The Case for Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame

[@FirstLast-le2rf]

"Notre Dame Cathedral might not even be there today" That aged interestingly.

Why? The Cathedral is still there...

[@branenchanter153]

@ the cathedral burned last year

[@ickbrr2982]

@@branenchanter153 But it didn't burn down, it's still there lol

[@branenchanter153]

ICK BRR lol I didn’t say it burned down, just that it was set on fire😂

[@keigoftw]

Ouch.

[@musicalwithfangs]

the random guy stashing what appears to be a bag of cocaine is still just. the funniest thing.

[@louiseppsjr8648]

That mess was wild.

[@blazebaby89]

He had no idea he was on camera and would be watched over a million times 😂

[@NickSchoenfeld]

It wasn’t cocaine. It was powdered sugar because of pastries because of France because.

[@waywardjellyfish8353]

i was surprised by the guy with a big ass gun

[@DefneDance]

I think its a diaper. Based on living in the middle east. I've seen them thrown into the sea.......

[@creatingpulsars9979]

I can never get over how gutsy it was to make the villain's song a literal prayer

[@doityourselfbombs]

ballsy but SO worth it

[@odiedodieuk]

Actually to me that seemed an easy blow. The lazy attitude that religion = bad. Making it an awesome song was ballsy

[@harayaalirak4040]

@@odiedodieuk I feel like you're severely misunderstanding the story of the song. It's not saying "religion = bad" it's saying "your own sins/temptations are not someone else's fault". Frollo doesn't repent for breaking the spirit of his vow of chastity, he redirects the shame and hatred into calling esmeralda a devil. This kind of scenario of a religious man blaming a woman for making them have Illegal Feelings is very much taken from reality. Ever heard of Petrarco? The same shit.

[@goatgoat8603]

@@harayaalirak4040 nah I don’t think so. If you ask me, he’s disagreeing more to the comment about it being “gutsy” to associate villany with Christianity, rather than making a particular misunderstanding of the artistic choice itself

[@elijahhernandez906]

How so?

[@B4K4xNi]

That's me in the corner That's me in the spotlight Losing to a pigeon.

[@QueenBee-pb6bt]

This is gold

[@kaylahall1219]

*UNDERRATED* COMMENT

[@Lucifersfursona]

Criminally underrated

[@aliciabergman1252]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻topklass

[@-maxgomez.1134]

😂

[@marykatherinebunn5893]

_"Literacy killed the architect star."_ -Victor Hugo

[@osahju914]

Brilliant. And now I want to eat pasta in the wind because of your username lol

[@woutervdveen]

Anyone else read this in a very specific voice >.

[@beastofbussycreek]

@@guccifer764 We can't flip back, we turned too far

[@StellarStina]

that song literally has been in my head bc of this video.

[@Themuscatgirl]

@@guccifer764 put the blame on renaissance

[@christinaify]

Frollo saw Esmeralda as a demon, Quasi saw her as an angel, and Phoebus saw her as a woman. Her ending up with Phoebus made sense.

[@maxxvii2037]

christina1986ify So basically both "if she breaths she's a thot" and "all women are queens" lost the war

[@Tamaki742]

@@maxxvii2037 Plays duel of the fates

[@respectfulgamer7232]

MaxxVII: Like in reality.

[@trishahernz7809]

Also Phoebus needs to develop as a love interest because Esmeralda in the Disney version is way too mature and self aware to fall for a Gaston like character in the book. So it's a good choice for adaptation.

[@juliochavez1605]

Huh... when you put it like that I'm mad if YOU'RE mad of who she ended up with

[@acorns-r-us]

Hellfire, to this day, will be the most bone-chilling villain song ever produced. Ever.

[@LucyLioness100]

Still the most messed-up! But major credit to Menken & Schwartz for writing such a creepy song

[@delete8073]

It still gives me goose bumps!

[@2goblinsinatrenchcoat]

Just letting you know I'm your 1,000th like lmao 😂😂😂 also, I agree. I forgot how dark this movie was

[@FFKonoko]

Tony jay, rip

[@haileytucker1568]

*cough cough* Johanna (mea culpa) sung by judge turpin in sweeney todd

[@hummus_exual]

I think what sets apart Esmeralda being sexualised compared to Pocahontas or Jasmine is that the latter were sexualised for no real reason. They just wanted some babes thrown in there to appeal the masses. Esmeralda, however, is different: the movie introduces her in a way that makes the characters and the audience go "what a woman!", only to slap us in the face soon after by showing us how disgusting and scary it feels like to be an object of lust. She's not just sexualised, she is a commentary on sexualisation, and so much more.

[@justjoe4390]

To be fair, Pocahontas and Jasmine were princesses. They were historically inaccurate, but marriageable princesses have always been expected to be as attractive as possible. How many ugly princesses do you know in the world today? Is Princess Diane not a real person?

[@hummus_exual]

@@justjoe4390 The problem is not that they were attractive, but that they were heavily sexualised for no real reason: Jasmine during the final fight where she’s wearing provocative red clothes and is forced to act sexual to distract Jafar; and why was Pocahontas wearing such revealing clothes too? That’s not what native tribes wore. Plus, the real Pocahontas was just a little girl in real life when she was taken by the colonisers, so that adds another layer of wtf-factor.

[@katalina256]

@@hummus_exual If I remember correctly, in the original story that Aladdin is based on the princess in the story does that and the plan actually works. The sorcerer is killed while distracted. So at least in Aladdin, Jasmine doing that is a part of the original source material and story. Pocahontas on the other hand just kinda sexualizes her for the sake of sexualizing her, so yeah that's kinda fucked.

[@purplepedantry]

​@katalina2567 Your recollection was indeed well done, as she not only seduces him but even tempts him to the very cup with which he would poison his lips. Pocahontas is _especially_ worse due to both the colonial aspect and how she was actually 12 when she met Smith. Also he literally kidnapped her IRL, so...

[@shannond1511]

@@justjoe4390Pocahontas wasn’t a princess

[@MiuXiu]

I LOVE how much you HATE that losing to a bird scene.

[@KSGClive]

I’m losin TO A BIRD

[@robina.c.6380]

is she wrong tho? XD

[@rocksnrolls]

Oh hell no. She's right to hate it.

[@iknowexactlywhoyouare8701]

So loving hate is the new cool now? Wowo

[@MiuXiu]

wouldn’t you like to know? Don’t do that shit.

[@auv_guavs]

Just realized two of the gargoyles were named *Victor* and *Hugo*

[@customcartoons]

ah kkaebsong Ho. Lee. Shet. (Facepalm)

[@Mastermint]

I feel so stupid right now...

[@Bluebell-14]

I love that your profile pic perfectly matches your comment lol 😂

[@daniellehall1857]

ah kkaebsong good grief I did not notice that

[@s.a.7627]

Omg 🤦🏻‍♂️ never saw that

[@Galadrielle532]

I like how the French version of "I'm losing to a bird" is an actual good joke that became kind of cult over time. I'm glad to know that sometimes, the translation can actually better the original product! For those who speak French he says "Je me fais pigeonner". It's a standard expression which roughly translates to "I'm getting scammed" or "he's making me lose a great deal of money" but with the word "pigeon" in it. So it's a pun that actually works in context.

[@pikistikman]

Petite Galadrielle That explains a joke I read in a Japanese comic, thanks.

[@illiminatieoverlordgurglek140]

Sort of like the English 'Getting pigeon-holed' ?

[@user-ut7kx2jw3j]

Reminds me of that scene where Phil from Hercules tells him "2 words. I AM RETIRED" which Hercules counts as three but in Greek "I am retired" are actually 2 words

[@starlinguk]

No, that means you're getting labelled.

[@rakkatytam]

382 283 My mind is blown

[@PONR2006]

The whole "gypsy female protagonist turns out to be a white stolen baby" is actually a very common trope in European literature, going as far as the XV century at last. It banks on the idea that nobility is something you're born with, that where you're born in terms of family dictates your personality and beauty (because outer beauty was a reflection of inner beauty). That's why Cinderella grows up as a noblewoman with a genteel disposition even though she lives as a servant from infancy, for example. It's the mark of a estates society where people do not move socially, so to speak, but rather are born where they are MEANT to be and stay, by the will of God.

[@BR-jt6ny]

This was unfortunately an incredibly standard trope all the way up to the end of the 19th century. It comes up in Victorian literature all the time.

[@k-onlegacy]

Also, b/c interracial couples weren't accepted

[@powerist209]

Consider that Gypsy/Romani are swarthy skinned…part of me feel like if it could seem like Peggy realizing that Joseph is John Redcorn (Native American) instead of Dale (White)…despite Joseph having obviously same features as John. Unless she can pass as both depending on skin tone. And her mom had an affair with a French man and not Romani/gypsy.

[@Bluecho4]

I want to highlight something that someone else pointed out to me about the Hellfire scene. When Frollo does his "It's not my fault!" bit, and ethereal red-robed monks start Gregorian chanting at him, those monks aren't just chanting any old nonsense. What they are singing is the "Mea Culpa" prayer, which is translated roughly as "By my fault, by my fault, by more grievous fault". It's a prayer wherein the speaker owns up to their transgressions - acknowledges that they done fucked up, and it's entirely their own fault - and asks God for forgiveness. But while the monks in the scene are reiterating the proper Catholic attitude of contriteness and humility - of taking ownership of one's sins - Frollo is beat for beat making excuses for his actions and deflecting responsibility. Saying that he was ensorceled by Esmerelda, and that he can't possibly be expected to _not_ lust for her. After all, _God_ made the Devil stronger than a man, so _obviously_ Frollo isn't blameworthy. So this section of his song frames this contrast between what Frollo _should_ be doing - owning his transgressions and working to correct his own sinful behavior - and what he _does_ out of stubborn pride and an unwillingness to let the object of his obsession go. Even when Frollo is told that Esmerelda left the cathedral - in effect, God answered his prayers to remove the temptation from his path by getting her to leave - he cannot just let it be. He is given an out by God, essentially, and instead of taking it he doubles down. Swearing to hunt her and either claim her as his own or destroy her, even if it means burning the city down to do it. Hellfire culminates with Frollo refusing his opportunity for redemption, and his embrace of his vile, selfish obsession.

[@vivanesca]

Bluecho4 nice catch!

[@mastermarkus5307]

I was raised Catholic, so I caught onto that pretty quickly. It's really fucking effective.

[@stephaniewozny3852]

Bravo!

[@Hakajin]

I always took it to mean that for all his excuses, he really does feel guilt... or rather, he knows he's done wrong and fears God's wrath, deep down. That's why, far from being a monster, I think Frollo is a very human character.

[@stephaniewozny3852]

Hakajin , you're right. If you listen closely to the ending, you can hear Frollo say , " God have mercy on her...God have mercy on ME." So he definitely knows he is in the wrong.

[@ItWasSaucerShaped]

"Look at that disgusting display!" "Yes sir!" I don't care if it makes me an awful person; I love that line.

[@cobraglatiator]

well, if it does make you a bad person, at least now your comment has an accurate number of likes below it because of me.

[@ironvlogger9712]

It's one of the best lines in the film XD

[@Bradlyeon]

how would that make you an awful person?

