The Little Mermaid live-action version of 2023 is not just another remake of Disney's classic animation but a reinterpretation that blends original charm with a contemporary vibe. Directed by Rob Marshall, the maestro of fantasy musical films, it features a talented cast including Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. The film tells the story of a little mermaid who dreams of living on land, with legendary songs reimagined in a modern style. This article by the editorial team will take you through every aspect of the film that has sparked both admiration and debate.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The film retains the original framework from the 1989 animated version. Ariel (Halle Bailey), the little mermaid daughter of King Triton (Javier Bardem), is fascinated by the human world and collects items from shipwrecks. One day, she saves Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) from drowning and falls in love with him. Desperate to see him again, Ariel makes a deal with Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), the sea witch, to trade her legs for a human form, but she must give up her beautiful voice and has only three days to make the prince kiss her with true love; otherwise, her soul belongs to Ursula. The film adds more details to some characters and expands the relationship between Ariel and Eric to make it more realistic, while still preserving the essence of the classic story.
Acting and Characters
Halle Bailey is the heart of the film. She brings charm, curiosity, and a powerful voice to Ariel. Her performance makes the audience believe in the little mermaid's dreams effortlessly. Jonah Hauer-King plays a more dimensional Prince Eric, not just a handsome prince but a person with his own dreams and preferences. Melissa McCarthy impresses as Ursula with a style that is both frightening and humorous. Although she cannot match the voice version of Pati LaBone, she does well in her own way. Javier Bardem as King Triton also excellently portrays strength mixed with love for his daughter.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Rob Marshall proves once again that he is a master of musical films. Underwater scenes are created with stunning CG, though some parts may look like a Disneyland ride, they blend well with the overall tone. Cinematography uses vibrant colors, especially in the human world scenes, giving a warm and lively feel. The songs, which are the heart of the film, have been rearranged to be more modern. Part of Your World by Halle Bailey is the most emotionally stirring song in the film, while Poor Unfortunate Souls by Melissa McCarthy is equally memorable. Newly added songs like Wild Uncharted Waters also help enhance Eric's character.
Editorial Analysis
What makes The Little Mermaid version different is the small adjustments that make the story more logical and contemporary, such as adding the role of the Queen (Eric's mother), expanding the relationship between Ariel and Eric to have more foundation than just looks, and adjusting the reason why Eric does not remember Ariel's voice at the end. However, the film still faithfully follows the original, which may disappoint viewers expecting novelty. But for hardcore fans, this is a return to the underwater world that is both warm and touching.
Verdict
For hardcore fans of The Little Mermaid, seeing Ariel come to life in the real world with still-captivating songs is a precious gift. Though not perfect in every aspect, with Halle Bailey's outstanding lead performance and the charm of the timeless story, this film is worth watching in theaters.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Halle Bailey's performance and vocals are impressive
- +Classic songs are re-sung with emotion and power
- +Underwater CG is beautiful and colorful
- +Adds depth to Prince Eric and the Queen
👎 Cons
- −CG in some scenes (especially sea creatures) looks unrealistic
- −The script does not dare to deviate much from the original
- −Length of 135 minutes may be a bit drawn out for children
Top Cast
FAQ
The film adds details to Eric and the Queen, includes new songs, and slightly adjusts the ending to be more logical, but still retains the original plot.
Yes, Halle Bailey sings all the songs herself, especially Part of Your World which she sang live on set.
Suitable for children aged 7 and up, as there are scary scenes with Ursula and themes of losing one's voice, but overall it is a fun family film.
No, there is no post-credits scene. The film ends after the credits begin.
