Nostalgia Critic Disneycember The Hunchback of Notre Dame

[@JJdaPK]

The part where the gargoyles say "Okay Quasi, we'll leave you alone. After all we are only made out of stone, we just thought you were made of something stronger" should have been the final scene for the gargoyles int he movie. That would have been a very powerful moment for Quasimodo to realize that he doesn't need his imaginary friends anymore.

[@SwearfoGod.]

Disney puts comic relief before story

[@falloutghoul1]

Helga Thein Only sometimes.

[@dani010203stor]

JJdaPK you should have been part of the crew that create this movie.. seriously, i simply can't understand how the people who make this extraordinary movies, such timeless songs, and beautiful scenes, can be the same people who ruin it (or ALMOST ruin it in certain way) with this stupid and obvious thing such as this gargoyles ! that what you said would have been an absolutely smart and beautiful closure! and such a strong scene!

[@MrGabeanator]

falloutghoul1 yeah

[@WitchVine]

JJdaPK Actually, that would have been AMAZING. They should have hired you as a writer. :P

[@sokandueler9578]

Goose bumps on that scene where frolo is about to throw Quasimodo in the well. That choir is amazing.

[@stefanpoirier6810]

No kidding! That scene makes me so wide-eyed and jaw-dropped. It's one of the most thrilling and slightly frightening roller coaster-like scenes I've ever experienced! I mean the scene itself is like some sort of thrilling roller foster ride. It's just truly EPIC!!! :D

[@stefanpoirier6810]

Coaster *.

[@rainpooper7088]

The choir has been ruined for me by a KZbin Poop that had this scene with the subtitles "Penis Semen". Now I can't unhear it...

[@razberrymist9475]

IKR. I can't believe the guy who wrote a soundtrck this mindblowing also wrote a soundtrack as cutsie as the little mermaid. I don't think NC went deep enough into how mind blowing the soundtrack is. I cry every time.

[@CaptainCJ97]

Rainpooper holy shit

[@adrianmedeiros8431]

-Frollo sniffs Esmeralda's hair- "A Family Picture" "He made the Devil so much stronger than a maaaaan" "A Family Picture"

[@CDexie]

"This burning, desire, is turning me, to, sin!"

[@treadingwater86]

Honestly, I am surprised that he didn't mention the fact that Esmeralda was one of the first Disney-characters that wasn't just wishing for her own dreams to come true but instead pleaded for someone to help the other gypsies who had it much worse than she did. And this is especially important in her song "God Help the Outcasts" which is one of my favorite Disney-songs of all time. No matter how you slice it, there has been no other Disney-female lead that didn't put her own desires and dreams in the center during her musical number.

[@tesshope4449]

what about mulan? (but yea, her and Esmeralda are the only 2 i can think of.)

[@KrysOfSorrow]

'During her musical number'. Agreed, most of Mulan's motivations in the movie are strictly familial, but in her actual song 'Reflections', it's basically asking herself/audience, "Will I ever be enough? Would my family even like the real me? Will my inside personality ever show to others on the outside?" which is centered on self. Not necessarily from a selfish point of view or intention, but it's still about her.

[@mercedeswalt6621]

Cartoon+Animefan96 wow, you're right!

[@alvarostockle]

I could argue Almost There says a lot of Tiana about her not giving a shit about other people, showing his limitation to catch her dream (by the animation, not the lyrics), it tells about her motivation (she talks about her dad who made her the person she is and how she's following his dream) and other things through some really minimalist lyrics. That song, and specially Anika Noni Rose, are absolutly amazing, but in terms of music itself, God Save the Outcast is a lot better.

[@KatieKomics]

I was actually introduced to the Hunchback of Notre Dame through this movie. I've loved the movie ever since I was young and my appreciation of this movie has only grown with time.

[@nickcopeland6915]

Same here.

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is one of those few movies where the good stuff is so good that you don't care about the problems. I cry when I watch this film, not because of how sad it is, but because I know that Disney will probably never be this incredibly dark again. Words cannot describe how much I love this movie. The Characters, the music, the comedy, the drama, the animation, the villain, just everything. Also, I actually like the gargoyles. They have some good jokes and I think they're funny. They also do a great job explaining to Quasimodo that it's great to be unique. And the old one's saying, "if all your gonna do is watch, then your gonna watch your life go by without you", is a great quote. That inspired me to get more involved in life and opportunities.

[@roxyspence]

Isaiah Williams Right! It really depresses me that Disney won't be making more like this.

[@ezrablock3218]

Isaiah Williams​ People will flock to crap like Frozen, but won't watch good stuff like this because it's "dark" and "unpredictable." It's really depressing.

[@generalmandible5862]

Isaiah Williams Agreed, I'll kind of cringe at the bad stuff when I see it, but I immediately forget about it because I get so ingulfed in the good stuff

[@WitchVine]

Ezra Block I actually enjoyed both Hunchback and Frozen. Hunchback is superior by far, but both shared elements that caused me to love the movies. I would say Hunchback, Mulan, Frozen, Lion King, and The Princess and the Frog are my favourite Disney movies, not necessarily in that order.

[@ezrablock3218]

WitchVine​ Yeah. But it has no challenge, no culture. It was just a cheap way to make a lot of money.

[@RomanceFreak]

I get the freaking chills EVERY SINGLE TIME I listen to all the music, especially "Bells of Notre Dame" and "Out There". Also, QUASI ROCKS!! I LOVE HIM!!

[@funkylemonade]

hellfire gives me the biggest chills :D

[@C0ZMIK5K1TTL35]

QUAZIMODO IS AWESOME!!!

[@RomanceFreak]

ImEvil234 Got that right!! *highfive*

[@Bailskywalker]

The last lines of both "bells of norte dame" and "hellfire" give me the chills. "She will be mine, or she.... Willllll, GOOOOOOOO" God, that is creepy.

[@cyanmanta]

That's what I love about this movie: you never would have thought in a million years that Disney could do justice to this novel, but they did and it's goddamned brilliant. They didn't go with the traditional hero-pursues-villain-and-wins-girl's-heart formula. It's not supposed to be a substitute for the Victor Hugo story, it's meant to be an adaptation and it's a really good one at that.

