Overview
“Hercules” is a Disney animated film released in 1997, loosely based on the legendary Greek hero Heracles (Hercules in Roman mythology). The movie tells the story of Hercules, who is born as the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Hera, Zeus’s wife. However, Hercules is stolen as a baby by Hades, the god of the underworld, who seeks to overthrow Zeus and rule Mount Olympus.
Hercules is raised on Earth as a mortal with no knowledge of his divine heritage. As he grows up, he discovers his incredible strength and sets out on a journey to become a true hero. Along the way, he meets various characters, including the wise trainer Philoctetes (Phil), the flying horse Pegasus, and the love interest Megara (Meg). He also faces challenges such as battling mythical creatures and overcoming his own doubts and insecurities.
The central conflict of the film revolves around Hercules’s quest to regain his godhood and defeat Hades, who is manipulating events to thwart him. Ultimately, Hercules learns that true heroism comes from within, and he sacrifices his divine powers to save Meg and defeat Hades. In doing so, he earns his place among the gods on Mount Olympus and finds true happiness.
The film features a blend of humor, action, and memorable musical numbers, including the Academy Award-nominated song “Go the Distance.” Its animation style is vibrant and colorful, typical of Disney’s animated films from the late 1990s. “Hercules” received generally positive reviews for its humor, animation, and music, although some critics found fault with its departure from traditional mythology. Nevertheless, it remains a beloved classic in Disney’s animated canon.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Hercules (1997) |
| Genre | Animated, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy |
| Director | Ron Clements, John Musker |
| Writers | Ron Clements, John Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw, Irene Mecchi |
| Based on | Greek mythology, specifically the legend of Heracles (Hercules) |
| Main Characters | Hercules, Megara (Meg), Hades, Zeus, Hera, Philoctetes (Phil), Pegasus, Pain, Panic |
| Plot Summary | Hercules, the son of Zeus and Hera, is stolen as a baby by Hades but raised on Earth as a mortal. He discovers his divine heritage and sets out to become a hero. Along the way, he faces challenges, meets allies, and battles Hades to save Mount Olympus. |
| Themes | Heroism, self-discovery, redemption, love, the struggle between good and evil |
| Musical Numbers | “Go the Distance,” “Zero to Hero,” “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love),” among others |
| Reception | Generally positive reviews, praised for humor, animation, and music |
| Awards | Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song (“Go the Distance”) |
Plot of the Movie
The film begins with the birth of Hercules, the son of Zeus and Hera, on Mount Olympus. However, Hades, the ruler of the underworld, seeks to overthrow Zeus and plots to kill Hercules. Hades sends his minions, Pain and Panic, to kidnap Hercules and make him mortal by drinking a potion that strips him of his godhood. However, Hercules does not drink the last drop of the potion, retaining his godlike strength.
Hercules is found by a human couple, Amphitryon and Alcmene, who raise him as their own son. Despite his incredible strength, Hercules struggles with feeling like an outcast among humans due to his inability to control his strength.
As a teenager, Hercules learns from his adoptive parents that he is adopted and sets out to find where he truly belongs. He seeks the advice of the satyr Philoctetes (Phil), who agrees to train him to become a hero.
Hercules embarks on a journey to become a true hero and win the love of the people of Thebes. Along the way, he battles monsters and earns the admiration of the citizens. He also meets Megara (Meg), a sarcastic and independent woman with a troubled past, with whom he falls in love.
Meanwhile, Hades discovers that Hercules is still alive and sends various monsters to stop him from interfering with his plans to take over Mount Olympus. Hades also learns that if Hercules fights in the “Battle of the Titans” and is defeated, he will lose his godhood forever.
As Hercules’s fame grows, Hades uses Meg’s safety as leverage to coerce Hercules into giving up his strength for 24 hours. With his strength gone, Hercules becomes a mortal and is unable to defeat the Cyclops sent by Hades.
Realizing the extent of his love for Meg and the importance of being a true hero, Hercules regains his strength and rushes to stop Hades from unleashing the Titans on Mount Olympus. With the help of his friends, including Phil, Pegasus, and Meg, Hercules battles the Titans and ultimately defeats Hades.
In the end, Hercules chooses to remain on Earth with Meg rather than become a god, realizing that true heroism comes from the heart. He is celebrated as a hero by the people of Thebes, and Zeus offers to make him a god once more, but Hercules declines, choosing a life of love and adventure with Meg instead. The film concludes with Hercules and Meg flying off into the sunset on Pegasus, ready to face whatever challenges may come their way.
Reasons to Watch It
“Hercules” is a must-watch film for its entertaining storyline, memorable characters, catchy music, stunning animation, positive themes, humor, and timeless appeal.
