Robin Hood (1973)
When it comes to many of their animated works, there is no denying that part of the Disney magic is the studio's ability to take classic narratives and find fresh ways to inject unique iconography and personalities that can embrace the tested narratives through a lens that feels new. There is perhaps no better example of this than 1973's Robin Hood. Adapting the classic character from English folklore has been nothing new for the world of cinema with adaptations dating back to the dawn of film itself. While Disney doesn't change the foundations of this narrative, they do change the presentation with the classic human characters being turned into anthropomorphic animals. What follows is a rather joyful and energetic Disney feature.
For both those who are well aware of the Robin Hood tale and those experiencing it for the first time, the simple decision to make its characters anthropomorphic animals feels like something of near genius. Not only does this choice help the film stand out with its own iconography, but it immediately takes advantage of the animated medium to enhance the presence of these characters on visuals alone. While the duo of the sly Robin Hood (Brian Bedford) and bumbling Little John (Phil Harris) are made even more likable with a naturally comedic dynamic of a small cunning fox and large spirited bear, the villainous duo of Prince John (Peter Ustinov) and Sir Hiss (Terry-Thomas) are also given new life as a skinny lion who struggles to fill the crown and robe of his older brother while Sir Hiss gets to be portrayed as perfectly devilish as a snake. Sir Hiss is the only major new character that Disney adds to the film and the fleshing out the antagonist side is perfect for an animated adventure like this.
Not only does the film make the most of the animated medium through its character designs, but beyond the film is rather inspired and successful with its usage of energy and creativity. Specifically in the various action scenes, the film moves at a tremendous pace with Disney giving some of their most underrated work. There is also a consistent eye given to injecting playful creativity, such as Sir Hiss getting his head trapped in a balloon and becoming airborne, that makes the film feel genuinely clever and entertaining. Choices like this could easily have been avoided to give the film a greater sense of grounded reality closer to the original text, but Disney is wise to push its story into something new.
The biggest flaw within the film is simply some of the narrative choices; especially towards the end. While the first half of the film builds rather organically, the final act is far rougher with natural narrative beats being sacrificed for grander action, that while impressive, is somewhat hollow at times. Key characters such as Maid Marian (Monica Evans) completely fade from the narrative only to reappear for a happy ending that feels more forced than deserved. This is clearly the biggest area where the film struggled to find the balance between the traditional narrative and new ideas with the cocktail provided tasting off.
While the film might not be perfect, Robin Hood is one of the more underrated Disney efforts. Blending imagination with technical ability, the film is entertaining and rewarding. The film serves as a great showcase for Disney's ability to redefine established narratives and stands as an iconic and defining retelling of the Robin Hood narrative to this day.
For both those who are well aware of the Robin Hood tale and those experiencing it for the first time, the simple decision to make its characters anthropomorphic animals feels like something of near genius. Not only does this choice help the film stand out with its own iconography, but it immediately takes advantage of the animated medium to enhance the presence of these characters on visuals alone. While the duo of the sly Robin Hood (Brian Bedford) and bumbling Little John (Phil Harris) are made even more likable with a naturally comedic dynamic of a small cunning fox and large spirited bear, the villainous duo of Prince John (Peter Ustinov) and Sir Hiss (Terry-Thomas) are also given new life as a skinny lion who struggles to fill the crown and robe of his older brother while Sir Hiss gets to be portrayed as perfectly devilish as a snake. Sir Hiss is the only major new character that Disney adds to the film and the fleshing out the antagonist side is perfect for an animated adventure like this.
Not only does the film make the most of the animated medium through its character designs, but beyond the film is rather inspired and successful with its usage of energy and creativity. Specifically in the various action scenes, the film moves at a tremendous pace with Disney giving some of their most underrated work. There is also a consistent eye given to injecting playful creativity, such as Sir Hiss getting his head trapped in a balloon and becoming airborne, that makes the film feel genuinely clever and entertaining. Choices like this could easily have been avoided to give the film a greater sense of grounded reality closer to the original text, but Disney is wise to push its story into something new.
The biggest flaw within the film is simply some of the narrative choices; especially towards the end. While the first half of the film builds rather organically, the final act is far rougher with natural narrative beats being sacrificed for grander action, that while impressive, is somewhat hollow at times. Key characters such as Maid Marian (Monica Evans) completely fade from the narrative only to reappear for a happy ending that feels more forced than deserved. This is clearly the biggest area where the film struggled to find the balance between the traditional narrative and new ideas with the cocktail provided tasting off.
While the film might not be perfect, Robin Hood is one of the more underrated Disney efforts. Blending imagination with technical ability, the film is entertaining and rewarding. The film serves as a great showcase for Disney's ability to redefine established narratives and stands as an iconic and defining retelling of the Robin Hood narrative to this day.