I was 12 when this movie released, and that was when I started seriously buckling down to improve my drawing skills.
Life took some twists and turns (like Disney shutting down their Florida studio my freshman year of art school followed by all of their traditional animation in general) and I ended up becoming an illustrator instead of an animator. After 15+ years in the industry I still love what I do, though, and it all started with the Disney Renaissance films of the '90s. 😊
And that fireplace scene STILL enchants me.✨
Do you post your art online anywhere? 😮 I’d love to see
I just wanted to ask if you have been watching any of the indie produced hand-drawn animated series? Most popular are of course Hazbin Hotel (the Pilot) and Helluva Boss, but there are other less known shows like Lackadaisy and Monkey Wrench with less crude type of humour.
Lackadaisy is currently in production for a full season and the work they do is amazing. There are some 3D assets mixed seemlessly with the 2D characters and backgrounds. You can see their pilot and 2 vignettes (shorts) on their youtube channel to see what I love about it.
Monkey Wrench also has an amazing quality to it, and feels like a cartoon from the 2000s. Sadly they haven't gotten the recognition they needed, so they are having to cut the amount of animations just so they aren't underpaying their artists...
I'd love to see your portfolio as well!
All the the luck to you!
Hunchback is an adult Disney movie disguised as another fun installment of the Disney Renaissance 😂
It should’ve been PG in my opinion.
@@nathancruz9172 It's only Disney Renaissance film with (what would be considered) a curse word.
In reality, it's what most "kid's" movies should be. We infantilize and shelter kids way too much, and don't give them enough credit.
The Bells of Notre Dame is almost inarguably the most viscerally powerful piece of music Disney ever composed. When it hits those high notes before the choir kicks in with the "aah-aah-aah" chorus? So good.
Hellfire is the scariest and most disturbing Disney villain song. Because it is REAL. Women see this and go "yep", because there are real men like this out in the world that every woman has had to deal with at some point. Men who are well-respected in society but prey on woman that they feel owe them something because they are attracted to us. Every day of the week there are men that want to, try to, or DO hurt women physically or emotionally when they are (or feel) rejected. Even without violence, there's even more the "nice guy" trope or "good guy" trope. Men who thinks women should want them "just because" Frollo THINKS he's a good man and therefore deserves to have Esmerelda. Even Quasi makes her into a "savior trope" for him to place all his worth on. (which is why she belongs with Phoebus) What makes Quasimodo better is that he comes to understand that Esmerelda doesn't OWE him romantic love and it would be forced. He accepts that their love is friendship and that that doesn't have to be less meaningful. But yeah, that's why Frollo is SO creepy and scary. Because he's REAL.
Omg yes!!! The representation is so accurate it makes me deeply uncomfortable. It's revolting, disturbing, cringey, horrifying, scary, disgusting all at once because we have LIVED it. I can't watch Frollo's scenes with Esmeralda, it awakens such vivid feelings I recoil in my seat. 😖
I've been waiting for you to get to this, because people are always shocked to find out that *this* material somehow made it into a 90s Disney animated musical. By far my favorite of the decade, best music, best aesthetic, most probing questions, and deeper character complexity. This movie has everything. Sexual fantasies, religion, burning people alive, throwing a baby down a well, the protagonist not getting the girl, and genocide.
You know. Light family fare. Can't wait to watch your reaction.
In general, 90s Disney was just a lot more willing to treat kids with maturity (to be fair, that's true of culture in general in the past). I can't even see them making something like The Lion King today, with Mufasa's death. No one meaningful is allowed to die anymore in anything meant to be watched by kids.
@@sunflower-xi5ct If you're interested in her, Lindsay Ellis has a video essay on this movie that traces the history of the book and adaptations all the way to the Disney version. It's an interesting watch.
It gets so much worse when you realize the original book is much, much, much, much darker than the film.
If I had known the story before this came out I would have been FLOORED that Disney was tackling it, 90's Disney had freaking BALLS man
The original ending for this movie was gonna have Quasimodo stabbed and bleeding out as he asks his friends Esmeralda and Phoebus carry him up to the bell tower so he can ring the bells one last time. the towns people hear them ringing, start cheering for Frollo"s defeat; as Esmeralda and Phoebus start crying over Quasimodo's death.
Even people who love the original novel prefer the ending we got to what could have been.