[@harrietamidala1691]

It kinda reminds me of Into the Woods--there are few things lightened and removed to keep within the Disney Standards, but what remains is still pretty damn dark. I am surprised Hunchback did not get a PG rating because this certainly is more intense than G.

[@TheSonnyworld]

They could have made it a lot darker like the book.

[@caldw615]

***** They could have but it may have been a bit more complicated to pull off, the themes of the book dive much deeper and much darker than the movie did particularly with Frollo's lust for Esmerelda including assaulting her, hell the fact Frollo is a Priest and not a Judge in the book would have made the movie probably too much of a jab at the Church which I don't think they were fully wanting to commit to especially for a kids movie, probably would have upset a lot of parents if their kids started acting up due to the film. Ontop of Frollo's status and lust for Esmerelda, she's only 16 in the original book. That and there is a lot of death in the book, it doesn't have a happy ending so...yeah... Quasimodo is a lot more tragic in the book too since ontop of his disfigurement he was practically deaf due to the constant close range sound of the bells and he had great difficulty speaking.

[@joannaaltbach9047]

***** They could've, but remember, they are a company that produces children's movies. And to make one that is as dark and gloomy as the original, would probably scar most kids for life. I mean, it is exactly like he said, it would've been a perfect movie, but also cause a lot of controversy as well.

[@generalmandible5862]

Cal DW Yeah....attempted rape in a kid's movie.....no

[@nope9233]

I thought the gargoyles in the fight were fake and the Hunchback thought of them to make himself think he was not hurting others so he would not realize that he had then actually turned into a monster for lust like Frodo.

[@SpectralKnight]

That's ... that is actually a pretty good idea. But there are some scenes were you can see that this was not what they were going for.

[@TheZacula]

Yeah, I personally just imagined those as things HE was doing, but projecting them onto the gargoyles.

[@excs4619]

+Nope92 HoND is a pool of depth. Wait what...

[@Lattamonsteri]

That's also why they're "sending a mixed message" like Doug said. They're inside his head, so they reflect his ideas. Quasi thinks he's a monster, so that's what the gargoyles tell him as well. I wonder if Doug didn't like the fight club either, because of similar reasons that he gave to the gargoyles. :p Or grotesks, as they should be called.

[@kingboobs20]

I still think the gargoyles are his imagination, he could have very well imagined the stuff that happened in the climax, though I think the film was purposely vague enough to leave it open for interpretation, I see them as a reflection of his insecurity, also the gargoyle that comes alive before Frollo dies? I think that was Frollo's imagination, reflecting his fear of eternal damnation. Also I actually like the gargoyles song A Guy Like You, come at me bro.

[@JefeTheSituation]

Brie Russell It's been confirmed they're real. Other characters even react to them. They literally come to life.

[@kingboobs20]

***** Yeah but the other charcter's reactions could just be imagined by Quasimoto as well. Don't ruin this for me dammit.

[@kingboobs20]

Like I give two shits what happens in the sequel.

[@JJdaPK]

+Brandon Roberts Disney sequels don't count. They are not part of the canon. Every direct to video sequel is a poorly written fan fiction that deserves to get cast into the fiery pit Frollo was talking about.

[@tobymartin2137]

+Brie Russell There are certainly worse songs. Though when your other songs are the likes of God Help The Outcasts, The Bells of Notre Dame and Hellfire, you can probably appreciate that people didn't enjoy it in comparison...

[@Nibelungenherr1876]

In the book Frollo is much more sympathetic. That being said, I love both the original and this version's Frollo. Frollo in this movie also has some strange kind of sympathy even though the guy is much more evil and brutal. He is a horrible person but he is a COMPLEX horrible person. He may not always be completely sympathetic but my God, is he identifiable. Sure, we are not horrific psychotic killers and would-be rapists but you can still feel the guy's doubts, fears and hopes. The movie makes it clear that Frollo is constantly struggling with himself, trying to be what God would expect him to be while constantly doing horrible horrible things. I think after the Hellfire sequence Frollo finally sinks into full villainy, finally giving a way to his uncontrollable passion, lust and madness. And it's sad to see him go. You can't help feeling that even though the guy's actions are inexcusable he could have well become a much better person under different circumstances. Even his most horrible racistic views on gypsies etc. have some blink of good there: he really tries to convince himself and probably believes it as well that he's really doing the God's will and being a good dutiful christian. So while this version of Frollo more lusts after Esmeralda rather than truely loves him, while this version of Frollo doesn't raise Quasimodo out of his free will, while this version of Frollo doesn't take care of his younger Brother Jehan, he still manages, oddly and impossibly, to be a sympathetic, complex character.

[@MatsudaYouIdiotProductions]

I want to Upvote this a hundred times...

[@Nibelungenherr1876]

InsaneJestress Why thank you, I'm flattered.

[@Nibelungenherr1876]

I have to say that I am delightfully surprised how many people liked my hastily written analysis. Frollo is really an intriguing character. Thank you guys, I am really flattered.

[@MrGabeanator]

wow

[@vero-kd8vg]

I only dissagree with the ''after the Hellfire sequence Frollo finally sinks into full villainy'' thing. I think that this song makes him, in some way, more simpathetic. I mean, put yourself at his position: that gipsy girl who defied him, the servant of God, that witch with satanic powers who escaped from his guards two times, that GIPSY, that unholy race he swore to destroy... is giving him a boner. Of course, he tries to accuse her because of his lust, but deep inside him he knows it was his fault (that red figures in ''Hellfire'' were singing ''Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea máxima culpa'', which translates into ''Through my fault, through my fault, through my most giveous fault''). At the end, he is so desperate of being turned to sin, of being impure at God's eyes that he only find two solutions: to destroy that witch, make justice and regain God's favor or else succumb to her charms and enjoy her body with His ''sacred permission''. In his fear and despair, he burns down the whole city, hiding his acts behind the word ''justice''. When he already has Esmeralda and is about to burn her and send her to the hell where she belongs, Quasimodo rescues her. Yep. That boy, the deformed monster which he had to protect, hide and take care during 20 years to redeem himself rescues that evil gipsy witch and claim ''sanctuary'' at Notre Dame, believing that he had that right. Frollo was so furious that, no longer caring about the church, he goes into Notre Dame and tries to kill them. Of course, it is at that moment that God finally punish him and sends him to hell. Plus, Hellfire its AWESOME :3

