Tarzan Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A baby is adopted by apes, learns to surf on trees, and then has to choose between hanging out with more apes or a British woman who’s really into drawing.

🍿 Tarzan: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Orphaned in the Jungle

A British couple and their infant son are shipwrecked off the coast of Africa. They build a treehouse, but are soon killed by Sabor, a leopard. Kala, a gorilla who lost her own child to Sabor, finds the infant and adopts him, naming him Tarzan. Her mate, Kerchak, leader of the gorilla troop, disapproves.

Growing Up with Gorillas

Years pass, and Tarzan grows up among the gorillas, befriending Terk, a gorilla, and Tantor, an elephant. He struggles to fit in and prove himself to Kerchak. As a young adult, Tarzan kills Sabor, earning Kerchak’s reluctant respect and ensuring the safety of the troop.

The Arrival of Humans

An expedition arrives, led by Professor Porter, his daughter Jane, and their hunter guide Clayton. Jane is separated from the group and is attacked by baboons, but Tarzan rescues her. He is fascinated by Jane, realizing she is like him. Jane takes Tarzan to their camp, where they begin teaching him English and about the human world.

Divided Loyalties

Tarzan and Jane fall in love. Clayton, driven by greed, wants Tarzan to lead them to the gorillas. Tarzan is torn between his gorilla family and his growing feelings for Jane and the human world. He ultimately agrees to lead them, hoping to bridge the gap between the two worlds.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn): A human raised by gorillas, Tarzan must choose between his ape family and the human world after meeting Jane.
• Jane (Minnie Driver): An inquisitive and adventurous Englishwoman who sparks Tarzan’s interest in humanity and falls in love with him.
• Clayton (Brian Blessed): A ruthless hunter who serves as Jane’s guide but secretly plans to capture the gorillas for profit.
• Kala (Glenn Close): Tarzan’s loving adoptive gorilla mother who rescued and raised him after the death of her own child.
• Kerchak (Lance Henriksen): The stern and protective leader of the gorilla troop who initially distrusts Tarzan but eventually accepts him.
• Professor Porter (Nigel Hawthorne): Jane’s eccentric but well-meaning father who supports her research and ultimately, her choice to stay with Tarzan.
• Terk (Rosie O’Donnell): Tarzan’s tomboyish gorilla friend who provides comic relief and unwavering support.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kala: “Close your eyes, my darling. Let your heart be your guide.” – Kala sings this lullaby to baby Tarzan, comforting him and promising protection.
• Tarzan: “You’ll be in my heart. Always.” – Tarzan tells Kala as he prepares to make a decision about his future.
• Jane: “Tarzan? You Tarzan?” – Jane is surprised to meet Tarzan in the jungle.
• Kerchak: “Take care of my family, Tarzan.” – Kerchak says to Tarzan as his last words before dying.
• Tarzan: “I want to see the world like you do.” – Tarzan tells Jane after being fascinated by her drawings and descriptions of the human world.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $130,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $171,091,819
• Worldwide Gross: $448,191,819

💥 Tarzan Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Tarzan! The scene where Tarzan first meets Jane is just magical, and the way he moves through the jungle is so fluid and exciting. The music by Phil Collins really got to me. I felt so much emotion during the scenes with Kala and Tarzan. The way the animators brought the jungle to life was astounding, and the deep canvas effect gave a depth to the jungle that I hadn’t seen before in animation. It’s a classic Disney film for me!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Disney animated classics”
  • “Families looking for adventure movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories about identity and belonging”
  • “Those who appreciate strong soundtracks and animation”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Animal attacks (leopards, baboons)”
  • “Character deaths”
  • “Some intense action sequences”

Professional Reviews

• Common Critic: “Tarzan delivers vibrant animation and a compelling story, even if it loosely adapts the source material. Phil Collins’ soundtrack enhances the emotional impact, making it a memorable Disney experience. The visuals are breathtaking.
• Respected Publication: “While the storyline is somewhat predictable, the animation and voice acting in Tarzan are superb. The film beautifully captures the essence of the jungle and the characters’ emotional journeys, making it a worthwhile watch. Brian Blessed is exceptional as the villain.

Audience Reactions

The animation was groundbreaking, particularly Tarzan’s movement through the jungle.: Viewers praised the film’s stunning visuals and the emotional depth of the story.

Phil Collins’ soundtrack was an unforgettable part of the movie experience.: Many appreciated the emotional resonance and catchiness of the songs.

Overall Consensus: Tarzan is widely regarded as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant Disney classic, praised for its animation and memorable soundtrack, although some find the plot formulaic.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 2000
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Original Song)- 2000

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Brian Blessed, the voice of the villain Clayton, also provided Tarzan’s iconic yell because Tony Goldwyn couldn’t produce a convincing scream.”
• “The film uses ‘Deep Canvas’ technology, allowing 3D backgrounds to be painted on, creating a more immersive jungle environment.”
• “Director Kevin Lima also provided some additional voices for minor characters in the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Tarzan?

You can watch Tarzan on Disney+. It is also available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Tarzan, you might like these similar films:

• The Jungle Book (1967): Similar story of a human raised by animals in the jungle, offering a classic Disney adventure.
• Brother Bear (2003): Explores themes of brotherhood, family, and understanding different perspectives, similar to Tarzan’s journey of belonging.
• Pocahontas (1995): Similar themes of bridging cultures, love across divides, and protecting one’s home from outsiders.
• George of the Jungle (1997): Live-action comedy with a similar premise of a man raised by apes who encounters civilization.
• The Legend of Tarzan (2016): More modern live action depiction with a similar theme of Tarzan having to choose between his two worlds.

🛒 Tarzan Related Products

• Disney’s Tarzan (Two-Disc Special Edition): This is the digital version of Tarzan includes never-before-seen bonus features, including behind-the-scenes looks at the making of the film and interactive games.
• Disney’s Tarzan Swing ‘n Slide Tarzan Action Figure: This vintage action figure depicts Tarzan in his element, swinging from a vine, with interactive features.
• Disney’s Tarzan Jungle Adventure Board Game: A family-friendly board game where players navigate the jungle, encountering challenges and allies from the movie.
• Tarzan Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original theatrical poster for Disney’s Tarzan.

🎧 Soundtrack

Tarzan features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You’ll Be in My Heart” – performed by Phil Collins
• “Two Worlds” – performed by Phil Collins
• “Strangers Like Me” – performed by Phil Collins
• “Trashin’ the Camp” – performed by Phil Collins & *NSYNC

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Messed Up Origins of Tarzan | Disney Explained

Ever wondered about the dark backstory behind the beloved Disney movie Tarzan? This video reveals the surprising origins of the story and the twisted events that inspired the classic film.

Tarzan Explained By An Asian

Get ready for a hilarious ride as a Korean creator gives us a side-splitting explanation of Tarzan, complete with cultural references and unexpected twists!

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