Yeah for sure that’s so grim 😭
@@thecocoacouchthe Hunchback of Notre Dame is my second favourite Disney film next to Mulan.
@@thecocoacouchwhen Disney was Ballsey
Really ? Didn't know that.
Where did you learn that? I only did a quick search, but any results about an alternate ending to Hunchback lead to the novel.
This adaptation is such a wild departure from the source material, and I didn’t know that as a young teen, so I read the original… I was not prepared. This depiction is dark, but it’s got NOTHING on the original.
Yes the music is gorgeous!!! And the lyrics are so skillful. They combine Latin prayer texts with the characters' lines brilliantly, especially in "Hellfire". Frollo claims he is utterly guiltless. In the background, the choir sings the text of confession of sins. Sheer brilliance.
Frollo in the cartoon is not nearly as complex as the version in the book but the Hellfire song really captures the book version after he goes full evil.
I love seeing Christian content creators on here and I love how real your reactions are. Not over the top, not flat and dull, a perfect, genuine reaction is hard to find!
This movie does symbolism really, really well. Did you notice both Phoebus and Esmeralda in white by the end for their innocence and purity? How Frollo cited Scripture with God smiting the wicked before the church herself turned on him? Esmeralda's song for mercy on others against other people's song for blessing for themselves (and luxurious blessing, not sufficient blessing). Frollo's song against the Latin confession showing that in his heart, he knows he's wrong.
It's really very dark and depressing if you imagine the gargoyles as Quasimodo talking to himself. I can never decide if I like it better or worse than the church liking Quasimodo like she hates Frollo.
I also like how Quasi is able to choose generosity in the end and extend honest friendship to both Esmeralda and Phoebus, despite his prior feelings for Esmeralda. It contrasts beautifully against Frollo, who let his lusts, racism, and rejection consume him.
Others have mentioned how the source material is way, way darker. Esmeralda is pretty much the only heroic character in Hugo. Also only raised by Romani and actually blond and born to white people. (I love that they ditched that little plot point.) Naturally, she dies because of the systemic corruption of the world she lives in and the utterly contemptible actions of those in power (which in the source material does include Phoebus). That's Hugo's point.
The difference between Quasi's reception when he ventures into the world and Rapunzel's is stark, and it does speak to some guts Disney has lost in the decades since this came out. (This whole movie does, actually.) They are very similar characters-skilled, sensitive, and kind individuals who have been locked up and emotionally abused their entire lives. But Rapunzel has pretty privilege, and when she leaves home, she can sing happiness and compassion into the hearts of hardened criminals. Quasi falls victim to mob violence within his first half hour. I doubt Rapunzel in real life really would have it so easy-but she certainly would have it easier than Quasimodo.
I loved your reaction to this. Your attention to the song lyrics and passionate response to the moralities on display was lovely to watch.
I saw a live production of this. The actor who played Quasimodo was deaf, and his singing was done by a gargoyle.
We saw a live production too! Our Quasimodo wasn't played by a deaf man. However it is honestly one of the top productions of anything I have ever seen.
Ahhhh!!! In Seattle?? If so I saw that one too!!! At the 5th Ave. so wonderful.
I saw the same show in Sacramento, California. The actor was deaf (as Quasi is in the novel) and there was a singer who was Quasi's 'voice'
When watching this movie shortly after it came out my Mom said something to me that has stuck with me to this day. She told me, "God thought more of Esmeralda's prayer than all those other people in that church. Where all those other people are praying for themselves, she was praying for others."
Also I've seen people speak of Belle, but dud you know that if you look at the rugs on one of the washing lines one of them is the Magic Carpet from Aladdin.
This was my favorite disney movie growing up, I related a lot to Quasimodo. And his ending tears me up every time.
He didn't really want the girl, glory or anything like that. He just wanted to get out there and be among the people, to be accepted.
And the music, oh the music! Out of this world.
The greatest opening song in all of disney. That plague song is close second
Do you mean the one from Prince of Egypt? That's not Disney that's DreamWorks but yes the OST is insane too.
"The greatest opening song in Disney" Okay, it's excellent but Circle of Life exists.
Yeah, especially the climax with the bells roaring, chills everytime.