[@dysfunctionalcaramel3821]

@@Bradlyeon Because sex reasons. That's why.

[@jpdailing]

That one exchange characterizes both of them so much lol

[@DrCorndog1]

Now 1.8 million people know where the coccaine is hidden.

[@GasolinePark]

2.1 million now!

[@TheGameCritc]

And me

[@technopoptart]

@@TheGameCritc yes, and you.

[@TheGameCritc]

@@technopoptart yay! me!

[@TheGameCritc]

@Jacob Weissflog hey, and me.

[@briargray2355]

Ya know something I like about both Esmerelda and Jasmine is that while both of them were the "brown sexy lady" archetype, both of them were very up front about when they found those pursuing them distasteful. Both of them reciprocated the affections of the men they were attracted to and were quick to enforce their boundaries when someone they weren't attracted to (Jafar and Frollo) made advances on them, and both were really good about standing up for themselves. And neither of them felt like the "spitfire" trope to me, both were pretty chill and liberated and mildly snarky, only getting venomous with those who treated them poorly.

[@iamvia9749]

Yeah :D that's true. Both of them are very strong and brave for saying their opinions and how they feel about men treating them bad. Frollo and Jafar are gross so I"m happy that both Jasmine and Esmeralda are so brave :D

[@mirimarina6387]

see, I absolutely agree- it's reflecting real life, where women of colour, particularly black and Hispanic, are sexualized a preyed upon. natural curves become big asses and breasts and we're meant to pretend to be oblivious, or hide ourselves so we don't tempt them. I've always loved how Esmeralda in particular isn't afraid to dance in public, even when frollo becomes more and more lecherous. instead, she refuses him and despite the clear attraction quasi shows, she remains respectful for his kindness while gently rebutting him and like you said, pursuing someone she does want. I personally adore her.

[@Sonichero151]

Anita Franklin sang it to a perfect pitch..... They wanted Respect.

[@RandomVidsforthought]

​@@Sonichero151*Aretha

[@moonflower813]

I definitely agree with this. While I think there is some ground for criticizing The Hunchback of Notre Dame for making use of the “sexy brown woman” trope, I think I’m mostly willing to accept it here because it plays a large role in the story. Esmeralda is undeniably sexualized, but that sexualization serves to make a larger point about how women are often forced into sexualizing themselves out of economic desperation. It also rightly criticizes how some men hate the women they covet for the very sexualization they encourage. Frollo is a sexually repressed creep (with the disclaimer added that not having sex in and of itself does not make you a creep), and the movie makes no attempts to excuse him for that fact at all.

[@littlegelland]

Hugo: I swear, I was JUST gonna start writing the book, but... Revolution...?

[@Lawnie]

Hugo: Look, I would, but there's this cat with a baseball bat outside and it's really distracting.

[@Sera-F1nn]

@@Lawnie LOL. Victor Hugo getting distracted by Tabby is now canon.

[@treyowen9213]

Made sense.

[@axemtitanium]

haha jk... unless?

[@annabeatrizzimmermann7708]

@@Sera-F1nn omg yes lol

[@indigothecat]

Was just thinking, the fact that Quazimodo gets over it that he "didn't" get the girl" and still values her friendship anyways is what separates him from the InCel community, or the sub-category of the "Nice Guy InCel" community.

[@GD-tt6hl]

Fundamental incel truth. It doesn't matter how much personality you have, how artistic you are, how much of a superhero you are-the woman will pick the handsome middle manager over you, even if he made a career of persecuting your people.

[@anniedangerface]

G D I’m confused over whether this is satire or you’re an incel ahaha

[@VardrunCRidleyKnight]

Yeah, right? He had it til the very end there

[@nickwilliams6425]

@@AnonYmous-ew4ll Not quite. All incels should be happy with being rejected by women because it means those women will then find someone they feel happier with. If they actually care about those women, then finding someone else is a good thing. And if they DON'T care, well then they shouldn't be with them anyway. Quasimodo is an example of an actual nice guy in the film because instead getting angry that HE didn't find companionship, he focuses on being happy that two of his friends did.

[@unmessable12]

@@AnonYmous-ew4ll incels don't need to be happy about being rejected. But incels shouldn't act as though women owe them anything and that they're being done some sort of grave wrong by them not hopping on their dick. Maybe if they don't act this way then they can find a partner as well, or if not at least be happier and a better person overall.

[@shrimpbisque]

Drinking game: every time she plays the clip of the Jason Alexander gargoyle losing to a bird, take a shot.

[@peterthx]

I died of alcohol poisoning.

[@piedpiper1172]

Well I’m fukin rekt now

[@LukasKnife]

Are you trying to fucking kill me?

[@lzmunch]

Can be applied to all lindsay Ellis videos lol

[@Sbrisart21]

Am shit. ....that's ...what I am doing

[@StandardGoose]

When Lindsay said the phrase "getting a sexy lamp as a reward" my wife in the next room yelled "It's a major award!".

[@Patryc]

“My major award!!”

[@dochappy26]

A woman of class and exquisite culture, I see.

[@nelekyumakilnoma5664]

Just dun shoot your eye out getting it though

[@Sonichero151]

HUZZAH A WOMAN OF QUALITY!!!

[@diandriasmith889]

Fra-gil-e

[@skeletonwizard708]

There's something...ahead of it's time about the IT'S FINE scene. Quasi, while enamoured with Esmerelda and broken up by her rejection, doesn't feel ENTITLED to her. He does let her go and finds self worth in his own life despite his flaws and pains. It's like a hand written letter to every Nice Guy who would come after: "HEY, SOMETIMES YOU CAN BE A LITERAL FUCKING ANGEL AND YOU DON'T GET LAID. DEAL WITH IT, MOVE ON." It's unfortunate that it could easily be framed as 'Uggos Don't Deserve Love', but the film doesn't seem spiteful, just a bit confused in places. And, to be fair, you only get that moral if you think love is a reward for good deeds and not just something that happens without much rhyme or reason.

[@GioTheVax]

I always interpreted Quasi's affections for her as "She's like, the first person who wasn't made up in my head to show me some sort of positive emotion in God knows how many years, and Im so affection-starved that I can't help but have fallen for her, wouldn't it be kinda swell if she also loves me" and I agree with you and Lindsey that the change Disney made where he accepts that she is a human being who can make her own choices and instead values her friendship with her is one of the better changes they made.

[@feralnerd5]

yeah I actually perceive the relationship between these two as kind of a brother-sister relationship, with Esmeralda as the older one. Quasi's little thing for her was cute in a crush-on-the-babysitter kind of way, but delightful though he is, he's just nowhere near mentally mature enough to be a good partner for Esmeralda. Honestly, watching that movie, I just can't even really comprehend the idea of thinking they'd be a good match, not because of Quasimodo's looks, but because honestly, I don't think he was ever in any way prepared to handle the reality of Esmeralda in such an intimate capacity.

[@IBBMS]

GioTheVax Yes, exactly. I kind of experienced something similar. Growing up I never had many male friends because I was so impossibly effeminate and just had more in common with the girls, so when I did eventually come out in high school and the one straight male person in my life (a boy I carpooled with) was so incredibly nice and kind to me (and he was kinda a "cool boy" and compared to the other "cool boys" it was such a departure they treated me like the plague) that, for a brief moment, I fell for him because I was "affection-starved" as you said.

[@saffodils]

Kind of relates to the message in Frozen about not marrying literally the first person you have a crush on. A good departure for Disney whenever it happens.

[@MeonLights]

I mean he has the moment in the movie where he is angry and hurt because of her rejection and hides away and refuses to help her but realizes that saving her life is more important than hurt feelings. He has a totally human reaction and he should be allowed to be hurt but he still knows what's *right*

[@littleolme7877]

"See how I glittah" and "I am losing to a BIRD" are slowly getting engraved into my skull. I like it.

[@HurricaneDDragon]

Frollo: 🎶 Be MINE or you will BURRRRRN! 🎶 Hugo: 🎶I’m LOSING to a BIIIRRRRRD! 🎶

[@20firebird]

oh god, it fits the rhythm...

[@sammygecko_]

This is too much for my brain to handle this early in the morning Gosh I can’t decide wether to chuckle or to dry heave in sorrow that this will be at my subconscious whenever I listen to hellfire

[@OverlyPositiveFanboy]

Damn, you beat me to the joke.

[@JoAndGetFat]

STOP 🤣🤣🤣

[@marinadeburgos8666]

Frollo took the burning too far...

[@TheCultureshock101]

Funny how this was such a dark Disney movie (and one of my favorites!), yet Frollo's horse is canonically named "Snowball." Yes, you read that right. A black Friesian horse named Snowball. Guess a horse was the one thing Frollo loved the most.

[@irongirltoni]

I'm like 99 percent sure that was made by the creators fucking around

[@Valery0p5]

"don't harm the horse!"

[@ivanehtnoij6243]

of the two horses of the film, this is the one we focus on, not the one named just for the "Achilles, heel" bit lol, to each their own, but yes silly is as silly does

[@TheMOVIEMANIAC13]

Even Frollos horse is evil looking like facial expression n all 😂

[@theenergetichopecat7006]

ha ha ha I laughed at that! FROLLO‘s horses name is snowball! I guess he likes horses. Although I don’t think Frolo’s Horse or Quasimodo would get along. Snowball would bang Quasimodo against the wall and maybe try to abuse him! Then he will try to tell FROLLO. Who probably would say bad horse! And punish him. The horse Will want to attack Quasimodo again!

[@xandermin]

Anyone wanna hear a sob story? I have an eye condition called bileteral microphthalmia. What that means is that both my eyes are underdeveloped with tiny pupils, a very thin iris, and the entire eyeball is much smaller than a regular eye. I wear these heavy glasses with very strong and thick lenses, which pretty much just highlights my deformity. Because of this, I was an outcast for my entire childhood, and for most of my teenage years too. I was targeted by bullies who were often physically violent. Y'all ever gotten a swirlie? Yeah, I got those, but the assholes would piss in the toilet before shoving my head in it, so 7 year old me had to wash pee off his face before going home from school. It was pretty depressing. This movie is one of the few movies that, in my opinion, really captures what it feels like to look different and be demonized for it. The festival of fools scene where everyone throws fruit at Quasimodo always makes me sob, especially when he breaks free of the ropes and lets himself be angry at these people who are treating him like an animal, just because he looks different. Disabled people rarely get to be the heroes of their own stories, we're usually reduced to sidekicks or manic pixie dream handicapped people who exist to make the main able-bodied character see how /magical/ and /beautiful/ life truly is. We're props to aid the able-bodied protagonists. This movie, despite its flaws, will always be my favourite Disney movie because it was the first movie I ever saw that had a disabled hero. As a kid, this movie told me that I didn't deserve the shit people gave me for my disability. It filled my little heart with hope. And I think it helped inspire much of my life's philosophy today. It's important to value empathy, to see past physical and cultural differences, to look past country borders and see the people standing on the other side. Especially now, with so many people fleeing from war and needing places to stay. The world needs empathy and compassion. It sounds kinda stupid and it might be naive, but I'd rather be naive than some nihilistic edgelord.

