Disney's "The Little Mermaid" vs. Toei Animation's Hans Christian Andersen's "Princess Mermaid" - The Japanese Version That Preceeded Disney and Which They Took Cues From

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

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And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

Now I'm writing a subject that's personally been requested. While it's not the first time that I've ever done it, for once I'm doing it as personal favor for a friend of mine. So you're welcome.

The moon makes me glow
for a moment :)

The Little Mermaid and Company :)

It's hard to believe that it's truly been more 30 years since this tale of a Little Mermaid swam above the sea and into our consciousness. For us who were kids during this film's release, it's truly hard to imagine a world without this movie about a headstrong mermaid who yearned to become a human. November 2019 truly marked the 30th Anniversary for this little feisty ginger (when this entry was written). And it's needless to summarize it's overall impact and legacy on the Disney studio.

Saturday Night Live
must have
competition :)

The Little Mermaid ushered the well-known and much beloved Disney Renaissance. While Mermaid wasn't perhaps the big Box Office hit that it's often said to be, it still made more money than it's predecessors and was regarded as an instant hit on it's own right. Therefore it's easy to understand why Mermaid truly happens to be one of Disney's most promoted entries and franchises. And with a good reason (which was honored with musical television special created for ABC The Little Mermaid Live! in November 2019! Starring Moana's Auliʻi Cravalho as Princess Ariel. Alongside Queen Latifah as Ursula, Shaggy as Sebastian and John Stamos as Chief Louis).

Disney`s Former Position as Kings of Animation

Bambi`s right behind me :)

I ain't small anymore :)

We live in a time where Disney have been associated with fairy tales more than they've ever been (mostly due to the Princess franchise, which has truly put the swap from fairy tale movies into Princess movies). Yet it's been an inescapable staple that the company have, both unwillingly and shallowly, been stuck with. But seeing it through objective eyes, it’s not strange to see why. Disney just happened to be the first company to adapt the fairy tales to a full-length animated medium. 

Yes, we`ll catch the fun,
before it catches us :)

And due to their success during Walt’s time, the staple was pretty much a
foolproof one. But Disney used to be the King of full-length animation, so that's why the company rarely had any competition from other studios in Walt’s time. So therefore the studio had no worries of plagiarism with the exception of the comparison to their original source materials (which transformed into the much debated and everlasting staple of Disneyfication).

 

 

The Genesis of Toei Animation`s Version

The collection of a Princess
and her assistants:)

But between the famous 30 years between the two last Princess movies, Sleeping Beauty and The Little Mermaid, Disney had to face a new challenge; How animation had suddenly had faced more competition. By that time, there was already made another animated entry of Mermaid. In Toei Animation's 1975-version (or to be more specific, アンデルセン童話 にんぎょ姫, Anderusen Dōwa Ningyo Hime. Which litterally means Andersen's Fairy Tales: Princess Mermaid). And this is essentially what this entry is going to be about: 

That an animated interpretation of a fairy tale with a Princess already existed. And that Disney (whether it was deliberately or not) had taken cues from it. In Japan, Princess Mermaid was shown at the Toei Manga Matsuri (Toei Cartoon Festival) in 1975. The film was later released in the United States in February 4, 1978 and dubbed into English by G. G. Communications, Inc. and Prima Film, Inc.

The Irony of the Issue & Other Disney Plagiarisms

Yes, one version is obviously
a rip off. You'll have to guess
which :)

So this entry may come across as controversial in that sense that it may seem that it's meant to accuse Disney for plagiarism. And while that's not my intention to call them out, there is a neat irony to this. When Disney actually was the king of animation, most other studios were churning out their own versions of the animated properties that Disney made. And regardless of the individual opinions around this, it's certainly true that Disney truly had the reputation of being superior to these studios. Since Disney could truly bring flair and scope to their products, while the others were perceived as cheap and inferior.