@@ApatheticFish3667 tbh I prefer the bells of notre dame, for me it is more... dramatic, i think
I will always point that out: Frollo is considered by many the best Disney villain. There are SO MANY Frollos in this world, that see themselves as pure and do the worst atrocities, not to mention the whole gaslighting. Also, Hellfire is THE BEST Disney villain song (soundtrack was made by the golden duo Alan Menken and Steven Schwartz) ❤
The worst villains of the real world are often not hardened criminals or raving madmen, but people who believe in their causes so much that nothing is off-limits to them in their quest. Their goal is so "pure", so good, that humans cease to matter.
31:54 "Become the monster they think you are!" That hits pretty hard.
Tom‘s voice (Quasimodo) is so hauntingly beautiful
I love how they use the Wizard of oz reference with the birds attacking the guards when the Gargoyle say's fly my pretties, fly. As she laughs. That is totally the wicked witch scene with the flying monkeys. I love it.
In the time and which this is set, Esmeralda’s only “crime” was that she is a gypsy.
Just so you know the word g*psy is a racial slur for the romany people (and a few other minorities) source I'm rom
Well and “ witchcraft” but thats just a weak excuse from an evil man
Alan Menken is responsible for this absolutely breathtaking soundtrack.
That's my favorite opening scene in any animation. Followed by Prince of Egypt, and Beauty and the Beast (all three perfectly set the plot).
Hellfire is one of the most incredible villain songs I've ever heard to date! Love it!
Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a criminally under-rated movie. It was the first of the movies from Disney's renaissance period I ever saw.
I think the most masterful allegory of man and monster in this movie is shown in how Guasi feelings for Esmeralda are “heavens light” and Frollos are “Hells fire”
You know in original novel, phoebus is a horrible asshole, esmeralda is desperately seeking his love. When she dies, he even doesn't care..
Also im a second generation Atheist but still respect most religions and have studied them to a certain degree to better understand them but 5 years ago i was sad when Notre Dame burned again and history and artifacts were lost to the fire but now it is repaired and i hope to see it someday and see the craftsmanship of it
I too was horrified when Notre Dame burned... But a little part of my brain was singing "Paris, the city of lovers, is glowing this evening..."
@@kathilisi3019 It wasn't Parisians though...
Oh, I love the Disney version of hunchback of Notre Dame! Esmeralda is my most number one favorite Disney heroine ever. I especially love her song God help the Outcasts. I especially love her strong spirit, and her kindness towards Quasimodo.
If i remember correctly the actor for Quasimodo was actually found by him performing the song "one day out there" and they fell in love with him and I believe they used his audition for his actual voice in the movie cuz it was so perfect
This always been one of my favorite, had it on VHS as a kid.
What makes Frollo the best and most evil villian is how real he is.. No magic power, no turning in to a dragon.. Just human evil.. Burning a family in their house, like WTF dude. Everything is just so real about it, and Quasi talking to the stones, only he sees it.. Maby something in his mind by being isolated for so long. Just.. Its such a great movie with awesome songs.. Glad more people are watching it!
First video I see with you, gave you a follow :D
The 'Fly my pretties, fly, fly!' bit is a nod to the Wizard of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West doing the same with her flying monkeys. They even used the same music and sound effects. It's basically a scene for scene recreation, but with a gargoyle and birds instead lol
Also I just noticed while watching this, that right at the end when Quasi leaves Notre Dame, you can hear the theme to 'One Day Out There', the song from the beginning that Quasi sung.
I love the off Broadway version of this especially! There’s a song Made Of Stone that Quasi sings near the end that’s CHILLING. the music of this movie is close to unmatched.
6:43 get the girl
also I think Esmeralda was singing to Jesus was was also percecuted and crucified for criticizing the local rulers and religion. And Frollo was a judge in this version while in the book he was the archdeacon
When I was a kid, I watched Hunchback of Notre Dame EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Now, as a non-Christian adult, this movie still blows me away. It's one of the most beautiful pieces of art that Disney ever made and I'm always so happy to watch people's reaction to it. It has so much subtext that I didn't pick up when I was younger, which just goes to show how important a film it is for all ages. 💕 Loved listening to your thoughts. 😄
11:43 I vividly remember this moment being the first time I ever felt genuinely unsettled by watching a movie as a kid. The first time a movie made me sad. Not to start crying or anything, just a bad feeling in my gut. I think I was like 7 or 8.