[@drustanastrophel9538]

Alexander Gregersen wow I'm so sorry people were that awful to you

[@MiroDaisuke]

Your amazing personality and strong heart really shine through your story. Thank you for sharing and I'm sorry that you had to face such cruelty. I'm glad it didn't change you for the worse, but that you endured and are still able to have hope and love in your heart. It's good that we can find rolemodels, hope and meaning in stories, and if this film was the one that you found them in, it's good that it exists. I wish you good luck and lot's of love in your life, and let's all work together towards a more compassionate world.

[@yever4635]

Of course, there is always a possibility of someone lying on the internet, but just assuming that his story is something people "fall for" is really disrespectful.

[@kristofgriffin384]

Dear Lord! I'm so sorry for what happened to you! it's absolutely despicable that teenagers can be so cruel to people, especially if they're different. I was bullied as well, but more verbally than physically, however, words can hurt harder than punches. I was bullied because of my feminine appearance and gentle nature, and was called a faggot multiple times. One time in my 7th grade, because I had a crush on a girl in my class, I took a few pictures of her. As a result, everyone called me some sort of pervert, and looked at me like I was a rapist. The reason I did that is because I was young and didn't really knew how these relationships worked exactly. I was so depressed after that I didn't want to go into class. And when I got home, and took off my casual clothes, I stopped halfway to listen to "God Help the Outcasts", because I felt like an outcast. I'm a peace-loving person, and I wouldn't harm anyone. I was crying because it felt like I didn't belong here. Another instance happened in my 6th grade, when their bulling got to the point of me crying my eyes out and spewing saliva from my mouth. I said that I was a human being, not an animal. I was so depressed that I wanted to kill myself. Not only that, but I was, and still suffer from anger issues, and I was constantly afraid that if I let loose, I'll hurt someone. But these dumbasses constantly provoked me. One time in my 8th grade, the guy who was sitting behind me put garbage and crumpled up paper in my backpack. It was incredibly humiliating. Much as I love Quasimodo and this movie as whole, it's Elsa from Frozen whom I related to. I understood her situation of feeling lonely, depressed and afraid all the time. As well as people constantly making fun of you, or treating you like a monster because you look or act different. There were instances where I wished she was real to comfort me whenever I felt sad from another mocking or bullying. While my bullying wasn't as severe as yours, I do understand and know what it's like to be bullied just because you're different than most people, and feeling so lonely that nobody can help you. I'm trying to gain any sympathy, I just wanted you to know that I was bullied as well, just in different ways.

[@xandermin]

Thanks to everyone who left such wonderful replies to my comment

[@annahill99]

"Alan Menken's best score for a Disney movie" YOU'RE RIGHT AND YOU SHOULD SAY IT

[@MrXaphod42]

It's Alan Menken's favorite of his Disney scores, too!

[@lukejohnson29]

I completely agree except for one song on the list, "A Guy Like You." Good song, wrong theme (also not needed at all in the story).

[@fardolshide9826]

Luke Johnson *everyone like that*

[@likethecheeze321]

I'm glad I came to the TedTalk. lol 10000% Agree.

[@ankyfire]

Yes it is!!! And that soundtrack makes me actually look forward to a live action remake

[@candidcurlychloe]

only two and a half minutes in and we've already gotten an "i'm losing to a bird" AND a "see how i glitter"

[@neuroseptember1020]

Chloe Can Kind of Sing I wouldn’t have it any other way

[@vicefaun2316]

makes my heart happy

[@Wyattoons]

Looking back on it, I think this movie is another example of how Disney has branded itself into a corner. Even Walt himself noticed it when he was alive. So here’s a group of artists who wanted to tell a more serious story, but had to make compromises and the marketing pushed the tone imbalance even further.

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

When did Walt notice it? That sounds interesting to read.

[@evashogoki8703]

@@isaiahwilliams2642 I think Walt once said he wanted to make serious films like To Kill A Mocking Bird, but he had to keep the Disney family-friendly image.

[@ohauss]

Disney did tell much more serious stories in the past. Disney did Dragonslayer together with Paramount. Disney produced The Black Hole.

[@guldmattbb473]

@@evashogoki8703 Lindsay Ellis’ video about Pocahontas goes into that, actually.

[@jackdanielsinthelionsden1887]

Really is as shame they couldn't have brand-laundered this movie through Touchstone Pictures

[@theomegajuice8660]

Something I really like about "Hellfire" is that it goes deep into the the villain's internal conflict BUT this is used to make him more villainous and more hated by the audience. Most of the time when fiction shows us a conflicted or internally tormented villain it's doing so to humanise them and make them more sympathetic. The idea being that the audience understands them more as a person and has the opportunity to empathise with their motivation, even if you still want them to fail and know they're doing something really wrong. This can make for some very compelling villains but sometimes the villain can be compelling because the audience doesn't want to empathise with them at all... With those villains we hate them even more when we see how their warped minds turn everything into fuel for evil actions. Frollo has some genuine feelings for Esmerelda but instead of that becoming motivation to help her or maybe even make him start to question his irrational hatred of Gypsies, he ends up deciding that she deserves eternal punishment for making him have feelings that confuse him. Sometimes you can look deeper into someone's heart and not find a tiny shred of humanity but instead realise that they're actually even worse than they appear. Irredeemable villains are often non-characters in Disney stories but Frollo becomes more irredeemable the more character he gets.

[@ShadowMan64572]

What you just tried to describe as "more interesting" is literally every other generic Disney villain lol

[@windwaker407]

@@ShadowMan64572 Every other generic disney villain... has internal conflict? Yeah I certainly remember Ursulas monologue about the turmoil her schemes cause her or how Scar really fought with himself over the pain of killing his own brother.

[@ShadowMan64572]

@@windwaker407 I was referring to how Frollo is still a dehumanized black and white "total evil villain" like every other Disney bad guy as opposed to being sympathetic or understandable, therefore more complex and compelling. Schaffrillas Production's video on the character goes into more detail on this topic.

[@johnmuselmann7886]

Good point!

[@ShadowMan64572]

@Krista Star Yeah, but it would make them more compelling if they were

[@shrek2ondvd396]

I love how casual the guy is while he's hiding his stash. He doesn't even care that everyone can see him. He doesn't even notice the camera. Incredible

[@thiccboss4780]

_high demand_

[@aliifliss114]

He's most probably hiding his stash only from the police. Many street vendors do that: their merch isn't valuable nor illegal to care about ordinary people seeing where they hide it+ they are always around and keep an eye on it.

[@MrReded69]

Surprising considering he was kinda middle-eastern looking and there were all these heavily armed police and soldiers patrolling around. In America, they would have shot him on the assumption he was planting a bomb.

[@joselazo9799]

In america police don't normally patrol with semi-automatics and shotguns. Additionally, what you wrote was the most ignorant dribble I have read in weeks.

[@TheYasmineFlower]

+MrReded69 Yeah, I doubt that anyone would have assumed that small package to be a bomb, particularly when it's placed in the bushes so casually. Bombs are kinda dangerous, and people handling them know that.

[@Mintylight]

"Did he just hide a stash of cocaine?" still cracks me up, I come back to to this now and then.

[@hayatnehad6134]

Pun intended?

[@Mintylight]

@@hayatnehad6134 Was actually a happy coincidence, I can't take cred! 😄

[@eliasmg9144]

What happened to the coke?

[@SoVidushi]

I wonder what happened to it..

[@chrismarco17]

@@eliasmg9144 Legend says it’s still there.

[@broadwaybrook2319]

"You're not like other gypsies! They're...evil." Just shows how much Frollo manipulated him, because his own mother, who died trying to save him, was, in fact, a Romani.

[@cantthinkofaname5046]

Dont take this the wrong way, you probably didnt know but it has to be said: its okay to use the word when you're quoting the movie itself and when the movie says it because its actively about how racism is bad and accurately portraying the racism, but when out of the quote bubble and character and it's your own words don't say the G-slur. You probably didn't know, but for the future the proper term is roma or romani. Like "that man is a romani man", or "the romani people

[@LluviadeOrugas]

@@cantthinkofaname5046, any Spanish Gypsy would laugh at your comment

[@cantthinkofaname5046]

@@LluviadeOrugas I’m glad they could reclaim it for themselves, but it’s the same issue with ‘Indians’ vs Native Americans. Some use it to identify themselves in spite of its past and some vehemently hate it.

[@LluviadeOrugas]

@@cantthinkofaname5046 , they have, and the Portuguese as well. I don’t know about the rest of Europe, and I’ve only heard about them finding it offensive from American media.

[@cantthinkofaname5046]

@@LluviadeOrugas fair enough, but the Roma people I know in my personal life do consider it a slur, I guess the limit is up to the individual

[@clown-cult96]

Whether you do or don't like this film, Hellfire is one of Disney's most powerful pieces to this day. The whole dark, gothic themes of the story including religion, mental illness and oppression all set to a background of gregorian chanting and bells ringing, is still very unique.

[@eileennguyen842]

Not to mention IT'S THE CONFITEOR. (The Latin being sung in the background translates to, "I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary ever-virgin, blessed Michael the archangel, sainted apostles, and all the saints, that I have sinned, in thought, word, and deed, through my own fault, through my own fault, through my own most grievous fault" - these last lining up when Frollo is literally singing, "It's not my fault." Disney did its homework!)

[@sheilaarkurshicin]

You are made of Win. I always wondered what they were saying but was never able to figure out how to go about searching for the answer as a kid. Then I completely forgot about it as I got older. You have answered one of my childhood curiosities. Thank you~

[@Duuuuckie]

I only know the French version, but the lyrics are damn powerful, perfect for that kind of score. I think Disney would never ok it if it came out now.

[@strawberries1186]

@@serenityq26 How dense are you

[@bubbles4897]

How is it about mental illness or oppression? He’s singing about his lust for Esmeralda

[@carlosvaldez4356]

"So typical of your kind to twist the truth; to cloud the mind with unholy *thots* " (Frollo, 1996)

[@askatuproductions]

BEG0NE TH0T

[@literallyglados]

frollo uses reddit

[@marcotedesco8954]

@@literallyglados Frollo is an incel

[@beegyoshi8797]

@@askatuproductions “all gurlz r qween”-le smooooth brains “If she breathes she’s a THOOOOOT”. -le big pp and brainer

[@carlosroo5460]

So that's where that word for unwanted female characters came from.

[@whatthefuckismyname9173]

You can say "oh, but Quasi doesn't get the girl" but...that's not what he wanted. He just wanted to be loved, and accepted, and to have friends. And he got all of those by the end. Not every hero needs a romantic and/or sexual partner. Platonic love is just as important, if not more so.

[@msjkramey]

He did "want the girl." But he also respected her as a person. Instead of complaining about being "friendzoned," he lets her go and is happy for her instead of forcing his wants on her

[@austinsmith538]

I conquer​.

[@coleyblossoms1051]

That's the aroace spirit.

[@ZombieOfMist]

Favorite parts of watching this in 2020: - The guy walking by in full army getup AND gun while Lindsey rants about Robert Moses - The coke guy - The happenings of 2019

[@beegyoshi8797]

-I’m loosing to a bird

[@Bitume5]

The guy in full army set up isn't exactly funny since he's here as a part of a national anti-terrorism plan because we've had countless terrorist attacks in the recent years, and most note worthy 2 in a row in the two last month notably a 70yo granny litteraly having her throat slit while she was at chruch...