[@rentheadangelcollins]

I've recently gotten readdicted to this movie. And I'm glad I did. It's given me a chance to see my all-time favourite Disney character in action again! No. Not Quasimodo. Not Esmerelda. Not Phoebus...Clopin. The King of the Gypsies, and narrator of the movie. Ever since I was six, when this movie first came out, I have LOVED that jester, and I don't think he can EVER be knocked from his throne on my list. For a kid who was already tired of all of the lame knights in shining armor, Clopin was a HUGE enigma for me. He wasn't a hero, but he wasn't a villain. He was on the SIDE of the heroes, and yet he tried to HANG THE HEROES!!! It was an honestly amazing thing for me, after having seen so much black and white in characters. I mean, sure, he's technically seen as a background character, but he sings the MOST of anyone in the movie! And then there's the personal story I have when they had the Hunchback play at Disney World. It was just a condensed version of the movie, and for three summers in a row, I saw it NUMEROUS times during each visit to the parks. There was one actor in particular who I LOVED in the role of Clopin. The last year we went, my mom got a picture she'd taken of him during the show blown up so he could sign it, and we could frame it. Unfortunately, the one day mom was willing to carry it around the whole day, he wasn't in the show. We found a cast member to see if he'd be in the show later that day. That cast member did one better. It turns out the actor was in the park, just having a day off, but he called him over, and the guy went through the trouble of getting in FULL COSTUME to sign the picture for me. I will NEVER forget how awesome he was for that. I knew, even back then, what a big deal that was. I knew he was an actor, and I knew what a pain tights are to get on, but he did all of that to make a young fan incredibly happy. I also found out recently, upon listening to a radio interview Paul Kandel(Clopin's voice) had a while back, that the guy in that show MAY have been friends/classmates with him in college, which just makes it all that much more awesome. I mean, that could have been one of the other actors, but it makes sense that the one that seemed most like Clopin was the one who knew the character's actual voice...but that could just be wishful thinking.

[@Monicalia]

what a great story!! and Clopin is also my favorite character, since I was a little kid. I remember watching this movie as a kid and though I was meh about the movie in general, Clopin caught my attention. I re-watched this movie some time ago and I remember how much I loved Clopin. He's so wel designed, with a dark and bright side to his personality, he had his strong moments as a Leader, but also gentle when he holds the little girl at the end of the movie. Amazing character.

[@andreasmeelie1889]

WOW! You're story is freaking AMAZING! :)

[@BeatboxingTrev]

This villain terrified me as a kid

[@adrianpaul1985]

I always thought quasimodo was scary.

[@straburyred]

+Caroline Trevis I was eighteen when this came out and Frollo sent chills up my spine.

[@TheSupergamer300Show]

Same, I couldn't freaking sit through the movie because of Frollo, but now I think he's an amazing villain

[@ArtistLunatalia]

+Caroline Trevis This villain terrifies me as an adult. A person who is both willing to commit to acts of horrific violence and then twist them to suit his view of righteousness or good.... is a very scary person indeed. We see Frollo murder a woman on the front steps to a church, because her call for sanctuary wasn't answered quickly enough, we see him move to drop a baby to its death because of a physical deformity, and we see him try to threaten/kill a woman for refusing his advances. By general standards, we know how cruel those actions are, and yet we see him explain them away as "just" in every case. That's terrifying, especially since you can never know how far that sort of person is willing to go for what they want.

[@straburyred]

Leafie the Great Religion makes a monster (Frollo). Humanity makes a man (Quasimodo).

[@BadGuyRants]

Esmeralda is the most beautifully designed animated character ever!

[@CaptainCJ97]

Nihilist Ivy ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@DLux121212]

This is definitely one of my favorite Disney movies besides the fact that I didn't actually see it til I was in college this past year. Also couldn't agree more, that choir is Awesome. I got soo many chills just listening to those parts, particularly the opening and Hellfire. Definitely one of the most underrated Disney movies ever alongside The Rescuers Down Under and a must watch for any Disney fan.

[@CrimsonOptics]

Really glad to see that Doug likes this film as much as he does. It's one of my favorites as well, especially watching it again as an adult. I can really appreciate a lot of the things it does well such as Frollo, the music, the story, the animation, the atmosphere, and god damn that scene at the end where the girl hugs Quasi's face and accepts him among the crowd makes me cry every time. It's a simple, but beautiful way to show what message the film was trying to get across. One of the most underrated disney films, right next to Lilo and Stitch.

[@vincentvorse]

I'm going to be straight forward: this is the 2nd best Disney film ever made (the 1st being Fantasia). This film surpasses Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, and yes, even the Lion King. Here'e my reasons: -Frollo is not just the greatest Disney villain he is one of the greatest villains to ever come out of the fictional world -The songs are absolutely breath-taking: "Out There", "God Help the Outcasts", "Topsy Turvey" and I completely agree with the critic, "Hellfire" is the greatest villain song of all time and that freaking intro song "Bells of Notre Dame" was indescribably good. -The animation is just as breath taking as the music -The characters, with maybe the exception of the gargoyles, are all just unbelievably enjoyable. In fact, I think Esmerelda is one of the top three best Disney female protagonists of all time -This movie has BALLS; plain and simple. 90% of the stuff that they show in this movie are all things that nobody would expect to see in a Disney film; not in a million years. But, like the Critic said: they make it work. -Lastly, and most importantly: everything that happens in this film is realistic and accurate. The characters all act like people would have acted in the time this film takes place, especially Frollo, and with the exception of the gargoyles (who I am still going to assume were figment of Quasimodo's imagination which would pretty much patch up the only flaw in this movie) there is nothing fictitious about the story. It everything that happens in the story could have very easily happened in real life, especially during this time period. Say what you want but for me, I think the some of the praise that the Lion King is getting should go to this film. Just 5% will do

[@mrdropkicker1]

Not to mention incredibly underrated

[@nemo0036]

James Michel Yeah, not exactly in this order, but my favourite disney flicks are Hunchback of Notre Dame, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Tangled (which IMO was so much better than Frozen).