Absolutely, makes my stomach turn to this day, can't watch it.
The voice actor for Quasimodo is Tom Hulce, who plays Mozart in the film "Amadeus" (another film I'd recommend).
I really adore how this movie contrasts Quasimodo and Frollo. They both feel unrequited feelings towards Esmeralda; Frollo wishing to burn her (and Paris with her) if he can't have her, while Quasi risks his life to save her, and gives his blessing to her and Phoebus. Heaven's Light and Hellfire wonderfully shows he difference between the two men as well. I love how instead of "rewarding" the virtue of the protagonist with "the girl", we instead see the virtue of our protagonist displayed through how he handles not getting what he wants, despite being denied over and over in life.
I love your very accurate observations and connections- you're absolutely right to connect it so strongly to Tangled (they're both some of the best depictions of 'real' type evil and abusive personalities). And you're noting Quasi can do parkour and has many creative skills is something that I've loved about this film for a long time- that Quasi is shown to be objectively strong, and graceful, and skilled. He only becomes clumsy when something happens to make him lose his confidence- Frollo showing up, or being in a new and strange environment, for example.
To answer the question "What's with all the bones?": The catacombs below Paris are filled with bones. There are church cellars decorated with bones. It's really beautiful in a way! But that might be my morbid European attitude.
As Above, So Frollo.
Frollo and Mother Gothel were both experts of gaslighting in the Disney canon.
I heard this quote once about this movie (idk if someone has already written it): Frollo demonized Esmeralda, whilst Quasimodo glorified her. Phoebus just saw her for who she was, a person. That’s why they make the most sense.
Never seen this movie but the second that gargoyle opened his mouth I’m like, “Is that Jason Alexander?!”
33:20-33:24 *Wizard of Oz* reference always gets me! 🤣🤣
Me too
22:05 notice that when Frollo prays for help and basically says “either get rid of Esmeralda or give her to me” , a guard suddenly shows up and tells him she’s disappeared. What does Frollo do? He immediately chases after her!
God literally answered his prayer and he was too self-obsessed to spot it.
This movie is a beautiful masterpiece from its animation to the music. Absolutely loved your reactions to this, especially when you were saying, "couldn't get worse." Haha. When I was younger, my father said that the movie/story was a representation of the Dark nature in humanity and cruelty of man, but that the real lights come from the shadows. P.s. always loved the small cameo of seeing Belle walking during the Out There song.
I'm glad you watched this!! This is one of Disney's best and most underrated films they've ever produced, imo. The theme, the music, the story, the characters, the artwork and animation.. It's all top notch. The intro alone is a master class in how to grab an audience's attention. Watching this with you made me realize I still roll my eyes at all of Frollo's delusional gaslighting which makes him a very effective villain. Great reaction my dude! ❤
I love this movie. Frollo is the most evil Disney villain imo hands down. I know you mentioned as a Christian being tired of the idea of a religious leader being the bad guy but like you said the other religious leader of the church tried to stand up to him. And keep in mind this is a Disney animated movie it's a pretty radical idea to have someone like Frollo as a villain even though its based on the book by Victor Hugo its still very shocking to have a character like him in many aspects. He commits genocide, charges Esmeralda of witchcraft, and blames the victim Esmeralda for his unholy thoughts about her. I had seen this when I was really young but in later years when I was a teen I rewatched it, I don't get emotional easy during movies even animated ones (tho I did for Mufasa and Bambi's mother ngl) but when Frollo was singing with Quasi "you are deformed....and you are ugly" and Quasi repeats it I started crying it literally hurt my heart.
As long as religious leaders continue to do evil in real life it will remain justified to have them as villains in fiction.
It's lot like there is a dearth of persons in secular positions of power and authority being portrayed as monstrous bad guys.
Of course, as someone with some slight anarchist leanings I think the power and authority quite possibly might be the problem, regardless of it being religious or secular.
That and the moral vanity but that too is something that is to be found everywhere.
So happy you're doing this one!!
Kevin Kline voices the captain of the guard, one of my favorite actors. And he is in my all-time favorite movie and western Silverado
I absolutely love him in French Kiss ❤
Not to mention he did tulio from the road to el dorado and the live action version of beauty and the beast.
@@brabbit736 French Kiss is adorable
Fun fact: Frollo's horse is unofficially named Snowball. Also I feel like Frollo and Mother Gothel would make a great couple, just based on their similar views on raising children!