And yes, that's the reason for
having flames in our logo :)

However, regardless of what could've been said, it’s not as Disney are the only ones who’s entitled to adapt fairy tales. Other studios are perfectly allowed to interpretate them well (despite that they’ve could've easily been accused for being under Disney's umbrella, cough, Brave, cough). Despite Disney’s everlasting staple of fairy tales, it’s not as fairy tales are only copyright to them. No matter how purists would loathe this statement.

The Disneyfication Aspect

Since she's royal,
she's ought to have the
 Picture just named
after her :)

... she'll be the most beautiful
of them all :)

In analyzing the 1975 version of Mermaid, we’ll have to take consideration that it’s, in fact, closer to it’s original source material. Hans Christian Andersen’s original tale of The Little Mermaid is a fairy tale to end with an unhappy ending. Since a happy ending is usually perceived as a mandatory fairy tale trope, that staple has been immediately associated with both Disney and fairy tales. Yet there are plenty of fairy tales who actually don't end with a happy ending (apparently The Queen of Denmark told John Musker and Ron Clements at the Danish premiere of Disney's Mermaid that Andersen didn’t knew how to end his stories, anyways).

If we’re going to truly analyze Walt’s previous fairy tales adaptation, it’s fair to say that they’re mostly closer to their original predecessors. But with The Little Mermaid, Disney has taken bigger changes from it’s source material. And added more contemporary spins to make it palatable to a current audience (regardless of Disney's everlasting criticism of Disneyfication, at least Disney kept several cues from the original tale intact. As Ariel witnessing the Prince during his Birthday celebration at the sea during a fireworks showoff. Watching a statue of his, Eric having black hair and Ariel having several sisters and ect).



The Comparisons Between the Mermaids

I'm trying to imitate
Sleeping Beauty :)

One of the most debated aspects about Disney’s Mermaid is about it’s portrayal of Ariel. Of the backlash it's received for a depiction of an assertive and rebellious teenage girl. Who truly goes huge lengths to fulfill her wish. In my previous entry for Mermaid vs Beauty and the Beast I’ve already addressed the issue (however, Ariel was praised for actually saving the Prince. Which the mermaid in the original tale also did, which makes the fairy tale progressive). 

Yes, you stand out for being
blonde :)

However, if we’re actually going to compare both mermaids in both films, it’s fair to say that Marina in the 1975 version makes a bigger sacrifice than Ariel did. Which is true to the original Andersen fairy tale (while Ariel is definitively more enegertic than the quiet and thoughtful Mermaid in the original tale. Despite being also an oddball). While Ariel has to face some obstacles, it’s fair to say that she doesn’t necessarily makes a huge sacrifice.

At the end, she gets her cake and gets to eat it, too (while Disney’s ending was a deliberate choice for it's Disneyfication aspect, at least the ending was deliberately made bittersweet. In order to be in tune with the bittersweet tone of the fairy tale). Yet her happy ending could still be perceived as an reward for the obstacles and oppression that she's went through. And no, Ariel lovers, my aforementioned statement was not an attempt to bash or trash her in any form. So I hope that you'll see that. Because I'm not a hater of hers. 

The Similarities Between Disney and Toei`s Versions 

Just wait an hour, then we're
getting into a fight :)

However, it's striking how Disney's Mermaid has taken so many cues from the 1975 version. Both have an oppressive father (while Marina also have to face an oppressive grandmother too, taken from the original fairytale). Both mermaids has an animal sidekick who happens to be a child (yet in Toei version, the sidekick is a dolphin named Fritz. Still there were talks about giving Ariel a gung-ho dolphin called Breaker. Who was discarded because of too many characters).

At least you're not Moby
Dick :)

Both mermaids visit a shipwreck where they

investigates human gagdets (while in the anime version, Marina finds the statue of the Prince immediately. And Fritz is the one who urges her to seek the surface). Regarding the cues both take from the original fairy tale,  both have a sea storm (in the anime version, it's started by the evil witch). Both mermaids falls in love with the Prince while spying on him on the ship (and both Princes believes in mermaids. While in the 1975 version, the Prince sees Marina right away).