Entertaining Storyline – “Hercules” offers a unique twist on the classic Greek myth, presenting it in a fun, energetic, and family-friendly manner. The film’s blend of action, humor, and heartwarming moments makes it enjoyable for viewers of all ages. Memorable Characters – From the titular hero Hercules to the witty and independent Megara, the film features a cast of memorable characters with distinct personalities. Each character brings something special to the story, contributing to its charm and appeal. Catchy Music – “Hercules” features a catchy and upbeat soundtrack with memorable songs like “Go the Distance” and “Zero to Hero.” The musical numbers add depth to the story and enhance the overall viewing experience. Stunning Animation – As with many Disney animated films, “Hercules” boasts stunning animation with vibrant colors, fluid movements, and imaginative character designs. The visuals bring the mythical world of ancient Greece to life in a captivating way.
Positive Themes – The film explores themes such as heroism, self-discovery, redemption, and the power of love. It delivers positive messages about embracing one’s strengths and weaknesses, finding one’s place in the world, and the importance of friendship and sacrifice. Humor and Wit – “Hercules” is filled with humor and wit, thanks to its clever dialogue, humorous situations, and memorable one-liners. The comedic elements add levity to the story and keep viewers engaged from start to finish. Timeless Appeal – Despite being released in 1997, “Hercules” has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its themes and characters remain relevant, making it a film that can be enjoyed by new generations of viewers.
Overall, “Hercules” offers a delightful cinematic experience that combines adventure, comedy, and heartwarming moments, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for an entertaining and uplifting film.
Reasons to Avoid It
Some potential drawbacks of “Hercules” (1997) include its departure from Greek mythology, simplified plot, lesser-known villain, lack of emotional depth, and reliance on humor that may not resonate with all viewers.
Departure from Mythology – Purists of Greek mythology might be disappointed by the liberties taken with the original legends, as the film takes significant creative liberties in its portrayal of characters and events. Simplified Plot – Some viewers may find the plot of “Hercules” to be overly simplistic or predictable, lacking the depth and complexity found in other Disney animated classics. Lesser-known Villain – Unlike some other Disney films with iconic villains, the antagonist Hades in “Hercules” may not have the same level of appeal or menace for some viewers.
Lack of Emotional Depth – While the film has its heartwarming moments, some viewers may find it lacking in emotional depth compared to other Disney films, with character development taking a backseat to humor and action. Humor Preferences– The film’s humor, while entertaining for many, may not resonate with all viewers, as it relies heavily on modern references and comedic elements that may feel dated or out of place for some.
Overall, while “Hercules” has its strengths, including its animation, music, and humor, it may not appeal to everyone due to its departure from mythology, simplified plot, lesser-known villain, lack of emotional depth, and humor preferences.
Critical Response
“Hercules” garnered generally positive reviews from critics, praising its animation, humor, and music, though some noted its lack of emotional depth compared to other Disney classics.
Rotten Tomatoes – The film holds a 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus stating, “Fast-paced and packed with dozens of pop culture references, Hercules might not measure up with the true classics of the Disney pantheon, but it’s still plenty of fun.” Metacritic – On Metacritic, “Hercules” holds a score of 74 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews from critics. Roger Ebert – Renowned film critic Roger Ebert gave “Hercules” three out of four stars, praising the animation and humor while noting that the film lacked the depth and emotional resonance of Disney’s best work.
The New York Times – The New York Times described “Hercules” as “an action-packed and sunnily energetic cartoon that’s strictly for kids, and that’s not a bad thing.” The review highlighted the film’s vibrant animation and catchy musical numbers. Entertainment Weekly – Entertainment Weekly gave “Hercules” a B+ rating, praising its irreverent take on mythology and catchy soundtrack while noting that it lacked the emotional depth of Disney’s most beloved films.
Overall, while “Hercules” received praise for its animation, humor, and music, some critics felt that it fell short in terms of emotional depth and storytelling compared to other Disney classics. Nevertheless, it remains a beloved film in the Disney canon, cherished by audiences for its entertainment value and memorable characters.
Key Themes
The key themes in “Hercules” (1997) encompass heroism, self-discovery, redemption, the eternal struggle between good and evil, the significance of friendship and sacrifice, and the transformative power of love.
Heroism – Throughout the film, Hercules embarks on a journey to become a true hero. Heroism is depicted not only through physical strength but also through acts of bravery, selflessness, and compassion. Hercules learns that being a hero is about more than just defeating monsters; it’s about making sacrifices and using his abilities to help others. Self-Discovery – As Hercules grows up, he grapples with questions of identity and belonging. Raised as a mortal, he struggles to fit in due to his superhuman strength. However, as he learns about his divine heritage and embraces his true self, he undergoes a journey of self-discovery, ultimately finding his place in the world. Redemption – Characters like Megara and Phil have complex pasts and are seeking redemption for their past mistakes. Megara, in particular, is burdened by a deal she made with Hades, but through her relationship with Hercules, she finds forgiveness and redemption.