[@Bitume5]

@@DameMitHermelin typical of a racist to blame people of color for religious extremists.... shut the fuck up. Skin color and terrorism have nothing in common.

[@Lucifersfursona]

@@Bitume5 man Americans really don’t hear shit about anything going on in other countries. This didn’t come up one time over here :/

[@Bitume5]

@@Lucifersfursona I think we've had around 30 terrorist attacks since 2015 if i remember well. It's on a "small scale" with "only 4-5 victims" so maybe that's why they didn't talk about it... It's starting to feel like one of your shootings in school.... Just regular bs...

[@MrJimmybanana]

"Who cares about her race, she's pretty" DID THIS MAN JUST SOLVE RACISM!?

[@benjaminwilliams8030]

Dylan Davis he solved racism, but contributed to sexism

[@MaliceAttention]

It depends. If he said so because she's a woman, then no. That's sexism (as in "race does not matter because her body can be used regardless"). Solving racism would mean to acknowledge her beauty because she is a human being, not a woman, as in "race does not matter because she is a human being and so she is beautiful as a whole because of it".

[@AstroTibs]

It's not a serious question, geniuses. And no, it's not sexist either.

[@MaliceAttention]

@@AstroTibs We know. But most of the time, we just leave the joke right there and we don't really think about what makes us laugh.

[@magical571]

@@AstroTibs it's not serious, but it does imply sexism.

[@eiqhties1140]

I have literally never made it through "Hellfire" without getting goosebumps and a mild case of existentialism.

[@Piratearicat23]

I think I legit orgasm every time I watch it

[@henryanderson6752]

I never get through ‘Hellfire’ without having flashbacks of my childhood being scared by a terrifying song and even more terrifying animation. So basically the same.

[@DrZaius3141]

Well, clearly you didn't do what I did: listening to it for about 200 times over the last 2 weeks (no exaggeration).

[@MrTwentington]

The best reason I've ever seen for why Phoebus makes the most sense as Esmerelda's love interest vs Quasi or Frollo is in how they all describe her. Quasi calls her an angel, Frollo calls her a witch, Phoebus calls her a woman. He's the only one to really see her for what she is

[@awaywiththefaeries9464]

I think what people need to be reminded of is the fact that Esmeralda was one of the first people to judge Quasimodo by his personality rather than his appearance, unlike Frollo, or the guards. The only character who is likely to have been nice to Quasimodo before Esmeralda is the Archdeacon, and seeing as there are no scenes of conversation between the Archdeacon and Quasimodo, it can be considered unlikely. Quasimodo views Esmeralda as an angel because, in his eyes, she is his rescuer.

[@HeyyItsDaleVODS]

This is a fact I see many gloss over Imogen. Agreed.

[@DianaDxD]

Honestly I completely agree with this statement. And I do believe that they are meant to be together because I felt Phoebus saw her in a realistic way as Quasi thought too high of her while Frollo thought to low of her. He just saw her as who she is. Strong, cunning but a kind and smart woman.

[@Scanny524]

Imogen Howard true, but that explains why Quasimodo would choose Esmerelda, not the other way around

[@Mameha4]

Well, looks also play a role, of course. Whilst you can judge people by their character and love them beyond their outer appearance, having a romantic relationship is a whole different matter. Looks do play an important role there. It would have been super unlikely for a beauty like Esmeralda to choose a kind deformed hunchback over a kind handsome man. Even if there were no Phoebus it would have been highly unlikely for her to end up with Quasimodo. Disney chose to be realistic here.

[@joekaput747]

It could be argued that this version actually stays true to one idea of the novel that the others have not, which is the architectural aspect. Notre Dame feels like an actual character in this one, and not just a setting or a background object. It has a personality behind it, a mysticism, something about it that makes it actually feel like it's part of dialogue, each scene, as compared to just being there for visuals and visuals alone

[@Vooblebooble]

In a way, Esmeralda is a narrative personification of Notre Dame itself. A grand, angelic symbol of judgement and life that ends up saving Quasimodo, and that Frollo wants to control. Esmeralda never claims sanctuary herself but is always granted upon her, and Notre Dame is even referred to as a "her" by Phoebus in the final act.

[@betty7204]

I remember my dumb ass reading through the entirety of Hugo's original work in fifth grade. I truly cannot remember 98 percent of the story because, well, I was a ten year old reading a book far beyond my skill level, but I do remember the a r c h i t e c h t u r e. God, I remember fucking crying in my room trying to get through the entire chapter (i think the 2nd) that was just about the FUCKING BUILDING. The ceiling, the pillars, the steps, all written about in excruciating detail. Moral of the story: don't read Notre Dame until your emotionally and psychologically mature enough.

[@dry-leaves]

@Betty I relate to this sooooo much. I was trying to read through it but thE whOle 2 chapTers were entirely about the b u i l d i n g aAAAA

[@mafer-pw4ef]

Lmaooo

[@ccherry.berryy]

Rina so never then?

[@phastinemoon]

Oddly enough, the fact that it's animated allowed Disney to be faithful to Hugo's original intentions... in a different way. While the story and characters are the focus, the way they SHOT Notre Dame is absolutely BREATHTAKING -- it's almost a character, itself. So, in it's own way, the animated movie still manages to capture a significant part of the spirit of the book (attention to the cathedral) by how it shows off the architecture.

[@midgetwthahacksaw]

phastinemoon Notre Dame IS a character. It's the main character of the book. That's why it's called "Notre Dame de Paris". Our Lady of Paris is the main set for much of what happens in the novel and is Quasimodo's Universe. He loves her like a Lady and she in turn loves him.

[@diaz5643]

couldnt agree more! Even the very first sequence of the movie follows the very first chapter of the novel, that "plan sequence" which starts with Clopin and the city surrounding the cathedral, then up to its architecture and quasimodo acrobaties, THEN the first action scene with the "fête des fous" (i'm sorry i guess a lot of those french terms translate somehow)

[@phastinemoon]

@@midgetwthahacksaw I was specifically referring to the Disney musical. Yes, the cathedral is a character (perhaps, even The main character) in the novel, but film adaptations tended to NOT give her that treatment. Except for the Disney version.

[@MyrtleNyx]

This movie taught me as a kid that toxic parents are a thing and that it is ok to break away from them to be a better person. My parents always let me watch it thinking I loved Esmeralda, but really I loved the themes, even as a kid of what it means to be a good human.

[@zexionthefirst6767]

@Xenomorph Captain Vex Ghost of the brony community One would assume that, had Dracorien's parents been toxic, their toxicity would have taught him that toxic parents were a thing. Because he learned it elsewhere, it's implied that his parents weren't toxic.

[@TheYasmineFlower]

@@zexionthefirst6767 It's also possible that dracorien just didn't know what toxic parents were, because maybe the toxicity at home had been ingrained as "the norm" in their mind. This does happen.

[@ChrisZi.]

"Foreigners? You came yesterday,we come today" I love that line

[@LordMangudai]

It's a shockingly tolerant line for a film that's older than most humans. Carries just as much weight now.

[@drartemisa21]

It shocked me at how simple but real and truthful that statement was

[@Pranaynaynay]

Makes complete sense that it was a movie directed by a person who fled the nazis with a scene like that

[@fabycho6791]

"Human flower crown" that's literally the best description of Tom Hulce I've ever heard poor guy he doesn't get enough credit for how talented he is

[@brifox]

I've always personally been a fan of "literally Mozart", but human flower crown is pretty great as well.

[@maxmartin274]

Nobody: Lindsey: "see how I glittah" clip

[@visionofsolace8961]

Honestly, it's one of my favorite parts of her and her crew's work.

[@liveangel93]

That was his mistake!...Wait, wrong video essayist.

[@t3ras74]

@@liveangel93 That was his *S T E A K*

[@Fassonista]

@@visionofsolace8961 She doesn't have a crew

[@Melpomene56]

Story of my life.

[@maxr5799]

"Getting the girl at the end should never be a goal."

[@SpritemaniacJ]

Random Harem anime: Hold my beer

[@Kongstudios2]

*cough, cough* yeah, Titan!!!

[@JamieRobles1]

if it a relationship flourishes by the end of the story, that's great. If it doesn't that's life.

[@nicoledin7091]

She is not a prize to be won

[@anni1348]

@Josh Lee Because Esmeralda is not a prize to be won. If she doesn't have romantic feelings for him, despite that Quasimodo saved her life, then that's the way it is, she doesn't owe him anything. A "romantic interest" or just to get the girl, is a pretty stupid, selflish and shallow motive for a character. Despite the fact that in this story, if Quasimodo wouldn't be able to see the value in just being friends with Esmeralda, he would be just as bad and selflish as Frollo, who sees Esmeralda as nothing but an sexual object that he is entitled to own, which is dehumanizing Esmeralda.

[@hpnut4ever]

I recently rewatched this movie with my boyfriend and parents, none of whom remembered anything about it at all. We got to the scene with Frollo smelling Esmeralda’s hair in the cathedral and my dad quietly went, “This ... really isn’t a kids movie, is it?” But goddamn, that music. I live for the soundtrack. I was lucky enough to go to a Disney performance by a local orchestra and hearing them perform the opening song gave me chills.

[@hipnhappenin]

The stark contrast between the titles of Heaven’s Light and Hellfire (heaven vs hell, light vs fire) and the fact that they’re in one medley and blended together by the same church bell melody is absolutely genius. Wow. So underappreciated.

[@adrianr3885]

yea on the official soundtrack, they're literally the same song, not separated ("Heaven's Light/Hellfire")

[@librvr]

Also everything Claude Frollo is singing in Hellfire in English is contradicted in Latin by the other singers. For example, he sings "It's not my fault", the other singers sing "mea culpa." It's brilliant!

[@Paulina-xe1th]

Also, what you said is not an exaggeration. The main theme in the score is literally the same melody as Hellfire--but Hellfire is done in a minor key, instead of major!

[@FransHattingh]

_He's fine._ _This is fine._ _It's fine._

[@FinnishFuturist]

I cant decide if this is better than losing to a BIRD hahaha

[@danielchausse5159]

28:30 Time stamp so I can come back to this.

[@sjwright2]

@@danielchausse5159 Also 27:27

[@terrih7165]

Notre Dame de Paris French Canadian musical was my jam! I'm from Quebec and when I was a kid and my mom got the DVD of the musical as a souvenir when she went to see it live, she let me watch it at home. I was like 8-9? And I loved it MORE than the Disney one. Is it cheesy? God yes. But it's that typical French Canadian cheese, the type of lyrics, the artsy dancing à la cirque du soleil. It's a cultural icon. They tried to reboot it a few years ago, with some of the same cast (the same actor who did Frollo came back) but they literally only tried to do the same thing...but yeah it just doesn't connect as well because of the 90s lyrics... Either way it was cool to see it get a spot in this video.