[@sailboat9920]

James Michel Anyone who says frozen is the best disney movie (which a lot of people do) is someone who is 2, has a brain of a ywo year old or never watched another disney movie in their life I agree with you

[@nemo0036]

Sail Boat Or mostly anyone up to 14 or 15 years old. It's really shocking to think that so many kids nowadays were born after the year 2000.

[@Taintsnicely5434]

This is definitely my all-time favorite Disney movie but the only film I disagree with you being worse than it is Beauty and the Beast even though I love the Hunchback a lot more I have to admit personally for me that Beauty and the Beast is a better film the original animated one of course.

[@EdVarkarion]

It's funny, that when you say Disney's gargoyles it can either mean, one of the most badass tv shows of all time or semi-obnoxious comic relief characters.

[@lehahiah81]

or the marvel comic based off the Disney tv show

[@Naruto85RasenShurike]

I totally agree with Nostalgia Critic here. While there are some problems with the film, what is done well is so well done it surpasses any other flaws! Frollo is now one of my favorite Disney villains, Quasimodo has a lovable pacifist nature, and the themes are very mature for a Disney flick! I admit I found this confusing as a kid, but this is one of the few Disney films I enjoy more as an adult than I did as a kid! I now consider myself to be a part of that growing fan base. I personally feel this film is underrated, as most people I've discus this film with seem to dislike this one, but I personally feel while it does has some flaws, this is one of Disney's best! Took the most risks, and heavily pays off!

[@harrietamidala1691]

Yeah, I think I like Hunchback more as an adult than I did as a kid because I understand the themes now.

[@krombopulos_michael]

Okay to set a few things straight here because Walker seems to have gotten a lot of stuff wrong here The Festival of Fools is not a celebration of the gypsies. I was a festival that was organised by the clergy in France where lower ranking members of the Church swapped places with higher ones for a day. It was associated with a lot of debauchery as well and it was repeatedly condemned by the Vatican but it was a festival for everybody, not just gypsies at all. The only thing about it is that gypsies got away with far more on the day which is why they were out doing their thing. The "crime of some sort" in the original story was that Quasimodo kidnapped Esmerelda for Frollo. Okay, I know there shouldn't be any need to know the source but if you're going to bring it up this seems like an important point. The point in this film was not that the crowd "turned" on Quasimodo, it was that he was never really liked to begin with; "they were laughing at him, not with him" kind of thing. He naively believed that he was being accepted when the opposite was true. I don't think the film every really made a point about not judging people on how they look, if it did it seems incidental. It seems far more like it was a family-unfriendly Aesop of "if you're ugly, you're not going to get the hot girl, learn to deal with it instead of being bitter about it". This isn't like Beauty and the Beast where people see Quasimodo and assume he must be dangerous and evil because of how he looks, they just mock and shame him for it at the festival and that's about it. Nobody learns that they were wrong to ever judge him or anything or decide that his character is more important than how he looks.

[@krombopulos_michael]

***** Wasn't necessarily the same crowd though. The ones at the start were just all rowdy from the Feast of Fools and decided to throw rotten food at the ugly guy, they never really got their come-comeuppance or anything. He does get accepted at the end but we are looking at this from Quasi's perspective, not the crowd's so I still don't think the message is really much about "not judging". I like this message more too, it makes a refreshing change from the clichéd "you'll get whatever girl you want because you're a nice guy" thing that a lot of movies go for.

[@jongon0848]

I think the point they were trying to get across with Quasi not getting Esmerelda was that even though he couldn't be with her he still did the right thing and try to protect her. I understand what u mean about this story not being a "Beauty and the Beast" type of a story but I think that the point they were trying to get across was that just because he doesn't get the girl doesn't mean he stops being the hero.

[@liambrenzel2194]

Gary, Kirk and Don Hahn actually confirmed that the gargoyles are figments of Quasimodo's mind in the audio commentary and Hugo would sometimes make it seem as though Quasimodo was talking to them in the book, but they only come to life in Quasimodo's mind

[@liambrenzel2194]

Shut the fucks up!

[@liambrenzel2194]

No shit

[@KidSnivy69]

In the climax of the movie they were fighting in the battle, its kind of hard to ignore that

[@liambrenzel2194]

It still could have been Quasi but I am just saying that the directors confirmed that they don't exist.

[@liambrenzel2194]

I meant I've seen the movie a ton of times, wtf is a Borat?

[@G_Taor]

People are giving lots of hate towards the gargoyles and honestly I don't really mind them. I don't think they were the most annoying Disney characters out there. In fact, compared to the amount of screen time all the characters got, they didn't get too much. But I do understand why people hate them, they are a little annoying. But my main pet peeve with them is when they were singing "A Guy Like You". That's not what bothers me about them, because I actually really like the song. But it's the fact that they began to sung it at a really inappropriate time, when Frollo was burning down Paris.

[@haleymasenthin4538]

My favorite Disney movie by far :) The music is among the most beautiful, yet most overlooked, masterpieces Disney has ever created! THEY ARE SINGING IN LATIN, FOR CHRIST'S SAKE! LATIN!

[@annsanity3572]

I think Doug was right, the gargoyles were a good idea, if they're just imaginary friends of Quasimodo, but their singing numbers are pretty pointless. And the scenes where they attack the soldiers at the end ruins the seriousness of this moment. Even though this is my favourite Disney Movie ever.

[@RomanceFreak]

I completely agree with you on all accounts! I get the chills EVERY SINGLE TIME I listen to the gorgeous music, it just never gets old for me, and that's hard to pull off! And Frollo is a great villain, very human and probably one of Disney's best. And I love the gargoyles! I think they're funny! I think if Disney didn't put them in there, it would be depressing and an even darker film.

[@graysonrogers-barnes6302]

That choir gives me goose bumps every time I hear it.

[@nicholaskingmequeen]

I know most people seem to dislike the gargoyles, but I don't know, am I the only one who didn't hate them? They cracked me up and I thought their performances were all great. And they didn't annoy me like they did for most people.

[@brianalambert1192]

I thought they were okay, except when they sang. That song is annoying

[@hunnykun101]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks about the gargoyles. I never hated them, I think they were harmless.

[@EdVarkarion]

I think it's more that they contradict the tone of the overall film

[@sirjedisentinel]

I kinda understand why they're there. The movie itself is pretty dark. The gargoyles are meant to be the Disney element of the show. They sort of lighten the mood. They're Disney's element of childhood whimsey.