Struggle Between Good and Evil – The film portrays a classic struggle between good and evil, with Hercules and his allies fighting against the villainous Hades and his minions. This theme is woven throughout the story as Hercules confronts various challenges and obstacles on his quest to defeat Hades and save Mount Olympus. Importance of Friendship and Sacrifice – Hercules’s journey is made possible by the friendships he forms along the way, including his bond with Phil, Pegasus, and Meg. These relationships teach him the value of loyalty, trust, and self-sacrifice, as his friends stand by him through thick and thin. Power of Love – Love plays a significant role in “Hercules,” particularly in the relationship between Hercules and Megara. Meg’s love for Hercules ultimately leads her to betray Hades and choose to stand by Hercules’s side, even at great personal risk. Their love proves to be a powerful force that helps them overcome obstacles and triumph in the end.
Overall, “Hercules” explores these themes in a vibrant and entertaining way, delivering a message of courage, redemption, and the transformative power of love and friendship.
Memorable Moments
Some memorable moments from “Hercules” (1997) include Hercules’s training montage with Phil, the catchy musical number “Zero to Hero,” and the emotional sacrifice he makes to save Meg, all of which contribute to the film’s enduring charm and impact.
Training Montage with Phil – The montage where Hercules undergoes training with the wise-cracking satyr Philoctetes (Phil) is both humorous and inspiring, showcasing Hercules’s determination to become a true hero. “Zero to Hero” Musical Number – The lively musical number “Zero to Hero” depicts Hercules’s rise to fame and popularity as he performs heroic deeds and gains adoration from the citizens of Thebes. Battle Against the Hydra – The intense battle scene where Hercules faces the monstrous Hydra in the swamp is a highlight of the film, demonstrating his bravery and strength as he confronts one of his most formidable foes. Hercules’s Sacrifice to Save Meg – In a poignant moment, Hercules willingly gives up his godhood to save Meg from a falling column, showing the depth of his love and selflessness.
Confrontation with Hades – The final confrontation between Hercules and Hades atop Mount Olympus is a climactic showdown, where Hercules must outsmart the villain and save the gods from destruction. Meg’s Redemption – Megara’s redemption arc, where she chooses to stand by Hercules’s side and ultimately saves him from a fatal attack by pushing him out of harm’s way, is a touching moment that underscores the power of love and self-sacrifice. Hercules Reunites with his Father – After defeating Hades and saving Mount Olympus, Hercules is reunited with his father Zeus, who offers him a place among the gods. Hercules chooses instead to remain on Earth with Meg, symbolizing his commitment to love and adventure.
These moments contribute to the overall charm and impact of “Hercules,” making it a beloved classic in Disney’s animated canon.
Streaming Platforms to Watch the Movie From
“Hercules” (1997) can be streamed on various platforms such as Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes/Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube Movies, Vudu, and potentially Hulu, with availability varying depending on region.
Disney’s own streaming service often features their classic animated films, including “Hercules.” Amazon Prime Video – Depending on your location, “Hercules” might be available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. iTunes/Apple TV – You can rent or buy digital copies of “Hercules” through the iTunes Store and watch it on Apple TV. Google Play Movies & TV – Similar to iTunes, you can rent or buy digital copies of “Hercules” through Google Play Movies & TV. YouTube Movies – YouTube also offers digital rentals or purchases of movies, including “Hercules.” Vudu – Vudu is another platform where you can rent or purchase digital copies of movies, including “Hercules.” Hulu – In some regions, Hulu might offer “Hercules” as part of its streaming library.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Disney+ | Often features classic animated films, including “Hercules” |
| Amazon Prime Video | “Hercules” may be available for rental or purchase, depending on location |
| iTunes/Apple TV | Rent or buy digital copies of “Hercules” through iTunes Store, watch on Apple TV |
| Google Play Movies & TV | Rent or buy digital copies of “Hercules” similar to iTunes through Google Play Movies & TV |
| YouTube Movies | Offers digital rentals or purchases of movies, including “Hercules” on YouTube |
| Vudu | Rent or purchase digital copies of movies, including “Hercules” on Vudu |
| Hulu | In some regions, “Hercules” may be available as part of Hulu’s streaming library |
It’s important to keep in mind that availability can change, so it’s wise to verify the current status of “Hercules” on each platform to find out where you can watch it in your region.
