Disney's The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid (Two-Disc Platinum Edition)

Amazon Price: $25.59 (as of 06/02/2012)

The rescue scene where Ariel saves Eric from drowning is dramatic and beautifully animated. You feel a sense of urgency watching the prince in peril and relief watching Ariel pull him from the watery depths. This dramatic event bonds the two together even if Prince Eric isn't fully aware of who actually rescued him.

Another dramatic and memorable scene is King Triton's destruction of Ariel's human treasure collections. His loss of temper sparks Ariel into accepting the help of the sea witch. Ariel feels alienated by her father and misunderstood. King Triton cannot see past his own prejudices. His black and white attitude fuels Ariel's need to rebel and her rebellion fuels her father's anger. It is a cyclical event that will continue until something changes.

Something eventually changes for King Triton when he sees how much Prince Eric loves his daughter. The King courageously lets go of his daughter, and grants her wish to be human. It is a learning lesson for parents who want to keep their children little forever. Disney's The Little Mermaid is essentially a tale of the relationship between father and daughter, the struggles and joys they share.