But, they’re both evil.
@@nathancruz9172exactly
@@nathancruz9172 exactly. So where are you not following me?
@@MegaWicked89that they’re both so evil that they’d kill each other 😂 lol I think is what they meant.
match made in heaven (hell).
Frollo does have a thing for women with black curly hair and green eyes, which Gospel has and SHE IS A WITCH, so he would be right in thinking she is a witch. badabim badabum, perfect match.
They even die the same way.
22:19 Interesting theory: this scene where the guard comes in, because his face is hidden, I once read that symbolically that was supposed to represent an angel sent to give Frollo one last chance.
the gargoyles do have goat like features, horns and hoofs so makes sense that he's crushing on the goat 😂
after the hate this movie got for the love interest choosing a conventionally attractive guy over him its great to see someone who gets it. she doesn't owe him anything or need his approval to get together with a truly kind person that saved her life on multiple occasions just because she is the first girl hes ever had a conversation with and he takes her friendship as something else
Phoebus is voiced by a well known actor named Kevin Kline. 😊 Hellfire is such an awesome dark song. Love it.
Yay!! I wondered if you'd covered Hunchback- so happy to find you have, and that you enjoyed it so much. It's absolutely my favourite Disney film... just everything about it- the animation, the strength of characters (as you mentioned,) and the songs blow me away. Infact one of my favourite sequences in any Disney movie is Frollo chasing Quasimodo's mother through the streets. The combination of animation, music, danger... everything about that sequence is a masterpiece of filmmaking.
and damn love Esmeralda and her stunning eyes gotta say thats my number 1 disney character crush
Fun fact: Frollo’s last words, “And he shall smight the wicked and plunge them into the fiery pit.” are a pretty loose adaptation of Isaiah 11:4 in the Bible.
And before anyone says it, yes I know I’m named after that chapter.
The music in this movie... that final high note in the Intro (Bells of Notre Dame), very much my top 3 musicals of Disney
When you asked "Is that Patrick Star?" It totally clicked in my head. That is indeed Bill Fagerbakke and this movie predates Spongebob Squarepants by 3 years!
I loved your reaction! You gave so much time to all the scenes and characters. I really appreciated your take on the Christian aspect because as a Christian myself, I run into the same issue with fiction. The "positive priest" is not present in the original story but the book is honestly so different that it shouldn't be compared. I love both for different reasons. I didn't see this movie until a few years ago and my reaction was very similar to yours. It quickly became my favorite Disney film and I even listen to the soundtrack sometimes. lol Anyway, excellent content. I've never seen you before but I will certainly subscribe.
Thankyou so much! I really appreciate you! ☺️
This movie is the reason I always wanted to See Notre Dame. I cried so hard when it burned, but I am glad that A) they are rebuilind it and they are trying to rebuilid it as it was and B) this specific Window survived. It is a very famous, beautiful Rosetta window and it did luckily not destroyed in the fire.
Still, part of me thinks this is a bit of a sign: Don't put off the things you wanna do and see, you'll never know what is going to happen
Judge Claud Frolo wasn’t a religious leader, he was more like the government leader who was super religious. The only priest in the film was a good man. Quasimodo’s family history may have been under the seal of the confessional*. I thought he was a priest too until someone corrected me
* so he couldn’t tell anyone
That was a rejiggering done by the movie in order to avoid antagonizing Christians/ Catholics. They leaned into Frollo being a judge for the secularism, where in the book he is an archdeacon iirc. Disney knew this film would be controversial, touching on everything from racism to religious prejudice (look at Esmerelda shouting justice to a crowd of drunk French, a PoC woman fyi, perfect representation for today's extreme political division), and they mitigated the usual "priests are all offenders" slander by making their villain a judge instead.
My favorite part is this
Esmerelda: maybe Frollos wrong about the both of us.
Hugo: What did she say?
Laverne: Frollos nose is long and he wears a truss.
Hugo:I told yah
Pay up
Victor: ohh
Hugo: chumps
You'll find a lot of similar harmonies and melodies between these songs and songs from other Disney movies made around this time, mainly because all of them were composed by an absolute icon AKA Alan Menken! (He did Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Newsies, Little Shop of Horrors, Lala Land, Beauty and the Beast, Hercules, Pocahontas, and so much more!) Because he is a behind the scenes person who creates and composes music, he really doesn't get the credit he deserves.