I'm holding you tight tonight :)

Both sequences have fireworks preceeding the storm. Both mermaids seek out the Sea Witch in order to become a human (which both of the lairs have transformed souls). Both mermaids get rescued by the Princes when they've been transformed and dressed up by a female servant. Yet the Japanese version tends to pay more homage to it's Danish setting, which the original tale wasn`t set in.

The Similarities Between Toei`s Version and the Original Tale

I've heard that blondes have
more fun, so I wanted to try
being one :)

We're at least below the
rainbow :)

In Toei's version, Marina happens to be blonde (the choice of making Ariel a redhead was a deliberate choice. To make her more appealing and distincitve, despite the preconception that all mermaids were blonde). However, the biggest departure is that Marina gets the choice of killing the Prince in order to save her life. Something that she cannot do. So in other words, the Japanese version sticks much more with the sacrifice aspect. Since Marina unfortunately can never become a mermaid again if the Prince cannot love her back. Yet both movies dwells on the condition in the spell that is set by sunrise. She even gives up her voice and Fritz even gets to grieve over her not coming back (while to be fair, Marina has a moment where she's callous towards Fritz and regretting later on). 

Another nod to the original fairy tale, is how Marina declares that the Prince's happiness is also her happiness. And that she wants to be with him, regardless of not having the love returned. And keeping her love for him true and pure through her death. This version goes even further by having the Prince witness Marina jump into the sea after her ultimatum. And realizing afterwards that she was the one who saved him (which truly makes Marina's sacrifice less resonant, in my opinion). Yet in the 1975 Version, none of the mermaids wears bras.

What Disney`s Taken From the Backlash of Ariel

I'm combing Your hair for the
exact reasons as Mother
Gothel's :)

However, now that we’re discussing the backlash for Ariel, we could eventually scrutinize this. And ask what Disney eventually has realized by it. While Disney themselves have never officially confirmed this, it’s evident that they've catered to a scrutinizing public with their Revival films. The problem isn’t exactly that Ariel is an ignorant teenage girl that sacrifices everything for something that she barely knows. But the overall execution of the subject.

Thanks for the swimming
lesson :) By a human :)

However, the Revival films have clearly learned something from this; Rapunzel has been criticized for being an Ariel-clone (at least personality-wise). But faces a similar hurdle of oppression and is more cautious and careful about it.

You'll get the chance to break
through this wall. Someday :)

Both Tiana and Anna faces each of their different policies towards the opposite gender, but very differently (of course this trope has been quintessential to Disney more than ever). And Moana is dealing with the similar storyline as Ariel. But actually elaborates it differently; Moana’s father, Tui, is given a logical trauma that explains his oppression. And Moana’s mission is not only made for her own personal desire, but because to her obligation to her people.

Plagiarism Aspect & Other Non-Disney Versions of The Little Mermaid

Since we're mermaids, we're
oblivious about necklaces
being on our necks :)

I'm a darker version
of a Siamese :)

So in other words, it would be tempting to use this entry of of calling Disney for plagiarism. It would’ve been tempting to confirm this. But you readers know that I've rarely these intentions in my mind. It would’ve been tempting to make this entry about all the times Disney were accused for plagiarism (cough, The Lion King/Kimba The White Lion, cough). But the reality is that every artist steal from each other and Disney happens to be no different. Yet this issue of plagiarism could also be perceived as somewhat of a full circle. While Disney and anime happens to be pretty much different genres, they've still copied each other from their beginnings. Since the huge eyes anime characters are pretty much synonymous with, are actually taken from Disney. 

Of course the Toei Version is far from the only non-Disney animated versions of The Little Mermaid. However, Marina also happened to be the name of the mermaid in Saban's Adventures of The Little Mermaid from 1991. Where she was also a blondie. There was an animated Russian version from 1968 that also was akin to the original tale. In 1992, American Film Investment Corporation II released their full-length version. Where the mermaid was a blondie named Lena. But regarding Disney's position and placement in animation dynasty (and their aforementioned everlasting staple of fairy tales with Princesses), it's fair to cite that Disney's Mermaid is probably the most iconic one. Both the movie and it's protagonist.