[@Kingofredeyes]

I agree with the Nostalgia Critic when he says if they had been a figment of Quasi's imagination I wouldn't of had a huge issue with them. The idea of Quasi creating crazy characters to keep him company due to a life time of isolation from everyone but Frolo would of been an amazing tragic way of creating comic relief without having them completely contradict the tone of the film. Having them be real at then end though just screwed the entire thing up and really made me hate them, for both what they were and what they could of been.

[@ladyvincenza]

Am I alone in saying that the church (as in the clergy, not the church in the architectural sense) was depicted in a pretty positive light? The arch deacon/priest guy saved Quasi and tried to save Esmeralda. If the novel was a critique of the church, this movie sure wasn't.

[@adrianmedeiros8431]

You are not. This movie depicted the church as an institution like any other: bound to have good and bad people in it

[@ladyvincenza]

I can't think of any "bad guy" clergy in this movie. I think it was pretty generous of the Mouse House to depict the Catholic Church so positively. If they'd wanted, they could have taken a more neutral approach.

[@adrianmedeiros8431]

+Sarah Trachtenberg i disagree. I think it was a pretty neutral aproach. Because they didn't adress evil as inherit to the church or to people out of it. People both in and out can be evil. As a catholic, i don't see this movie as depicting the church in a positive light, nor in a negative one

[@BuckDanny2314]

In a way, they treat the Church quite neutrally. I mean, sure, the archdeacon is a good guy, but remember the Church is not just the clergy; Frollo too is part of the Church! And he justifies all of his actions in the name of God. In a way, maybe it would have been better to portray him as a priest like in the novel, but in the novel he's not really a vilain (Phoebus is much more unpleasant than him). I think as Adrian Medeiros said that the Church in this film is shown in a rather neutral way. You do have a religious vilain, but you also have the importance of faith (the song "God help the outcast" begins with a prayer to Virgin Mary).

[@adrianmedeiros8431]

+BuckDanny2314 Yes. it shows religion as neither good nor bad. People are good or bad

[@SelkieSiun]

My all time favorite film right here.

[@getmario64]

I love this movie a lot. Even people didn't appreciate this movie and the other classic movies like "The Lion King," "The Little Mermaid," and "Beauty & the Beast," this one is beautiful and the most underrated movie I ever seen. It has a religion background, it has the dark tone, an innocent hunchback who wants to be free in the world, attention with the villain with his religion problems and sexual lust over Esmeralda, and everything looks very mature, but gorgeous. I have no problem for this movie, it's fantastic, I love the songs including "Out There," "God Help the Outcast," and my favorite villain song "Hellfire" is beautiful. Such a art movie that people and nostalgia kids must see this movie.

[@Obijuan1997]

I actually have a theory about the gargoyles. Through out the movie whenever people talk about Notre-Dame they talk as if it's alive, like it has it's own form of sentience. And since it's a building of god and the church, how do we know it's not aware in its own way. Take the three 'annoying' gargoyles that are Quasimodo's friends for example. What if Notre-Dame gave them life to be Quasimodo's friends since it saw that he knew no one outside of Frollo and maybe the Archdeacon at the time? He had no real friends so Notre-Dame brought them to life so that he wouldn't be alone all the time.

[@oliverwakila]

i love this theory so much :). im kinda a religious person, so i would like to think that in this film 'God' gave Quasi some friends. its odd, yet fits in so well with the story since Quasi is such a nice guy :)

[@Obijuan1997]

Thank you.

[@DHynes5]

That's a brilliant theory. This should be one more people should know about!

[@adoramichis1884]

Juan nardelli That's a very good theory. But, as the person of this video said, I would have preferred that they were part of Quasimodo's imagination.

[@Obijuan1997]

bryanna cassidy Why is that a problem? I specifically said that Notre-Dame potentially brought the Gargoyles to life.

[@LittleBlueTrain67]

I didn't find the gargoyles really annoying. Maybe they got 1 laugh once in a while, but I've seen better and worse comic relief.

[@roxyspence]

LittleBlueTrain67 I really hate all comic relief, unless they're helping the story along there's no point in it, it's just filler. I swear directors need to ask themselves 'Will the story change without this scene' If the answers no, then leave it out.

[@generalmandible5862]

LittleBlueTrain67 I realize Hunchback is a kid's film, but I think this movie would've gone better without any comic relief

[@LittleBlueTrain67]

General Yurikawa I think it would've done better without them too, but I just don't really hate the gargoyles

[@dragonpride6997]

+General Yurikawa well, yeah, less, but I think keeping Clopin's humour is really fitting. It's funny, but there's a somewhat darker underlying tone to it.

[@dragonpride6997]

+Susan Mcauley It's a kids movie though. The humour is to satisfy them. Also, you can't deny, some of the humour in this movie is actually good.

[@definitelycatherine7296]

This movie really freaked me out as a little kid but now that I'm older I think it's one of Disney's better films.

[@snaketooth0943]

My family only told me I was autistic later in life, so as a kid I didn't know I was autistic, just that I was different. So, as a kid, I related to Quasimodo, because we were both different. It's one of the main reasons I liked it as a kid and say it still holds up to this day.

[@ginkgothestink-o6949]

I'm a huge fan of the book - it's my favorite, in fact. The complexity, the art, the characters... it's a horrifying tail that is told in a tone of undeniable truth. Spoilers. Quasimodo, in the book, is more than a timid sweetheart. He's confused and defensive. Being abused so severely, and persecuted by the people around him, Quasimodo is made tough, in all the wrong places. The shell that he has toward the populace is easily poked into by the single individual that shows him any sliver of empathy, Esmeralda. Despite being deaf and half blind and grotesque, Quasimodo finds himself in love with Esmeralda. He vows to take care of her, just because she gave him a drink of water after he was flogged. He brings her beautiful flowers in ugly pots and caged birds. He even goes so far as to try and fetch Phoebus for her, because he knows that she could never love him. Yet, in a cruel twist of fait, our hunchback finds the only man he cares for, Frollo, trying to take Esmeralda. And when both of them are lost, Esmeralda hanged and Frollo thrown off of the cathedral by Quasimodo himself, he understands that he has nothing - and is worth nothing In all of his confusion and isolation, Quasimodo is wise enough to understand the cold truth of his pitiful existence. And even he, in all of his sorrow, can find the ironic poetry in all of it. Oh, and the movie's good, too.