Holy Mackrel! I paused at your face at 4:35, and it sent me laughing for at least 5 minutes straight!
Based on Hugos dark novel, indeed..but the popularity of that book did help lead to the first restoration of the derelict forgotten queen of cathedrals, the true star of the movie. For me, Its based more on the Charles Laughton '39 film than the novel though. And Maybe this animated love letter to Notre Dame helped rekindle a long held appreciation that eventually fueled the current post fire restorations and return to glory
Hellfire is the best disney villain song. Frolo is pure evil which is rare for a kid movie villian and the voice actor plays him so well.
I think Esmeralda was singing to Jesus "... perhaps you were an outcast too."
Btw, Mary (Jesus` Mom) had a husband, Joseph ;)
Little funfact - I never recognized myself until now:
About that woven city map-necklace, that Esmeralda gives to Quasimodo - the place where the black cross aka the Court of wonders is, there is a little plaza and a famous bookstore today (Shakespeare and Company).
I´m not sure if it`s a coincidence, but it would be funny if not, since the story of the movie is based on a book. :)
The song Hellfire is one of the most cinematically awe inspiring Disney has ever done for an animated film. Such a dark and intense gothic vibe. I understand 3D animation is now the norm, but I do miss the 2D days.
So true, the movies nowadays lack of something
Tony Jay was a fantastic voice actor. His role as Frollo is one of my favourites. He was also Megabyte from ReBoot, and Shere Khan in the Jungle Book 2 and TaleSpin!
As a Christian, I feel the need to clarify the Mary thing. Mary wasn’t unmarried when she became pregnant. She was engaged, but everyone knew they hadn't slept together yet so many, including even her fiance initially, believed she had cheated. That’s why she was an outcast.
Edit: OK, I fixed the thing about Joseph and Mary, you can stop correcting me now.
Technically, they were only betrothed at that point. Although, betrothals were still legally binding like marriages.
Yeah, no they weren't married yet. Betrothed, but that still would've been bad then
False. Joseph and Mary wed only after she became pregnant with Jesus. Up until then, they were only betrothed, not married. In fact, Joseph initially thought she had been unfaithful, until experiencing a vision in his dreams in which the Angel of the Lord told him of the circumstances behind her pregnancy, that she was pregnant with the Son of God himself.
It’s worth mentioning Joseph wanted a secret divorce because he didn’t want her to be publicly shamed. Which considering he believed she cheated, was incredibly considerate.
Surprise, surprise, A Christian knowing absolutely nothing about their own scripture and history. Thanks for wasting time writing out a comment that was inevitably corrected because you can't be bothered to know your own religion. At least you learned something, even though knowledge is a sin
In my opinion this is a movie everyone should watch at least once. It's dark, but it tells a brilliant story.
Not sure how many times anyone would rewatch it, but it's still a good movie to return to every once in a while I suppose.
This has the best musical score & the most evil villain imo. Love this movie!
Quasi is the only one talking and interacting with the gargoyles (except the goat for a second). This is a very good psychological factor as he needed friends up there. So he has his stone friends that keep him company. But at the end he has friends so the gargoyles are left in the tower
Also the theory that the personalities he projects onto them represent his id, ego, and super ego.
2:38 Correction: Frollo's an AMAZING antagonist!
He's just a horrible PERSON lol
I’m Christian as well and I understand why that trope exists in storytelling considering the fear the church was in the past- but I completely agree with you. It was incredibly nice to see the good version as well, to see a devout Christian man actually trying to be the things taught. Especially because I’ve been learning about early Christian history and how it was employed to hurt people by some while spreading in this radical way a peaceful message that was uncommon in its day. Anyways- glad to be here❤
22:19 I love the symbolism here, the guard is shrouded in Heavenly Light while Frollo is backed by fire. Frollo can either choose to let Esmeralda go and let go of his obsession or continue to stray further into lust and damn himself to hell by continuing to go to horrible extremes to get Esmeralda
The intro set the stage so well for me.
"You can lie to yourself and your minions but you cannot hide from the eyes of god." And he was scared because he KNOWS what he did was wrong. To be so cold to justofy murdering a woman and baby on the steps of a CHURCH. it's perfect.