[@FransHattingh]

@@terrih7165 I absolutely adore _Notre Dame de Paris_ ! I have the English cast album, though I believe the original French has the superior lyrics. Pity I can't speak French. I'm also not going to lie, but the first time I heard "Live (for the One I Love)" by Céline Dion, I thought to myself that it'd make a beautiful addition to a musical adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Years later, I learned that Esmeralda sings it in the musical. 😅 I had no idea there was any real connection! Oh, and as a kid of the '90s, I love the cheesiness. 😂

[@czarevna]

I once read somewhere that the reason Esmeralda ending up with Phoebus works is because Quasi saw her as an angel, this otherworldly being, which is unhealthy in itself. Frollo saw her as a sinful creature akin to a demoness. Phoebus just saw the human in her, and that's what he wanted. He didn't make her out to be more than she was.

[@msjkramey]

That's beautiful. I always liked it because I saw an immense friendship between the two. And the moment when Quasi clasps their hands together, he realized if he was to try to demand her love without consent, he's the same as Frollo. Frollo is selfish love. Quasi is selfless love. They're both the sides of the religious coin. Religion can cure or curse, and the "half-formed" man forged himself in his pure faith, instead of the twisted self-serving kind his father figure raised him with. It highlights how our parentage forms us and how we can use our own autonomy to change that form

[@ManaPeerfr]

And when you think about it, there are not many cartoons that show you how to react to rejection. This one did. Yes it hurts, by all gods it hurts ! But still, you should let her/him go.

[@kalebsantos72]

Huh...that’s a really cool reinterpretation

[@abbyb5434]

Love this!! That's how I've always felt.

[@martinathom5167]

ill give the movie credit it was interesting to see the main protagonisit not grt the girl.... whch is a very real part of life ... sometimes

[@justanotherredheadattheend955]

I love the angle that Quasi not ending up with Esmarelda is a pretty enlightening and simplifying want vs need idea. Quasi WANTS to be with Esmarelda, but really the more stable and deeply healing experience for him is the one he originally wanted; to be welcomed and loved by his whole community 🤷‍♀️ So it's more than okay that he's ""alone"" at the end of the film, because it wasn't the only way for his core wound to be addressed.

[@grimmandtonics]

Honesty I will admit I'm biased but I'll defend this movie with my dying breath because it had one of two moments I had as a child where one, the animation fascinated me with how good it was, and two, it had a scene that put me on the edge of my seat and made me realize how astoundingly powerful an animated movie could be if done right. Yes, that scene was the Hellfire scene. The other movie was, of course, The Prince of Egypt. .....the gargoyles I will admit were a godawful blight on the movie though

[@wellwhoknows9567]

I love the Prince of Egypt

[@justaninnocentpomegranate3702]

Honestly. The gargoyles bring the movie to me from an 8/10 to a 5/10

[@pipitameruje]

And that opening scene. The chase sequence is ingrained in my memory. I was scared of Frollo when I was little to the point of having nightmares where I was chased by him on horseback. I was scared of the movie until I was 8 or 9, but I remember the shift from "this stuff is scary" to "this stuff is awesome" thereabout. Hellfire and that scene with Esmeralda and Frollo in the cathedral... I'll die with you on that hill.

[@marya5925]

Prince of Egypt, oh... When Moses returns the ring to his brother... That scene will never stop breaking my heart over and over again.

[@HiddenDarkHM]

It had similar effects for me. A: It was the first thing in my entire life (and only thing for a very long time) that planted the thought in my mind that "Maybe, not all Christian men are actually good?" And also my first time being exposed to the concept of injustice. That there are wrongs in the world perpetuated by people in power and those that are harmed by those injustices. B: GOD did it influence my concept of what magic looked like. I was an aggressively literal child and I didn't understand that the things happening during Hellfire weren't ACTUALLY happening. Frollo wasn't ACTUALLY being surrounded by dark hooded figures, the fire swirling around him wasn't really there. But as a kid I thought they were real things he was conjuring like Ursula or Maleficent, real dark magic he was being surrounded by. And a LOT of that imagery carried over into my adult visualization of things like dark magic, fire magic, etc. C: It was the first movie that introduced me to the concept that women can be strong too. Women could be powerful and have opinions and actually fight back. Even though I'm not going to say Esmerelda is the BEST female representation, she was the first non-sexy lamp female character I was introduced to. (And yes I am including SEVERAL Disney princesses in that list, lookin' at you Ariel.) I won't say they were great seeds or the biggest influences on my development but they were present and they did form a groundwork for me to become who I am today.

[@BKupchuck57]

"Shrek looks like 90% of stand-up comedians" is ARGUABLEY the single best line in this video.

[@TheKersey475]

26:55 My interpretation for why Quasimodo doesn't "get the girl" is that he's the opposite extreme of the Madonna-Whore Complex paralleling Frollo. Frollo sees Esmeralda as an evil seductive "Whore" while Quasimodo is well-intentioned but naively views her as the opposite extreme; a perfect saintly "Madonna". In contrast to both of them, Phoebus is the middle-ground who is attracted to Esmeralda's beauty, strength, AND kind heart but also sees her as a proper human being with flaws and pros instead of just one thing or another as shown by their banter.

[@juannaym8488]

So, it makes a lot of sense for Pheobus to get the girl in the end

[@illiminatieoverlordgurglek140]

Pretty sharp analogy

[@claudefrollo3378]

it also makes sense because let's be honest, the average person wouldn't want to be with a deformed person. People are naturally attracted to a healthy "mate" to have healthy offspring with. I think it gives Hunchback a realistic feel

[@BobbyCalloway]

The power dynamic is something I just realised too. Frollo wants Esmerelda to be submissive to him while Quasi would be submissive to her (since he puts her on a pedestal). Phoebus meanwhile is evenly matched with her

[@DoveAlexa]

+Gracing Graves I think you need to talk to more actual people and theorize about them as slaves to your asumed patterns of evolutionary behaviour less. A normal person would be ashamed to see a dermormed person as unworthy. A mature adult would be able to get past it if they wanted a companion.

[@shockingheaven]

Ugh, this movie is one of my favorites from Disney. Yeah, the tone is not always good, I mean, the gargoyles are there so it doesn't feel heavy AF for the kids and they can have some comedic relief, but they're really annoying. The characters are good. I've said this in a lot of videos about the movie and I'll say it again: Frollo is the scariest Disney villain because he is a very real guy, he's not magic, he's just a creepy religious guy in a position of power. I really like the different perspectives of the three guys who want Esmeralda: Frollo sees her as a whore, a temptress; Quasimodo sees her as an angel, something pure (these two perspectives are pretty clear in the songs); and Phoebus, unlike the book counterpart, sees her as a person, a three-dimensional character.

[@EmeraldLavigne]

"Foreigners? You came yesterday - we come today." Wow. Prescient.

[@Horatio787]

I think that's the ultimate slam on nationalism.

[@skycastrum5803]

TheHoratiosvetlana: Huh. And here my thoughts went immediately to colonies. Funny how a perspective can change things.

[@agonzalez1482]

Sky Castrum You are comparing kicking someone out of their home with trying to move next door

[@skycastrum5803]

A Gonzalez: Actually neither. I was comparing a quote to a situation, not a situation to a situation. Meanwhile, you are comparing the moralities of people in a very different situation to the morality of modern day. Our life experiences are strongly tied to what we believe as truth and justice. Do you think that you would have been any different from those whom you accuse? Do you believe that those who come years later would view you as a paragon of virtue in whatever shape their morality takes? People presume too much.

[@justbeyondthecornerproduct3540]

And said like 100 years ago

[@stagpie6449]

This film has the most brilliant explanation of what abuse FEELS like. It even teaches that 'hey, that abuser is kinda wrong and manipulating you, and a way to escape is by breaking free from the isolation and making friends who actually care about you'. I feel this film needs more praise for that, like how Inside Out became a great tool to help kids struggling with mental health issues figure out their emotions.

[@tcrpgfan]

Notice how Quasi overcomes it when he sees another person almost killed by his abuser. That's some real-world shit right there. He thinks he can take the abuse as long as no one else gets hurt. But when those he cares about are in danger, all bets are off.

[@The_One_In_Black]

I definitely think there are scenes here that should be played when people are taught about abuse. It was probably my first experience recognizing emotional abuse.

[@_shmeezy]

Just here to say that Lindsay has completely come into her own since ditching the nostalgia chick label and is one of the most thoughtful and insightful movie channels on yt

[@Nionivek]

There is a rule for Lindsay which is she cannot fake interest. If she doesn't care about a topic you will know! Now I am sure I am completely wrong, but I like to imagine that this is more what she wants to do than many of her old reviews.

[@XanderVJ]

I don't think ditching the Nostalgia Chick label had anything to do with it. She was already thoughtful and insightful under that label. Just go and watch her NC series about "The Lord of the Rings" or even her Meg Ryan cycle. It's just that now she's more experienced than she was back then, and has naturally improved as a result. I think the biggest difference is that she knows how to better keep your attention without resorting to humor. Even though she still uses humor where she sees fit.

[@lizzychrome7630]

THIS. I like the Chick, but I like the new Lindsey better.

[@kloggmonkey]

and her being the nostalgia chick was so paradoxical considering how it falls right into the smurfette principle. i'm so glad she ditched it.

[@Nionivek]

She also did Booze your Own Adventure. I kind of miss that series AND I miss her friend's blog where she was reviewing Tiger's Curse.

[@takeru3159]

I think the gargoyles could have turned out well if they kept them as "figments of Quasi's imagination." Their light hearted, jovial nature being a coping method for the decades of abuse that Quasi only subconsciously realizes. But as they are depicted they function in this weird nebulous gray area. None of the other named characters interact with them, but there are still interactions between them and the goat or the soldiers attacking Notre Dame. We shouldn't even see them interacting with each other if Quasi isn't there.

[@BetterWithBob]

Adding to the fact that Esmeralda in the 1939 version is played by an Irish actress - and Maureen O'Hara was young enough to have been born while Ireland was still under British oppression. In fact, it was in the process of becoming independent from Britain when this film was made. And the Irish were historically demonized, as the Romani were, and many of them were displaced over the world thanks to having to emigrate after a famine that was caused by British oppression. So while Maureen may have only been this promising young actress to the filmmakers, the fact that she plays the first version of Esmeralda to be ethnically part of the oppressed group has another powerful undercurrent.

[@brendanmccabe8373]

Better With Bob? Bruh we still aren’t free from Britain

[@danielm6341]

@@brendanmccabe8373 Boris Johnson may be the inadvertent liberator of the Irish. or David Cameron. I'm not entirely sure where to peg the start of the current phase de-colonial contraction; especially by people that didn't intend to.

[@wjzav1971]

@@brendanmccabe8373 Just out of curiosity: Are you talking about Northern Ireland being a part of the UK or does Britain hold power over Ireland in any other way?

[@luke-alex]

@@wjzav1971 He's talking about Northern Ireland 😉 (it _is_ a quarter of the population of Ireland-though of course half of NI consider themselves British)

[@PolarPhantom]

Very interesting. Yeah, this would not lay today, but at the time? Very fair for its day.

[@tammysforeheadproductions7388]

I also wanted to say, Phoebus in the entire film never made a single comment about Quasimodos appearance.

[@cherishoneal9108]

Now that you mention it.

[@OtisLePoOtis]

Tammy’s Forehead productions Phoebus woke confirmed

[@TahtahmesDiary]

I always thought that was instrumental to the film explaining Esmeralda's attraction to him. He was another person who didnt judge looks -- neither of the racially oppressed Romani nor of a disabled or disfigured person. They always made the white boys who brown girls fell for be superior morally almost to the point of angelhood.