[@killer92173]

This is personally my favorite Disney movie. :D

[@krustentier123]

Probably my favourite Disney movie of all time

[@MarkyMatey]

Despite the gargoyles, this movie is truly wonderful. The choir give me chills.

[@rftt6y7tr]

In the book Quasimodo is the one throwing stuff of the cathedral ect maybe the gargols are still just imaginary and hes doing it I mean the stuff moved in the musical number and their still stone at the end. It not like the other main characters acknowledge them

[@karinamaloney1033]

I agree with him here. No doubt about it, Disney really failed to find a target audience for this movie.... However I personally also love the imagery, Frollo's character, and the score is just amazing. I think Heaven's Light/Hell'sfire might be my favorite Disney song of all time.

[@pianoaddict772]

Some of the best music I have heard in a Disney movie. The choir is absolutely amazing.

[@Anonomius0]

I love the scene where frollo and the archdeacon are arguing. When you bear in mind they're based on the same character, it's like seeing someone conflicting with themselves.

[@vegetasaiyanprinceofragebo5520]

the most underrated Disney musical. it's such a powerful film

[@iliketrains263]

This is by far one of my top 5 Disney movies. The art style behind it, the pacing of the story. The climax battle outside note dame, and not to mention that main theme. Still sends chills down my spine. This was by far one of the darkest movies Disney has ever made and I can't see them releasing anything like this again. I'm glad I grew up watching this when I had the chance

[@TKL626]

Despite the fact that the Gargoyles in this film changed the "Dark" tone of the film, I personally liked the tall gargoyle for some reason.

[@EmmanuelleLunada2010]

Actually, "Hunchback" was a hit when it was released. It was an inferior hit compared to it's predecessors, but it still made a huge amount of money and was a quite popular movie back during it's release.

[@caigemalinowski5247]

MOST. UNDERRATED. DISNEY, MOVIE. EVVVVVERRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!

[@asdatescosains700]

Preston: Another settlement needs your help. Me: Which one? Preston: SANCTUARY! SANCTUARY!

[@magicrainbowkitties1023]

You win the internet today

[@RachelTheVlogger]

Hunchback is awesome :) never get tired of it.

[@Calmminded94]

A note about the gargoyles, the film sort of hints that Notre Dame may be sentient and watches over her city and it's people. It is up to interpretation, but maybe VIctor, Hugo and Laverne are just a little more animated than the rest of the Cathedral. (SPOILERS) Examples are in the beginning when all the statues give Frollo the death stare (tough this is most likely imaginary). all the bells resonating when Quasi breaks his chains (may be the strain, but could also be a "go get them!" from the church) and the lion gargoyle coming alive before Frollo's demise (probably imaginary again, but these gargoyles were meant to protect from evil, in this case Frollo's).

[@nathaniellevesque2782]

If Walt Disney was alive, he would have made the movie extremely child friendly or wouldn't have made it period. He wouldn't think the original source material was appropriate for the Disney brand.

[@TheSupergamer300Show]

Same thing for most of the more mature Disney movies (TS 3, most live action Disney films, etc.).

[@aacsmiles]

+Nathaniel Levesque You haven't seen the early Disney movies in a while, have you?

[@NoNo-so6vz]

I honestly think the gargoyles were supposed to be imaginary but at the end someone told the animators to do those little scenes for the kids

[@AquaLantern]

Danny Doble N to be fair, it's possible Quasi is still the one doing the fighting at the end is just imagining his friends helping him in over-the-top ways to help cope with the drama of it all.

[@NoNo-so6vz]

LordManda2 that's actually a very good theory

[@Tsrashi]

I agree. In the scene where Quasimodo tips over the vat of molten lead there's a brief shot of the gargoyles pulling the rope, then it suddenly cuts to Quasi doing the pulling with no gargoyles in sight. This maybe a hint that he's simply only imagining them helping out when in reality it's just him.

[@TheWarnberg]

This was my favorite Disney movie as a child. I always loved Quasimodo.. And I love the film even more now that I'm old enough to appreciate all the risks they took with it.

[@ToruKun1]

I got to see this when it came out in theaters for my 6th birthday, it's pretty much imprinted on me as my favorite Disney animated film because of that.

[@oliviawilliams6204]

I just finished reading the book in french. Esmeralda was also accused of Witchcraft in the novel but also attempted murder

[@JacobFlores2]

God Help the Outcast is a fantastic song, that scene with Esmeralda was really beautiful

[@BmanTheChamp]

My favourite line in this whole movie is from that random old man who at the beginning he gets freed from chains or something like that and he goes "I'm free, I'm free...oop!" Then he falls into another device that locks him up (I'm trying to find the name for it but the one where it opens up and there's a space for your head and wrists) "Dang it." Then toward the end of the movie he finally gets freed again and he goes "I'm free! I'm free! OOP!" Then he stumbles and falls into a hole "DANGIT!!!"

[@LtCaswell]

I looove love love this movie! It's just so intense and heartbraking and fluffy at the same time. The characters, the music, the visuals.... Amazing!

[@tomasfranciscobarragan209]

i think that this version of the Víctor Hugo's novel is one of the best, not because it is faithful on the events of the original work but it shows what Víctor Hugo wanted: Show the importance of the notre dame as a beutiful and important building

[@AldaMrkreNielsdottir]

Last week I watched this movie for the first time since I was a kid and I was amazed. I think this is one of the few films from Disney that I actually enjoy more as an adult because it's so dark and deep. I mean it has the racism, the religious corruption and a phenomenal soundtrack. God Help the Outcast is probably one of my favorite Disney songs ever because it has such a strong message. This movie is extremely underrated and despite the gargoyles I think this is one of Disney's best.

[@The11jones]

im surprised he didnt talk much about Esmerelda. I personally think that she is the most underrated character in any of Disney's animated movies. You have a strong, intelligent and not completely selfish woman who takes on lots of very serious risks to do what she thinks is right. She is also not a princess or royalty, but instead she is an outcast. she has a really nice song inside of Notre Dame where she is asking god to help the other outcasts of the world. Overall, this is a really good character who does lots of good things in a very dark and serious story.

