Kids

5 Reasons Why Families Should See The Little Mermaid

by Gretchen Gatan Fragada
May 24, 2023

Disney’s live-action of The Little Mermaid has come ashore and is now showing in cinemas nationwide!

Every millennial parent who grew up watching the 1989 cartoon film of The Little Mermaid probably memorizes by heart songs like, “Part of Your World” and “Kiss the Girl.” After all, the story is about Ariel, a beautiful mermaid and the youngest daughter of King Triton. She’s full of spirit and has a thirst for adventure. Moreover, she dreams of exploring the vast world above the sea.

The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (Ariel), Jonah Hauer-King (Prince Eric), Tony Award-
winner Daveed Diggs (the voice of Sebastian), Awkwafina (the voice of Scuttle), Jacob Tremblay (the voice of Flounder), Noma Dumezweni (Queen Selina), Art Malik (Sir Grimsby), with Oscar winner Javier
Bardem (King Triton), and two-time Academy Award nominee Melissa McCarthy (Ursula).

Oscar nominee Rob Marshall directed the film. Meanwhile, two-time Emmy winner Marc Platt, three-time Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emmy winner John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall produced it. Lastly, Jeffrey Silver served as the executive producer.

King Triton on the live-action The Little Mermaid

Here are more reasons to go see The Little Mermaid:

1. Nostalgia for millennial parents

Millennial parents are in for a treat — especially when they see some of their favorite scenes from the cartoon film reimagined. It’s a great bonding experience for them and their families. Expect to even shed a tear or two.

2. Prince Eric has a backstory

Unlike the cartoon film, Prince Eric in the live-action version has a very intriguing backstory. And it adds much more depth to his character. Apart from being Ariel’s love interest, he has conflicts of his own, which makes you realize that he and Ariel are basically two sides of the same coin.

3. All the new (and old) songs

The Little Mermaid wouldn’t be what it is without all the fun songs to sing along to. And aside from the classic songs from the cartoon version, there are new songs to look forward to as well. Remember that Lin-Manuel Miranda is involved after all!

4. More realistic approach

While some people were a little disappointed in how Flounder looked, the whole film is a much more realistic approach to the overall plot. There were minor changes here and there — such as how Ursula and King Triton are related, and who Prince Eric really is.

5. King Triton and Ariel’s relationship

When you were a child, you probably took Ariel’s side when it came to how controlling King Triton was. But now that you’re a parent, you might suddenly understand where he’s coming from. And this beautifully imperfect relationship captures how fathers and daughters can be in real life. We all know how King Triton eventually learned to let go of his little girl in the end. And he had the most beautiful line for it: “You didn’t have to lose your voice to be heard.”

Kiss the Girl scene of The Little Mermaid

Catch The Little Mermaid in cinemas!

Don’t miss this must-watch summer film and catch Disney’s The Little Mermaid at cinemas near you. For more updates, follow Disney Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.