[@josiane9193]

Esmeralda is just a mary sue. In the novel she falls in love with phoebus because he is beautiful, even though he is a scoundrel. It would be much better for him to be a scoundrel and showing that everyone is making mistakes. In the man who laughs by Victor Hugo, the protagonist had a girlfriend, he fell in love with a beautiful girl who was cruel, just because of her appearance and almost had cheating. but he remained faithful. We all have failures. Why couldn't Esmeralda have her flaws? She's just a mary sue. Gwynplaine fought for justice, but it had its flaws, but Esmeralda in the film did not. She is a one-dimensional character.

[@grimmandtonics]

@@josiane9193 maybe because not all female characters have to be paragons of ultimate feminism. Male roles are usually Mary sues, or marty sues if you will, so why cannot a woman have those too? Men are allowed to like women for superficial reasons, why not also let a woman do the same? If you want women to have equality in media then let them have real characters too, both flawed and not. Not every woman needs to be a messianic figure that raises all other woman to higher standards. Let them be real too. Also if you think Esmeralda in this version only liked Phoebus because he was pretty then not only did not pay attention, but you CRIMINALLY missed one of the biggest messages present through the whole movie.

[@RhonaChristie]

My favourite bit of 'Hellfire' trivia - when you hear Frollo sing "It's not my fault, I'm not to blame", you can hear the chorus of priests in the background repeat "Mea Culpa" which is the Latin for "through my fault" - literally, "it is my fault, I've sinned". They use that phrase as part of the Confiteor prayer in Catholic masses, when you acknowledge your sins to God. It's such a clever juxtaposition. After singing in a Catholic church for a few years, then re-listening to the score, I had a whole new appreciation for Menken & Schwartz

[@littledrummergirl_19]

Rhona Christie I’m Catholic and I never even noticed that 😅 that’s so cool! I love like you said the juxtaposition of the humility in the Confiteor and Frollo’s arrogance at the same time 😊

[@christerjonsall5415]

Lil' bit late, but the latin sung in Hellfire from start to finish *is* the Confiteor prayer, if indeed that's what I think it is (actually begins slightly before Hellfire, unless you count the mass before Frollo starts singin' as part of it, which I would).

[@fruitcake6372]

It’s also the same as the chant sung by Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd

[@DivinityFallen]

I thought mea culpa translates to my mistake.

[@firstnamelastname5436]

menken is a king tbh

[@TheCoggie]

hiya, Gypsy here. i know this video is 5+ years old, but it's actually closer to 1.5 million of us killed. We were almost entirely wiped out by the porrajmos, not only a few hundred thousand it's estimated at this level because they didn't know how to class us. Some as political prisoners, some as "workshy", but the majority of us were killed on-sight, with no paperwork to follow

[@lanciferian]

"Getting the girl should never be the goal". Again, a single quotable sentence describes why I love your work.

[@andreasolano8248]

I tink that cuasimodo teach to the kids ThE oposit that .many princes

[@tribbinvw]

Lost it at: "Christian mom groups were more on the Frollo side of things.".

[@WTFisTingispingis]

Which is hella ironic, 'cause he REALLY wanted to tap that but he had to kill her because REASONS and it drives him bugfuck crazy.

[@emilysmith3594]

Yes, it’s very telling of the way that contemporary church culture is at odds with anything resembling healthy sexuality... it’s not just “make safe choices” but “OMG it’s evil and if you have a fluttery feeling you should CRUSH it! Don’t do any sex you guys”

[@nathanschmitz2302]

@@emilysmith3594 It is sure a problem for the moderate views in many churches and in everything really. There is the misconception of so many groups (Most groups, some are as bad as they are thought to be), because of ignorance and they way others package the ideals of any group of people. Furies, Muslims, Bronys, Christianity, and so many more that have bad reputations with some people, all because of a minority that is loud by the tragedies that happen or the ways interpretation can make things look. That is why we should make our education system better to make people think of things beyond face value more.

[@justchilling704]

@Smash 456 That never happend.

[@eadlynjune]

Yeah, I was lucky I had a mom who understood stuff. Taught me to balance my beliefs with the world we live in. I think a lot of people could learn from that.

[@BloodyAltima]

Another thing that goes over people's heads with regards to the Quasimodo not getting the girl is that his journey is about his independence. He gets his physical independence from Frollo, and his emotional independence from Esmerelda. He does not get the girl, because he does not need her as a romantic partner anymore, he has gotten past being so violently reliant on others.

[@billyc5228]

He's a strong independent Hunchback, he don't need no one! *snap snap snap*

[@Tamaki742]

And then the sequel happened. CURSE YOU, EISNER.

[@Anonymous_Gambito]

Tamaki742 Sequel? What sequel? There is no sequel :)

[@tcrpgfan]

There is no sequel inside the walls of Paris.

[@jen4k2]

I love that you highlight that Quasimodo accepts Esmerelda's agency as a human, which is 100% opposite Frollo... even if it hurts him.

[@crackle6875]

As a child this is what I was told the gargoyles were:1. Quasi Modo had no friends & no one to talk with so he treated the church’s stone gargoyles as imaginary friends. & 2. They are the manifestation of his inner thoughts, in other words, he’s hallucinating them.

[@AxelleDRouge]

It is how I understood, and still understand them. They always were actually kind of sad to me. Like the humor (or humor attempt) is contrasting a lot with the meaning of it

[@alex0589]

He lost it To a bird

[@highclassd0mme380]

I always felt this as well

[@sindrevangenrobberstad2889]

Too bad they're physically interacting with the world in the climax, beating up soldiers. **facepalm** Disney could just have had them interact with Quasimodo exclusively, but then they screwed it up at the last minute

[@MeTheMayo]

Yes I saw the making off back in the day when this movie was released and the Disney animators explained this concept for the gargoyles

[@Hawkstar270]

God, Lindsay talking about the building "outliving and outlasting" in Hugo's original novel with the spire framed right in the centre of the shot is heartbreaking in light of today's events.

[@Shaestel]

And, yet, the building has survived, true to Hugo's words.

[@cjsyblik3296]

I hope they rebuild it. I think it's the best thing to do. Seeing as the cathedral has been the heart of Paris for so long...

[@Shaestel]

@@cjsyblik3296 They will. Whilst it's perfectly understandable to be shocked and upset at the sight of such an iconic historic building up in flames, if it is any consolation, it is a common thing to happen throughout history. I'm a historian who works in an archival centre that exists purely because the old building (a one time church, one time jail, had been many things in its time...) that housed those relics and documents burned down in the 90s. It happens often. We are constantly improving ways to rescue and preserve historical treasures.

[@TheaDoraRosa]

But people have the will to preserve it and restore it. That is what he wanted.

[@cjsyblik3296]

@@Shaestel I wonder if they're replacing the wooden frames completely thogh.....

[@drittenacht]

30:08 "Now you kids can get all four puppets!" "TAKE THEM FROM HER." This is the kind of perfect editing that gives me life.

[@narutojames225]

Will miss you Lindsay. “I’m losing to a bird” is always a part of my vocabulary because of this video

[@Greener221]

>Walk into tourist attraction area patrolled by multiple openly armed guards >stuff a bag of cocaine in front of a journalist and her camera(wo?)man Jesus Christ.

[@AH-be6bu]

Hahahahaha have you been to Paris lately? The tourist areas are among the absolute worst for petty crime. The gendarmes are mainly on the lookout for terrorist activity, meaning there’s more pickpockets, drug-pushers and blokes selling dubious tourist-tat than ever. A friend of my sister was mugged about 100 yards from where Lindsay was standing in broad daylight with police nowhere in sight. The Cathedral is wonderful, the area around it... less so.

[@RipOffProductionsLLC]

@@AH-be6bu "The tourist areas are among the absolute worst for petty crime" is the drug trade considered a 'petty' crime in France now? I think you're missing the point of the sheer ballsiness of a man apparently trying to hide drugs in broad daylight in a crowded/high-traffic location, that also had armed guards patrolling it, and on top of that doing so in a location that had a rolling video camera pointed at it... I want the full story on this guy, was it even actually drugs? or was he just going out of his way to litter? if anything that rises even more questions.

[@fruitcake6372]

Honestly, he looks around like he’s trying to hide it but doesn’t se the camera or person obviously filming??

[@alexbenavidez4500]

Could he just be littering?? God, it was so damn ballsy and certainly wasn't subtle. I was really shocked to see so many armed guards with rifles. I've only been to Paris once and I don't remember it because I was a kid and you know, Disneyland

[@AgeDrain]

Looked like he was hiding a subway sandwich for later

[@luthientinuviel3883]

My favorite part: Given the chance to save either Esmerelda or the goat...he chooses the goat. Yeah the goat lives.

[@porsche911sbs]

but Djali was a very talented goat

[@mariamann8292]

@@porsche911sbs with golden horns

[@chupacadabra5161]

Djali: Eh!

[@lordpicklenips3407]

The messed up and funny part about the goat is that Gringoire was gonna be executed unless he marries Esmerelda and he returns the favor by saving her Goat instead of her b/c the goat did tricks.

[@kimberleyjackson]

I grew up with these movies and when Hunchback aired, I was 14. So here is what I remember feeling about the movie back then: First of all, I LOVED Esmeralda. To me, she was she strongest of all the Disney heroines ever made. First of all, she is independent, she openly lives her sexuality and does not care what society thinks of it, she does not allow herself to be victim-shamed as Frollo tries in the church and she fights for those who cannot fight for themselves. On top of that, she shows extreme courage standing up to authority at a time where she might well be killed for it (and almost is). Unlike Phoebus and Quasimodo, she never cowers down to Frollo. All of that made her incredibly strong to me, and as a girl, she became a role-model for me and an absolute inspiration. I learned much later that her portrayal was criticized for being racist, and after hearing the arguments, I do kind of see why, but that is never how I saw or perceived Esmeralda as a child. To me, she was just a kickass female heroine who could fight for herself. In a very different way than all the other Disney heroines did.

[@elsdomen338]

For me it's absolutely the same!

[@pequenoperezoso3743]

Sure!

[@edmonddantes3688]

In real life it would be executed. The film should be a fantasy film.

[@josiane9193]

The film's Esmeralda is nothing short of a mary sue. She was turned into a kind of gwynplaine by the man who laughs by Victor Hugo, a social justice. Gwynplaine mostoru his faults, gwynplaine was seduced by power, social status, money, lust (he almost betrayed the girl who loves him), repenting and showing his faults.But Esmerald dwarf has the faults of gwynplaine, looks more like a perfect girl and flawless, almost incorruptible. Gwynplaine almost forgot those who love him for money, power and sex. Esmeralda never showed any possibility of being corrupted. Phoebus in the novel is a scoundrel and in the film a romantic hero, being uncharacterized. Could he be kept as in the original and Esmeralda be corrupted by him, being sexually attracted to him, leaving everyone aside until she realizes that he is a scoundrel and regrets as did Gwynplaine. Even Esmeralda has its flaws. And her escapes are completely unreal in the film, unlike jean valjean in les miserables who more realistically seeks to escape from javert. Esmeralda is very idealized.

