Edgar Rice Burroughs is one of the biggest legends that currently exist on the planet. For example, George Lucas based Star Wars off of a story, that was in turn inspired by one of Burroughs's creations. That being the Barsoom series of novels.
Burroughs is also responsible for creating one of the most recognizable characters in the world. Everyone knows of the jungleboy archetype, of which Tarzan was one of the first. Originally, the character found his debut in the 1912 novel called Tarzan of the Apes. And his list of appearances has only grown since then. Seeing as he has been written in to over two dozen novels, radio novellas, TV series, movies, comic strips and comic books.
Tarzan might have been recognizable, but his original novels weren't exactly heralded as being great novels. On the contrary, really. However, it was the character itself and the lore created around him that drew a lot of people in. Even to this day, the character is remarkably appealing.
In 1999, Disney took the reigns of the franchise and turned it in to an animated feature. Inspired by the original novel AND the live-action Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, this animated feature proved to be an instant classic, as it stands today as the last great movie of the Disney Renaissance. This movie was simply called: Tarzan.
The story begins in the nineteenth century, where we find an English couple washed ashore of Africa after having suffered a horrible shipwreck. Presumably known as the Greystokes, the couple and their baby son quickly found their way around, creating a home for themselves in this jungle.
At the same time, a gorilla mother lives happily with her family, tending to her own child. Her name is Kala, and she is the mate of the leader of the family, Kerchack.
With Kala and Kerchack tending for their child, and with the Greystokes living peacefully in their newly created treahouse, life just couldn't be better. But alas, all good things must come to an end. A predator stalks the new families. A rogue leopardess, her name is Sabor and she was out for blood. First taking the life of Kala's child, Sabor headed for the Greystoke's treahouse and ends the life of the child's parents.
Mourning her child, Kala hears the cry of a child and runs off from her family. Reaching the treahouse, she saves the young child and takes it in as her own. Not after fending off Sabor from feasting on the child and herself. With Tarzan saved, life goes happily on.
Tarzan is a story about a young boy, growing up to be a strong, young man. All the while being a part of the gorilla family, fully knowing that he doesn't quite belong. An issue enforced by Kershack, who keeps reminding the young boy that he isn't a part of their family. As we see the young man grow up, we follow him through a journey of self discovery and attempting to be recognized by the others of his family. A matter even more complicated once Tarzan discovers that he is not alone in the world.
Eventually, we find ourselves being joined by three humans. We have Jane Porter and her father. They are two explorers, out in Africa to learn more about the gorillas. And then we have their guide, Clayton, who might have ulterior motives. Interesting of note is that in the novels, Tarzan's name is in fact John Clayton III.
All in all, the story is pretty much by the numbers Tarzan. Whilst giving new twists to already established lore, Tarzan doesn't provide us with anything new. However, it presents it story in a highly entertaining fashion. That, alongside with some clever writing, make the story interesting to watch again.
Character development happens aplenty in this story, alongside with some great character growth as well. Tarzan in particular is treated with care and respect, something that really shines through. You can really see the Tarzan in there that Burroughs created all those years ago. He is handsome, tall, dark haired and intelligent. He also learns languages fairly easy and he is a very capable leader.
Much like the story itself, the characters aren't exactly anything new. But, even though we have seen these kind of characters before, they are still presented in an entertaining way. The writing really is done quite spectacularly, making sure that everything keeps that layer of freshness about it.
The music is spectacular. It fits in beautifully with both the setting as the story, creating a sort of narration to what is being shown. A perfect example of how to do it without going in to musical song territory.
Then there's the animation. My god, is there the animation. First, let's talk some tech. Specifically for this movie, the production team created a 3D painting and rendering technique known as Deep Canvas. Basically, it makes CGI look like a traditional painting. And the team really uses it to great effect, giving us some absolutely gorgeous settings. Not to mention the fantastic sequences where Tarzan climbs and leaps and slides all over the jungle, like the tarzan that he is.
This rendition of Tarzan is perhaps one of my favorite ones. It's well written, beautiful to behold and a real adventure through and through. Definitely worth a watch. One that will even manage to pull on your heart strings on several occasions.
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