[@Calmminded94]

I think this film is just awesome. The story, the characters, the music, the pictures, it has everything. It's one of my favourites from Disney.

[@richardranke7878]

Victor Hugo's novel was a masterpiece...and so few adaptations have given it justice.This was one of them.

[@dani010203stor]

i've been in Paris with my family a year ago, and we went to Notre Dame. i fell in love with it♥ i swear, i was almost like "beautiful Eiffel Tower, beautiful Louvre, but can we go to Notre Dame once more?" I just wanted to go there every day and watch it a couple of hours, i was amazed.. and i went up those stairs! 7:37 until where the gargoyles are. they are so claustrophobic! and i came to think that it was a trap, that they hadn't an end and that we would be climbing them for the rest of our life! a really long ascent, without railings, little space and in some parts small rungs. but seriously, Notre Dame is one of my favorite places on Earth now♥

[@brianalambert1192]

The disney version is how I was first introduced to the story. And I liked it a lot, mostly because I didn't get any of the really complicated stuff, I didn't even get that Frollo was attracted to Esmerelda, so that scene where he was about to burn her was really confusing for me. But I still liked the music and the story. So, when I was 11 and my parents bought the Great Illustrated Classics version of the novel, I decided to read it thinking, oh I liked the movie, so I should like the book. MY GOD that story messed me up! Even the simplified 'children's' story is intense. I thought, why would you make a kids movie out of this. PARENTS, WARN YOUR KIDS THAT DISNEY MOVIES ARE USUALLY BASED ON DARK STORIES! Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, the Little Mermaid, Pinnochio, the Fox and the Hound, Aladdin, Tangled, the originals are pretty dark stories, and kids shouldn't read them without being warned.

[@Bailskywalker]

The book is dark, yes, but it was really good. That only dark part if that if this movie got released today, the parents would be going crazy ablutit, and the children would be upset on how it was "flat" and wasn't funny. Sadness :(

[@YunUroko]

Actually, the Feast of Fools isn't a Gipsy celebration at all. It was, at first, something celebrated and organized by the clergy in Europe/Northern France, and evolved into a popular festival, during which people could practically do whatever they wanted. It's like the Carnival/Mardi Gras (not today's version, but the old one, where people could pretend to be anyone and do virtually everything without fearing a punishment) and the Saturnalia in Ancient Rome.

[@joyunicycle]

This is my favorite Disney movie (well top 5) and what I love about it is the risks that they take: there's more adult stuff than kid friendly, it's dark to a certain extent, and Frollo! That has got to be my favorite villain of all time next to the Joker (Heath Ledger) and Maleficent! I love how complicated they make him rather than just evil for the sake of being evil. I also love the other characters (I tolerate the gargoyles too), the plot, the animation, and THE MUSIC! It's just all epic. Not sure if it rivals against the Lion King much, but I love it. And for those who think this film would keep me from reading the original story it actually encourages me to read it. Sure the movie is not as great as the book, but most movies generally don't do the original stories much justice.

[@Yumeuni]

My favorite Disney movie. It`s so dark, emotional and powerful film.

[@JakeG-gp4qt]

This was my very first Disney movie. Even though I don't remember it, I was 11 days old when my mom took me to see it because she wanted to see it.

[@NekoChanSenpai]

This is my favorite Disney movie of all time for several reasons. I love the novel. The score and soundtrack is great, fantastic even. The story touches on themes that movies just can't touch on these days, and it does it so well. Plus, it's mainly cell animated, which nobody does anymore.

[@Johnno9989]

to be honest, even though The Hunchback Of Notre Dame didn't make as much money as Pocahontas, I'd say it's a definite improvement compared to Pocahontas. Personally

[@Metronoma1]

This movie is amaaaaaazing!!Aarh the music, the animation, and just the chills you get from watching it. It is amazing! :)

[@smurfette_blues7922]

i saw the movie when i was fourteen and i was continuously amazed at the brave leaps disney had made.

[@GGun1t]

God that choir is amazing

[@selinakyle2237]

The choir gives me chills

[@thesamuraihobbit]

Would anyone want to see a Disney's Les Miserables? I mean, if they can adapt Hunchback, which is a much darker Hugo novel, they can adapt Les Miz. Not an adaptation of the Broadway musical, but of the novel. Perhaps make an original musical out of this. Valjean: Ian McKellen Javert: Keith David Fantine: Lea Salonga M. Thenardier: David Bradley Mme. Thenardier: Donna Murphy Adult Cosette: Kristen Bell Marius: Nick Jonas (yes, I know he already did Marius on Broadway, but his voice fits the character) Adult Eponine: Jodi Benson Enjolras: Karl Urban Bishop of Digne: Gerard Depardieu (I can't imagine him without a French accent) M. Gillenormand: Brian Blessed The kids need to be new actors.

[@thesamuraihobbit]

+Louis XIV Uh, Jean Valjean would be the main character just like in the novel. Disney's never had a middle-aged protagonist before. And no, they'd probably change Fantine becoming a prostitute to her becoming a beggar

[@harrietamidala1691]

+darthgrahf Yeah, that sounds like a change Disney would do. Though I still them trying to work Fantine's fate on a double level--kids would see a ragged beggar while adults get the implication that she's a prostitute.

[@victorm152]

Walder Frey as M. Thernadier? Cool

[@thesamuraihobbit]

Victor M I was thinking Filch, but that works too.

[@julie1958]

I found the opening song to be one of Disney's greatest introductions ever. Like seriously. It's powerful, yet strange, it's creepy, yet beautiful... And I'd be lying if I said Paul Kendal's tenor voice wasn't impressive. Like seriously. I'd like to see you boys on youtube go that high. Not to mention, his character's kind of awesome. Clopin gave everyone the wrong idea. You see him as this jester guy that likes puppets and seems pretty nice and funny. WRONG. This guy won't give you a chance to speak for yourself if he finds you in his home... lair... cave... thing. He will hang you on sight without hesitation. That's pretty awesome, if not dark for a Disney movie.

[@excs4619]

+Julie Hershberger Can't think of a better intro to anything, including all media. Except one thing I'm thinking of... what was it...