[@deruchettelethierry4814]

An idealized fanfiction, A girl like her studying me wouldn't even know what justice is. If he challenged someone like frollo, he would be arrested.

[@elo6593]

Regarding the concept of historical preservation, Hugo was fully a man of his time when he wrote about the preservation of Notre-Dame. In France, it was during the Revolution that the idea was instutionalised. The first occurence of "monument historique" (roughly translated "heritage") came in 1790. The destruction of royal statues and churches led to a processus of museification: some parts of the statues were exposed in museums to show how big and tyrannic kings were, French national museums in the major cities were in fact created in the wake of the French revolution. And that's why we still have parts of the medieval statues of the kings of Israel from Notre-Dame. During the first half of the 19th century, the idea of heritage emerged in France. A part of the royal budget was dedicated to heritage starting in 1819, and in 1830 one year before the publishing of Notre-Dame de Paris, the position of Inspector General of Historical Monuments was created. This institution had the goal to survey monuments in peril throughout France. Of course, Hugo's novel, inscribed in the romantic sensitivity and interest for the past and the Middle Ages helped spark the public opinion's interest in the matter. Modern historical preservation in France takes its roots in the revolutionary time and evolved quickly during the 19th century. After Napoléon was thrown out from power, France even had to give all the stolen artworks. To European nations only, they didn't really bother about the egyptian artworks and the Ottoman empire. Notre-Dame de Paris had a HUGE impact on popular culture since the 1830s, merch was made out of it in the 19th century, from fancy statues to affordable fans. And also, the stage adaptation of 1998 sparked the new golden age of French musicals of the late 90s. And Belle is still a standard in 2020 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHjIYYOajJeisNk And yes, I think all the public emotion about the fire that occured in 2019 is also an heritage from Hugo and his views on architecture. Some French people really cried of distress when the spire fell, there were a commemoration on TV in April... Would it be Le Mans or Soissons cathedral that would have burned, the public opinion would have talked less about it and the donations would have been waaaaay lower.

[@vincentvangogh5840]

ok this is really well put together also KIKUCHIYO!!!!!!!!!!

[@HorseyWithNoNamey]

As much as people like to shit on Esmeralda's character because of the somewhat sexualised depiction of a minorty group, which I won't deny, I think she's still a positive character, as far as female representations go. Most female Disney characters have a somewhat docile nature that is sweet and acommodating, and Esmeralda is nothing like this. Yes, she's nice, but she talks back to every other (male) character as if they were equals. She questions authority and she stands up for what she believes. Not only that, but she saves Phoebus and Quasimodo (twice!). We never see her giving up or retreating in fear, or crying (not that crying is bad, but for female characters is kinda expected). At the same time, she's not a character with no humour or soft spots, like we see in many "strong independent woman" character these days - female characters that are so "strong", they end up being boring and impossible to connect to. I don't know, I don't think there's ever been a Disney character written like Esmeralda

[@icepelt1001]

She even spits in Frollo's face when she's on the pyre as he's about to sentence her to death. Iconic as hell.

[@monkeybrains9765]

God help the outcasts showcases her as one of the most selfless empathetic Disney heroines. Her actions are motivated by her care for others not herself like other Disney heroines

[@mosesafful4200]

BishtrainerTai16 why would they lose points for THAT who cares about her looks or skin your making a big deal out of nothing

[@saffodils]

I think the issue is that female characters of color are often given "sassiness" as part of an "exotic" and "sexy" personality. They aren't allowed the innocence that white female characters get, and even though the "sassiness" can allow their characters to have more agency, it also can reinforce harmful narratives about women of color being violent and sinful. This is not to say that Esmeralda, in a vacuum, is a bad character. Only that she is part of a trend of showing female characters of color in ways that can be used to excuse violence against real women of color.

[@mosesafful4200]

asyouwish141 no one with half a brain would use a g rated movie as a use for violence your overexagerating here

[@MissFlow]

Esmeralda ending up with Phoebus ... I was fine with that just as much as Quasi was. How predictable whould it have been if Esmerquasi did happen, really. And to see a platonic relation develop between the two after his broken heart is just very powerfull. Esmeralda becomes Quasi's best friend and I love that! A female and male protagonist don't always have to fall in love people. (Dory and Marlin, Moana and Maui)

[@zoazede2098]

Even tho... Moana and Maui were designed un first place to be a romantic relationship...and i would like to see it... But anyway!!! Its ok not having a QuassixEsmeralda ending, just because it would be too... Surrealistic

[@themoustachelady2937]

i felt Esmephoebus was shitty,

[@veyarain82]

26:55 I also think Quasi didn’t “get the girl” in this version is because their personalities simply wouldn’t allow for it. Esmerelda is a fiery, condident, adventurous woman who loves her people. Quasi, while very sweet, something that makes him a good friend to Esmerelda, is also painfully insecure and naive. He sees her as a perfect angel, which isn’t seeing Esmerelda as a person either. I feel like if they got together then, Quasi would lean far to much on Esmerelda. She strikes me as the person who wants someone with as much confidence as herself (this version: Phoebus), but who is also sweet and sees her as a person (also still Phoebus). Quasi is sweet, but he has a LOT of issues he needs to work through, and simply can’t provide what Esmerelda likely seeks in a relationship like Phoebus can.

[@LisaSimpsonsHomeGirl]

Perfect explanation which is the reason why he ends up with Madeline on part 2. She was naive and insecure about herself.

[@elvalight2135]

I on the other hand would %100 fuck Quasimoto

[@MrEvldreamr]

im sorry but i dont buy it.... quasi and es not being together is bullshit

[@MW_Asura]

Polar opposites can attract each other

[@TheIncredibleJounan]

This has aged in a lot of weird ways. My first reaction was "TRAVELING?! DURING A PANDEMIC?!" and then "Wait! Notre Dame is still there!" I'm worried that someone in a year will add something to that..

[@blablablubb7623]

Well, it has been a year, so: "Wait, Lindsay Ellis is still making videos?"

[@suranumitu7734]

What do you mean "still there", it isn't gone, it didn't like burn down entirely, it was just damaged.

[@rattyeely]

@@suranumitu7734 True but it doesn't look like it does in this footage anymore. Things that she shows in this video, like the spire, are just totally gone now and have yet to be rebuilt. Also I doubt you can get close enough to stash crack in a bush anymore

[@hothotheat3000]

I love the score. That high note at the end of Bells of Notre Dame never fails to give me chills.

[@The_One_In_Black]

There are people who who thought the dark bits of Hunchback were a bad thing? I'm glad I never met those people.

[@spookyrosev6467]

Bill Silvia It’s like too extremes: Either it’s a p***ified version of the original novel or an overly dark Disney film. Some people just don’t have in-between

[@dudamendesmili1071]

I think it’s the opposite, those gargoyles were a terrible mix

[@sophiaageitos2763]

I knew one of these people

[@greglucas7735]

I know I'm late to the conversation, but Hellfire is the greatest Disney movie song of all time and I will stand by that belief until I draw my last breath

[@Uriel238]

The reaction of my family was not _this is too dark_ but rather _I'm glad I didn't bring my toddler to see this one._ At the time the kids were old enough to read _Hunchback_ on their own. One was inspired to do so after seeing the film.

[@TheYasmineFlower]

I actually like Esmeralda's sexy portrayal within the movie itself. Of course, outside of it, it's part of a concerning trend. But inside the movie itself, it allows Esmeralda to be sexy and confident and independent and smart, without villifying her for any of that. It is Frollo's reaction to her being sexy that is wrong, it's not her fault for being sexy in the first place. I also think it adds to the story in a way that it didn't with Pocahontas or Jasmine. Esmeralda's sex appeal makes a point, and isn't just fan service. I've only recently started to realize how amazing this movie really is. Sure, it has it's flaws just like any other movie (though sue me, but I LOVED the gargoyles as a child), but it's message is good and it's portrayal of people with deformities and Romani characters (Esmeralda and Quasimodo's parents/first caretakers in particular) is unusual and revolutionary for Disney. I've once seen someone note somewhere that Esmeralda was the first (or may still be the only) Disney princess not to sing a song for herself, but about her concern for others, for her people and people less lucky than her. And her innate goodness isn't even an exception for Romani characters in the movie, because Quasimodo's parents or first caretakers (since I don't think the movie was clear which they were) were also portrayed as good, short though their appearance was. I'm also wondering if with them, the movie wanted to take a stance against the racist idea of "gypsies steal white babies", because either Quasimodo was a white-passing Romani kid, or he was a child taken in by Romani people because his white parents rejected him for his deformities. And though I dislike organized religion and it's good portrayal in the movie, I don't dislike that Frollo was portrayed as a judge. These days, governments have so much more power (even though churches generally don't lag far behind...), and corrupt and racist judges are a thing that exists. It's not perfect of course, but damn, this movie is certainly one of the best animated movies Disney has ever made.

[@pyroshayniac1090]

I would argue that the sexiness she exudes is a kind of a charachter that she plays. Even in the movie, someone gives her money because "Who cares about her race, she's pretty." The often criticized dance we see was, well, a performance in a show. She has a natural beauty, and uses it to survive and make ends meat.

[@nkbujvytcygvujno6006]

Yeah... she states in the movie that she doesn’t really enjoy dancing in the streets for coins and being objectified by people. She tells Quasimodo she wouldn’t do it if she had another option. Quasimodo tells her that she’s a wonderful dancer, but she just says, “Well, it puts bread on the table, anyway.” That’s part of the bigotry society has against gypsies- demonstrated by Frollo. Frollo criticizes gypsies for catering to the peoples’ “lowest instincts,” and society also degrades them for their jobs. But no one will hire them, so the gypsies have literally no other choice, which is part of the sick irony. They’re degraded for the only ways of making money for survival that society will allow them to have. But of course, I don’t think female sexuality is wrong or should be shamed- I just don’t want people to misinterpret Esmeralda’s character. Or miss the way it shows the gypsies don’t really have a choice about being pole dancers or prostitutes (or whatever Esmeralda was) or “fortune-tellers and palm-readers.” Not that any of these careers are morally wrong, of course, but they’re being criticized for them by the same society that won’t hire them for anything else.

[@nkbujvytcygvujno6006]

@@ems3991 When on earth did I say that coercing consent for sex is okay?? Seriously, what do you mean?

[@kattharsismic]

@@ems3991 wow you missed his point completely, read his comment again I'm sure you'll understand what he meant as he was pretty clear.

[@nkbujvytcygvujno6006]

Do you mean when I said that prostitutes weren't morally wrong? I meant that there's nothing morally wrong with you if you are a prostitute, not that exploiting prostitutes is okay. Is that what you mean? Like how Judge Frollo thought prostitutes were wicked, and society back then did, too. "Their heathen ways inflame the people's lowest instincts." But gypsies had no choice but to get jobs like that. Not that being a prostitute means you're wicked.

[@forfun8486]

Man I miss Lindsey…KZbin just isn’t the same without her 😭

[@gabymerman9005]

What happened ?

[@thescreamingelfwillcry409]

@@gabymerman9005 she got mobbed off :(

[@geomancer6371]

@@thescreamingelfwillcry409 what does that mean?

