Since the 1937 debut of Snow white the films of Walt
Disney have been a staple of childhood around the world. Despite the popularity
of the studio’s animated adventures, however, one trend has been a point of
contention amongst fans and critics alike; the recurring absence of mothers and
mother figures throughout the studio’s catalog. From the death of Bambi’s
mother to the numerous portrayals of wicked step-mothers, evidence abounds that
the wonderful world of Disney is less than wonderful for Mom. Fortunately,
while significant portrayals of mothers in Disney’s animated films may be few
and far between, what these mothers lack in quantity they more than make up for
in quality. In recognition of Mother’s Day I’ll be shining the spotlight on
three of Disney’s most memorable animated mothers. Tell me who your favorite
Disney moms are in the comments!
Mrs. Jumbo-Perhaps best known for its critiques of
both bullying and animal abuse, Dumbo
is also a compelling testament to the power of maternal love. Being a single
working mom isn’t easy, and as Mrs. Jumbo shows us, that fact holds true for
four as well as two-legged mothers. Throughout Dumbo Mrs. Jumbo tries to shield her son from the harsh realities
of circus life, but despite her best efforts, Dumbo remains a favorite target
for harassment from both circus staff and audiences. From virtually the moment
he is born he is subjected to scrutiny from the other circus animals who mock
his unusually large ears and hurtfully nickname him ‘Dumbo’. Emboldened by the
shy elephant’s inability to stand up for himself the circus animals continue to
berate him as he grows up. The only light in his bleak existence in captivity
is his mother who defends him against the other animals’ mockery and provides
him with unconditional love and support. She finally reaches her breaking
point, however, when a group of children in the audience cruelly mock Dumbo
during a performance and lashes out in a justified attack. While the children
obviously provoked the attack Mrs. Jumbo is still labeled ‘mad’ and chained in
a circus train car that functions as a solitary confinement cell. The
separation proves devastating for mother and son, as is best demonstrated in a
heart-wrenching scene in which he visits her at her cell only to find that they
are still separated by prison bars. The remainder of the film’s plot chronicles
his efforts to find the courage to stand up to the adversity surrounding him
and reunite with his mother. While the film’s plot veers into the fantastic,
its depiction of motherly love remains starkly grounded in reality. From acting
as Dumbo’s guardian and defender to facing imprisonment for his sake Mrs. Jumbo
proves herself to have a heart whose size matches her name.
Kala- The jungle is a decidedly less than ideal place
to raise a family, and interspecies families are unconventional to say the
least and yet gorilla Kala manages to make her unorthodox family a truly loving
one in 1999’s Tarzan. Grieving from
the loss of her own son, Kala discovers the orphaned Tarzan after his parents
are killed in a brutal leopard attack and is touched by the child’s plight.
When the leopard returns to finish the slaughter it started she springs into
action and risks her own life to save him. Upon bringing him to the safety of
her gorilla troop she decides to adopt the child as her own against the urging
of the other gorilla’s especially her mate, Kerchak who refuses to acknowledge,
let alone bond with Tarzan. While the other gorillas’ bullying, Kerchak’s
disapproval, and his own appearance prove constant reminders of how different
he is from his adopted family, Kala treats Tarzan with the same love and
respect that she would her biological child. With her guidance and support he
grows up with the firm belief that who he is matters more than how he appears
to others. It is the respect for himself and others that she instills in him
that later allows him to form a bond with Jane despite their many differences.
When resented with the choice between suitor Clayton and Tarzan it is the
respect, kindness, and generosity that Kala taught Tarzan that ultimately wins
Jane over. Even after he is offered the opportunity to return to England with
Jane and take his place amongst human society Kala continues to put Tarzan’s
needs first and lead by example when she encourages him to make his own
decision whatever the outcome may be. In one of the film’s most heartfelt
moments he assures her that “no matter where I go or what I do you will always
be my mother” reminding us all that it is love and not blood that defines a
family.
Nani-With its modern setting, sci-fi subplot, and
rocking Elvis Presley score Lilo and
Stitch is one of Disney’s most unique efforts. The story’s primary focus is
upon the fish-out of water story of an alien experiment struggling to fit in on
earth as he tries to remain one step ahead of the galactic police trailing him.
While Stitch’s adventures provide a fascinating story arc and plenty of laughs,
it is the relationship between the two human sisters who adopt him that
provides the film with its emotional core. After the death of their parents
Nani is thrown into the role of surrogate mother and father to her willful
younger sister, Lilo. Although barely out of school herself, Nani aptly assumes
the role of family breadwinner and parent while coping with her own grief. Even
as Lilo continues to drive Nani crazy in the way that only a sister can, Nani
continuously makes Lilo her priority as she works grueling hours and puts her
social life on hold in an effort to create a stable home and keep social
services at bay. Through each step their by turns bizarre and difficult journey
Nani and Lilo continue to face the future together, personifying the true
meaning of ‘ohana’, the Hawaiian word for family which Lilo explains means
‘nobody gets left behind or forgotten’.
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