[@julie1958]

+Jiub Can't help you there, pal, but this intro is boss.

[@yarpen26]

The introduction to Hunchback is, without a doubt, the greatest Disney ever pulled off in an animated feature. That choir is just *unbelievable.*

[@sirjedisentinel]

As a kid, my favorite Disney movies were Aladdin and Peter Pan. As a 20 year old, THIS is my favorite Disney movie

[@TessuDraws]

I always liked this movie as a kid because, well, Disney. Or like, it wasn't one of my favourites but I still watched it. A couple months back I watched it again after years and dear god, I fell in love. Being much older, I understood the movie much more and just... Gosh, one of my favourite Disney movies nowadays.

[@MsWickedWolf]

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is gonna be on Broadway

[@ProfessorStuDDS]

I'd mention the flaw in his saying it makes no sense that Frollo went to the Festival of fools, but he already covered that in his "countless disneycember [screw] ups"

[@Robloxman226]

But Frollo had to go. He's a minister.

[@ProfessorStuDDS]

Robloxman226 That's my point. The critic said he didn't understand why Frollo went to the festival, even though it states in the movie that he has to go because he's a public official. I said that normally I would bring up his mistake, but he's made 3 videos of f*** ups he's made in his videos, and one of them is the countless errors he's made in the Disneycember videos, and this is a prime example/

[@Robloxman226]

Broadwaypuppet Ah, I see.

[@britainluver431]

In the 1939 film of the Hunchback of Notre Dame Frollo is also shown as a judge.

[@UnlicensedOkie]

This is probably my favorite Disney movie of this period. Awesome film, especially Frollo

[@commando6683]

After watching Hunchback Of Notre Dame, I became very attached to the soundtrack 😄😄😄

[@k1tkat-kate]

IF YOU HAVE NOT LISTENED TO THE STAGE VERSION OF THIS MUSICAL, IT'S ON SPOTIFY AND IT'S AMAZING 10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND!!!! *cough* okay, so. This is a movie I did not see as a kid, and frankly I'm glad. I would have hated it. But as an adult I appreciate the tone, and the message, and the complexity so much more. And this music honestly just kills me.

[@kingdingaling6516]

Actually Stephen Schwartz didn't write the score, Alan Menken did. Schwartz was the lyricist for the songs, but Menken composed the score.

[@brezzainvernale]

This movie was so impressive at the cinema! Colurs, Story, Carachters, Music... I liked it all

[@iliketrains263]

this movie was one of my favorites as a child and still is. yeah it has its flaws, but what doesnt? this movie, for disney, was so dark and creative. the animation was beautiful at every turn, the drama and suspense was perfect, the passion in the music was always felt. even now I still get goosebumps during the crescendo of the opening song. the fact that something like hellfire was even in a disney movie speaks volumes. if you haven't I highly recommend this.

[@linkxmidna57]

This scene does confused me at times; during the Gypsy celebration the Hunchback is accepted, but when two guards threw tomatoes at him, suddenly everybody started treating him like a freak show. How does that even work? Wasn't that a little split in their personality?

[@BuckDanny2314]

Well, you kniw, a crowd can change its mood very quickly, you just have to be charismatic enough. In a way, it's the same thing that happened to Jesus: when he entered Jerusalem, everyone cheered; a few days later, the same crowd sentenced him to death. I'm just using this as an example, I'm not doing religious propaganda or that kind of stuff.

[@MrMarinus18]

When I saw it for the first time I thought the scene of him being celebrated was imaginary and that tomato snapped him out of it.

[@maxdresser2526]

I remember seeing 5 years ago, and I thought it was one of the best moves Disney pulled in terms of redemption. While not a good adaptation, it was great. The songs, Hellfire especially, gave me chills. The acting, save for the gargoyles, was pretty impressive. The animation was top notch, especially with the dud that is Pocahontas the year before. In terms of Disney movies, it's probably in my top 3.

[@jw8395]

The idea of the gargoyles being imaginary was used in the German version of the film.

[@selina5598]

I never knew that. I prefer that interpretation

[@harrietamidala1691]

Selina Moses I think it's actually a German stage adaptation of the movie.

[@selina5598]

I see. Thanks

[@GingerWizzard1994]

Out There = one of the best Disney songs ever.

[@daniellavaladez9538]

This is honestly one of the greatest animated movies ever made!!!

[@schneidsausegameplay5635]

Actually, it isn't a love square, it's a love diamond made up of four equilateral triangles. But that's a nitpick.

[@stuartmacleod7466]

I think this is one of the best Disney films they ever made I think

[@j.a.mallard7826]

I didn't like this movie as a kid, but now I love it. Fun fact: there are phrases of ancient text. Kyrie Eleison is greek for Lord have Mercy and Dies Irae means Day of Wrath.

[@user-ut7kx2jw3j]

I watched this movie with subtitles and when I heard Kyrie Eleison I was actually stunned as a kid because I was Greek and hearing greek words in an animated movie was really exciting for me 😅

[@vulcanhumor]

I agree that the gargoyles would have been better if they had stayed imaginary, but I kinda like the theory that they are Quasi's guardian angels, and that's why they would only talk to him and why they were able to help defend Notre Dame in the climax.

[@JoelKellenProductions]

in the original, he attempts to kidnap esmerelda, gets punished, but somehow the gypsy gives him water

[@nisahurbina4553]

uugh that SONG! You can skip it and it's perfectly fine. You're not missing much with "A Guy Like You"

[@TKL626]

Ditto. If we cut that song out we would have a great soundtrack.

[@nisahurbina4553]

if we cut that song we'd have a better movie

[@nisahurbina4553]

It would've been much much better if the gargoyles weren't real- if they were a figment of Quasi's imagination, it would make more sense, and be more meaningful. It would turn from comical number to Quasi's coping mechanism.

[@maddiekoester7785]

And once again Clopin isn’t mentioned as a character! Even though many people agree that he is their favorite. Probably because his name is only mentioned once.... But everyone should remember the colorful jester, wether it be his dark humor, or great amounts of energy and song singing. Clopin is the best character!

[@user-pe1yc4pk2c]

hellfire just gave me the chills

[@mamaluigi0993]

When I was little I was terrified of the hunchacks face, so I never watched it. Now I'm older and I want to check this movie out