Final Conclusion

Now I know how U2 felt
when they wrote Vertigo :)

However, if we're going to conclude a final conclusion about both films: Both have their perks in each way. Regardless of how there are some purists who accuses Disney for plagiarism, at least the 1975 version deserves to be cherished on it's own terms. Regardless of the criticism Disney's Mermaid receives for it's heroine, it's still a worshipped and beloved movie as ever. And is regarded as one of Disney's greatest treasures.

Regardless of the scrutiny that Mermaid has received (which wasn`t exactly stopped when the live action was released in 2023), Mermaid is still one of the mo    st beloved and iconic Disney properties ever. However, since this entry was also meant to honor the 30th Anniversary of this film in 2019. So there's nothing more to say than to wish it Happy 30th Anniversary, Ariel and Company. And may you continue to have many more. And may you live on to people`s lives forever and ever after.

Pun intended :)

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References:
The Little Mermaid Platinum Edition DVD.
https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&cx=partner-pub-9732201945510416:4102310717&q=https://www.dvdizzy.com/littlemermaid-platinumedition.html&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjUpIrtsc_lAhXNepoKHde1BhsQFjACegQICBAB&usg=AOvVaw0haHkRMyA9TyvJqdVCovwf
https://www.dvdizzy.com/littlemermaid-bluray.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Christian_Andersen%27s_The_Little_Mermaid_(1975_film)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex_dIzH4_ec (I liked it better when it was called Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid)
Disneyfication of Classic Fairy Tales (https://dspace.library.uu.nl)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_animation#The_first_animated_features
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070326/
http://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/Anastasia
http://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/prince-of-egypt-the
http://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/enchanted
http://www.reelviews.net/reelviews/tangled
https://moviechat.org/tt0097757/The-Little-Mermaid/58c76bb693cef4080d75516a/Ariel-has-got-to-be-the-worst-Disney-princess
https://moviechat.org/tt0097757/The-Little-Mermaid/58c76bb893cef4080d7552cf/Ariel-is-a-selfish-and-dumb-character
https://moviechat.org/tt0097757/The-Little-Mermaid/58c76bb993cef4080d755378/Ariel-was-sure-desperate-for-a-guy-Lol
https://moviechat.org/tt0097757/The-Little-Mermaid/58c76bb993cef4080d7553f1/why-do-girls-like-Ariel
https://aminoapps.com/c/cartoon/page/blog/why-i-hate-ariel-from-the-little-mermaid/V0dU_7u505L0ezrJzRWxmQb5vGbppNV
https://juliannagoodwin66.wixsite.com/website/post/why-i-hate-ariel-from-disney-s-the-little-mermaid
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/a6iqbk/how_come_people_hate_ariel_from_the_little/
http://www.threecommentears.com/2014/11/the-three-commentears-episode-9-the-little-mermaid-2/
http://hca.gilead.org.il/li_merma.html
https://www.google.no/search?q=I+hate+Ariel&sxsrf=ACYBGNT3mVQNwbzYO9YjVs05W7C0FPpqgw:1573427714224&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi_vPH_4uDlAhWBw6YKHTbeCO0Q_AUIESgB&biw=1280&bih=567#imgrc=z02qEJqAeu2EMM:&spf=1573429079157
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manga_iconography
https://japansociology.com/2013/12/25/behind-the-trend-of-huge-eyes-in-japanese-anime/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_ending
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/17601/8-fairy-tales-and-their-not-so-happy-endings
http://talesoffaerie.blogspot.com/2014/09/fairy-tale-endings-happy-bittersweet.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Little_Mermaid_adaptations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_animation#Snow_White_and_the_breakthrough_of_the_animated_feature
https://www.google.no/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNR6L8LsqLxEO6JOYPdIWG3F_1Ndww%
https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/quick-history-animation/
https://golden-fillms.fandom.com/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid
https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/animated-mockbusters-list-94032.html