Common Theme in Disney Movies

[3MGIRLS]

O.K. - Is it just me or does just about EVERY animated Disney movie involve a son/daughter that has either lost a parent, or is being raised by a single parent or other?

Just an observation - But, Consider some of the more popular ones (without touching on all of them):

Cinderella - (Step Mother & Sisters)
Beauty & The Beast - Belle, raised by only her Father.
Jungle Book - Mowgly - No parents?
Little Mermaid - Ariel, raised by Father only
Lion King - Father killed
Hunchback - Raised by "adopted" parent
Alladin - No Parents - Jasmine, father only
Toy Story - Andy has Mother only
Finding Nemo - Lost his Mother.
Brother Bear
Etc.
Etc.

Not that there's anything wrong with setting up the story line around this fact - It's just a little odd that this is a trend????

Maybe it's a requirement?

 

[Pop Daddy]

and none of them are ugly, I want ugly women with 2 parents

 

[momsal]

I was just thinking the same thing Why does Disney Kill off the Mom in alot of his movies???

( some Moms are ugly Popdaddy)

 

[wuv tigger]

I just said the same thing to my babysitter.

YOU are absolutely right.

IF my brain cells were working right now I could probably come up with some more.

Pollyanna does come to mind though.

 

[floridaminnie]

Tarzan...lost both parents
Peter Pan...no parents

 

[Pooh67_68]

Bambi
Mother is killed, and dad takes over.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

This is a common thread in many fairy tales. A thread was started here not so long ago about this subject...anyone have a link to it? It pointed out that this sort of idea gives the main character something to overcome.

 

[phillybeth]

Disney films carry themes that are common fear for young children- the loss of a parent, alienation from loved ones, being misunderstood. Most films are based on fairy tales which have the same or similar themes. If it was a happy, intact family there would be no conflict and therefore no story.

 

[KathyFP]

I did not see the previous thread, but I agree about the overcoming challanges.

Children often work through there fears with TV or books.

 

[3MGIRLS]

If it was a happy, intact family there would be no conflict and therefore no story.

I agree there is story with that - But I disagree that you have to have that conflict in order to have a story.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I guess they have a formula that works.