Aladdin, a
Disney movie, was one of the most successful and vibrant films of the 1990s. It has also made its name in the ranks of Disney's classic films and has become a monument in the animated series. Due to the meticulousness from content to images, this movie is so famous that there isn't a true Disney lover who isn't familiar with the legendary love story of the impoverished boy Aladdin.
Despite being so famous, the lessons and stories drawn from
Aladdin are not always true. The movie is far from faultless, with Disney-fied tropes, antiquated cultural references, and more than a few caricatured cultural depictions. It's still popular, although it's not without a few outdated lessons.
Here are five reasons why
Aladdin is a timeless film, as well as five reasons why its morals are no longer applicable today. Check it out and don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments!
#1 Timeless: Pure unfiltered Disney
Source: Disney
With all of its flaws and shortcomings,
Aladdin is a classic Disney film. It has a well-known fairytale plot, a catchy soundtrack, a bold hero, an evil villain, a lovely princess, and is one of their most daring outings since
Sleeping Beauty. Is it flawless? No, but it is a product of its period, which, in a strange sense, is what makes it so ageless. Like so many other things, what is on the inside is more important than what is on the outside.
#2 Dated: Certain cultural depictions
Source: Disney
When it comes to cultural etiquette gaffes, Disney has a bit of a track record. The film is not overtly racist, but several of the characters exhibit stereotypical characteristics. Many Agrabah people are shown as cartoonish representations of Arabian characters, for lack of a better term. Things aren't exactly painted in the most correct light with turbans, scimitars, and belly dancing garb.
#3 Timeless: Robin Williams’ performance
Source: Disney
If there was one thing this picture got right, it was the casting of Robin Williams as The Genie. In addition to Mrs. Doubtfire, Adrian Cronauer, and Hunter Parrish, Williams will be remembered for his portrayal as The Genie. In the creation of this legendary character, Disney animator Eric Goldberg was inspired by the actor's own animated personality. We'd never had a friend like him before.
#4 Dated: The Genie’s pop culture references
Source: Disney
The Genie is without a doubt the most popular character in the film, thanks to the late great Robin Williams' explosive and crazy portrayal. Regardless, many of The Genie's phrases are still trapped in the 1990s. While Williams' amusing voices and over-the-top cartoon antics will always be remembered, his impersonation of Arsenio Hall, Ed Sullivan, and other superstars of the time may be lost on some audiences.
#5 Timeless: Musical elements
Source: Disney
Following in the footsteps of
Beauty And The Beast,
Aladdin feels like not only a wonderful Disney film but also a fantastic stage musical, although in animated form. What more can you expect when the film's score is composed by the incomparable Alan Menken? There isn't a single song on the soundtrack that isn't remarkable, from "Arabian Nights" to "A Whole New World."
#6 Dated: Iago
Source: Disney
Oh, Gilbert Gottfried... where would the film be if he didn't have that voice? Joking aside, some fans can only take so much of this angry bird. Not only that but isn't one animal sidekick sufficient for a film? At least Abu was self-assured enough to support Aladdin in his pursuits, whereas Iago appears to squawk, grumble, and muddle Jafar's intentions. Would he truly be that important if it weren't for his redemptive ark in the sequels?
#7 Timeless: The humor
Source: Disney
Aladdin is not only one of the most timeless Disney Renaissance films, but it is also one of the funniest. Granted, much of the humor in this picture comes from the renowned Robin Williams, but there are also visual gags, humorous song lyrics, and subtle winks and gestures to the audience. Not to mention, the animation was flowing and worked well with the comedic components.
#8 Dated: Certain lyrics
Source: Disney
"Where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face" was a lyric removed from the initial release of "Arabian Nights" when it originally hit theaters. A reasonable choice, but one that would be repeated years later. Using the remake as an example, some of the final film's songs were adjusted owing to cultural changes. Certain lines in songs like "Prince Ali" and "Arabian Nights" are likely to offend today's audiences.
#9 Timeless: Classic Disney storyline
Source: Disney
Keeping the preceding point in mind,
Aladdin continues to tick all the boxes for what is considered an iconic Disney film. As Belle put it in
Beauty And The Beast, "Far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, [and] a prince in disguise" are all one really needs in a good story. Despite its own live-action remake, the animated adaptation remains the gold standard.
#10 Dated: The exaggerated/askew fairytale aspect
Source: Disney
Aladdin pioneered the fairytale subgenre before titles like
Shrek,
Ella Enchanted, and
Penelope were even written. Disney, in their own unique way, mocked the fairytale mold that they had developed and crafted. They increased the adventure, hilarity, and self-awareness. However, now that these types of films are nearly ubiquitous, the notion has become a little stale. Even the studio is guilty of repeating old ideas.