[@emofurryboyfriendasmr]

​@@thescreamingweaselswillcrywhat video was it ?/gq

[@antropofilia1318]

She's making videos on Nebula!

[@Alphasnowbordergirl]

I think Esmerelda is one of my favorite Disney women of all time. She was strong willed, out spoken, beautiful, kind, could fight to an extent, and wasn't naïve in any way. I like the captain because he immediately voiced his dislike at the fact he was called from war to practically do a genocide but had his hands tied by his military duty. He couldn't not do it, because that becomes treason/desertion which is death. Still he had enough and stood up to that too. Hunchback is my second favorite Disney movie of all time now and I appreciate the tones, psychological states of characters, and genius music. I only like Aladdin more because...I guess because the tone shifts aren't a mess. I know the Disney writers were in a bind and had to put in kid stuff, but...ugh gargoyles. Could have been a masterpiece otherwise.

[@yvainestarr4758]

Alphasnowbordergirl oddly enough I still sorta like the gargoyles

[@SylentVoidkeeper]

*IM LOSING TO A BIRD*

[@EdslilNeko]

This could be wrong, but I remember reading somewhere that one of the makers of the film said that the reason Quasi couldn't end up with Esmeralda is because while Frollo saw her as this sinful, unholy seductress, Quasi saw her as an impossibly perfect, beautiful angel. So Pheobus was the only one who saw her and loved her for who she truly was, a wonderful, but ultimately flawed and human woman.

[@flowerbit4137]

LexofGotham wow, that perspective really resolves a lot for me

[@ChicaDelSol33]

Well put--wow...

[@reministic7165]

Eh, I don't really like that way of looking at it. Quasimodo's love feels just as genuine as Phoebus, to me.

[@tamerafarly7666]

I thought Quazi's love was the most genuine of the three.. well, as genuine as a love can be in a few days.

[@toongrowner1]

Thats actually a pretty good perspective as well. Heck, this one scene where Esmeralda talks to Quasi pretty much shows it. She asks him if he thinks he is evil and without fully knowing her he straight up claims that he does not believe that she can be evil in any way or form.

[@blitzgirl6522]

This legitimately is still one of my favorite Disney films, and has jumped through the ranks the older I've gotten. I read the book as an adult, and didn't ruin my enjoyment of the Disney film. I am able to view the book and the film as their own separate things. I still feel that Frollo is the best Disney villain because he IS someone we all could know in the real world.

[@-RachelN-]

Same! When I first watched the film as a kid I enjoyed it but it was never one of my favourites. Now im older its easily one of my favourites.Yes it might have a few problems but I still really enjoy it. I still need to read the book and am planning on doing so :) even after finding out about the differneces between the 2 I have a feeling that once i do read the book ill enjoy them both for what they are. And 100% agree about frollo, he such a great villain especially becuase of how realistic his charcter is! As a kid i didnt realise that but now as an adult i appreciate his character even more.

[@edmonddantes3688]

It's more of a children's movie. The 1939 and 1956 versions are more suitable for adults. "Destiny amazes us by a prolixity of unbearable suffering; who then can wonder that the old are garrulous? It is despair that makes the dotard. " - the man who laughs by Victor Hugo

[@picklesthewise]

It has been five years And I am still not over The cocaine-bush man ~ An original haiku

[@enriquepena2009]

Like did he NOT see the camera crew and the woman in Red right in front of him?

[@Lucifersfursona]

I love him Who is he Is he still hiding cocaine in the background of media discourse videos

[@iggykidd]

You might want to rework that first line if you want a haiku. It-has-been-four-years would be five syllables

[@kimberly.z]

@@iggykidd the first and last line should be 5 syllables

[@origamioctopi]

"Alan Menkens best score for a Disney movie" ABSOLUTELY TRUE THIS SOUNDTRACK IS PHENOMENAL

[@KireiC]

Origami Octopi 100% agree. I was a teen when Disney's Hunchback came out and I listened the hell outta that soundtrack. It's still burnt in my brain.

[@cherryspice1011]

Origami Octopi god help the outcast and out there are one of my favorite disney songs

[@guyr3618]

The score is good, but the songs are so forgettable...

[@almirakristine6862]

Guy R have u Listened to Hellfire because.,,..,,..

[@guyr3618]

@@almirakristine6862 Hellfire is probably the best song in the movie (and even then, I think half of the reason people love it so much is because of the amazing visuals during that sequence). I couldn't hum any of the other songs from this film if my life depended on it.

[@Inlelendri]

It just hit me - apart from how Quasimodo ended up redheaded from those parents, can we just take a moment to appreciate just how great Quasimodo's mother is? She protects him at all costs, regardless of his deformities. That's just...heartwarming.:)

[@B0K0691]

Inlelendri Also she outruns a horse for like 3 blocks

[@AnymousScreams]

In the book I believe he's abandoned by both parents with no sight of them.

[@kennybrightwell1877]

He’s also named after the day on which he was found, I think. In the book, that is.

[@SB0780]

The tonal problems are the biggest issue with this film but it doesn't change the fact that it's Disney's most underrated film. Much like Dreamworks' 'The Prince of Egypt', it asks a lot of its audience in terms of the subject matter for those who want to take the journey. Having said that, the animation, music and scope of the film is epic AF, more so than any other Disney animated film. It's my personal favorite. Thanks for the great video essay.

[@Zelkiiro]

The Prince of Egypt was way better at juggling its opposing tones, though. :V

[@kirstynquinn6602]

SB0780 This comment is interesting since Lindsey hates The Prince of Egypt

[@furlizard]

Oh, how come? I remember liking it, so I'm curious...

[@kirstynquinn6602]

Rachel B She never really went into detail as to why. Maybe she will do a video on it someday

[@andreraymond6860]

I always put it in the category of 'movies you grow up with'. The first reading of the film is the childish one where the deeper themes go way above your head (Like the Sponge bob series being set in the Bikini Atolls where America conducted so many Nuclear tests, accounting for the weird mutated creatures). Later as an adolescent you might pick up on the love story and some of the rebellious humour. As an adult, having perhaps read the book or taken some literature, art or film classes you will grasp all kinds of references and want to ,ake a You Tube video...

[@anniedangerface]

Oh boy...I don’t think that Ansel Elgort version is coming, Lindsay....

[@gennybaratta2460]

Out of all the things to age poorly in this video that one has definitely aged the worst

[@mafer-pw4ef]

Lmaooo

[@wjzav1971]

@@gennybaratta2460 I kind a disagree. What aged the worst is the line of Notre Dame being around or at least not busted up nowadays.

[@LoveSasukeKai]

My favourite Disney movie of all time. According to my mom, I always sympathized with Quasi, and that only deepened as I realized how abusive/toxic many of my own relationships were. So I got to say, I'm quite relieved to see such an honest and down to earth essay on it! And I'd like to recommend Hellfire in Swedish, the man voicing Frollo also did some opera, and it only adds to the gorgeous score.

[@adambomb2916]

This is the way I always was and still to this day have my Quasi blanket that whenever I get overwhelmed by the toxicity in my life I curl up with it

[@FluffyPoopPrincess]

Yaaas love for Stefan Ljungqvist! (Also Joakim Jennefors of course, my love for his Quasi burns hot and truuue!

[@volbla]

Is it just me, or do the gargoyles have much better voice performances in swedish than in english? I remember those lines with a lot more comedic subtlety. (whether they fit the tone of the rest of the film is a different issue)

[@LoveSasukeKai]

Volbla I think you're on to something there. Hugo feels much less crass, for example, which further aids in making you think Quasi might be the one making them up.

[@Sugarbombd]

Maja N same

[@faithjones6202]

I literally waited the whole video like is she going to mention that the score is arguably the best score Alan Menken ever wrote??? And you did so I'm satisfied. This is literally my favorite score of a Disney movie ever, but not as a child. I had to come back to this one years later to appreciate it (except the gargoyles).

[@EmoNekoChan101]

I'm still not sure which Disney score if my favorite, Hunchback or Beauty & the Beast xD

[@faithjones6202]

kevin willems I did not forget that! I think hunchback is better than little shop of horrors. I quite enjoy that one but there's definitely a lot less depth in songs about sadistic dentists vs the monster within. Not saying little shop doesn't have depth it's just a bit more all over the place, and I don't walk away from it with the same amount of emotions and thoughts.

[@maedhrosfeanorian9555]

Faith Jones He also wrote the newsies musical which is pretty amazing

[@eartianwerewolf]

That sweeping score mnnngggghhnnggg

[@Jazzisa311]

Wow, the point of why Quasi shouldn't 'get the girl' is just so brilliant and so relevant right now! With all the #metoo stuff going on... Frollo saw 'getting the girl' as the ultimate goal, something he was entitled to, and Quasi respecting her agency and still seeing her value as a person instead of just a love interest... It's so obvious I can't believe I've never even considered it. That's why you're the best, Lindsay!!

[@midgetwthahacksaw]

Roxy Woodward If you think about, Quasi was never 'in love' with Esmeralda. He was deeply moved by her and truly admired her. He wanted her in his life because she showed him warmth and kindness. If anything, he was smitten with her. The same way a boy likes a girl yet feels he can't get close to her but tries to be in her presence because just being around her makes him happy. Quasimodo realises that what he feels for Esmeralda is the deepest, purest friendship that could ever be possible. He doesn't lust after her like Frollo nor does he persue her in a romantic sense like Phoebus. He wants Esmeralda for her presence, a real human presence that is the opposite of Frollo. Esmeralda was the only one to touch him in kindness, to look at him and overcome her own fear and misgivings about his appearance, and never treated him like a threat. Of course he would want her in his life, to keep her safe, to shelter her and show her all the things he knows. In the end, Quasimodo knows that he was never "in love" with Esmeralda romantically. However, he did love her.

[@brianne8258]

Growing up with pshyologial/emotional abuse this movie made helped teach me (along with Tamora Pierce) that the action of the abuser isn't the fault of the person being abused. And made me start to wonder about the "normalcy" of my situation.

[@kenarcher9838]

"see how I glitter" always makes me laugh. It doesn't fit with anything, especially pocahontas

[@OlYables]

The next line is delivered even more bombastically: "the laaaaadies at court, will be all a-twitter..."

[@scribblescribble]

It showcases how detached from reality the Governor is, which drives the main conflict.

[@shanec7756]

Ok so...we're all just ignoring the cocain guy, then? But seriously, Lindsay's reaction had me rolling. Dude looked right at the camera and went "yea, now's good. I choose right here."

[@sessmurda]

If you pay attention he never actually looks into the camera, dude literally looks everywhere else

[@MacarenaWallenstein]

haha that was bizaaaaarre

[@Marinealver]

So what was the problem in France that people were debating again?

[@itzalion]

That "new French" guy clearly cares a great deal about Hugo's ideas of preserving the cultural heritage.

[@AH-be6bu]

I was watching Lindsay’s bits around Notre-Dame and thinking to myself ‘sooner or later someone unsavoury is going to wander into frame’. Timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

[@Kingatje]

My conclusion from this well-composed essay is that Hugo is losing to a bird. Thank you.

[@dildonius]

See how he glitters!

[@bungiecoocoo]

“Now your kids can get all 4 puppets” “Take them from her” “SHE RAAAN” oh that made me belly laugh 🤣