Hercules (1997)
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A demigod with super-strength must learn to become a true hero to earn back his godhood while his evil uncle Hades plots his downfall.
The story
In Ancient Greece, the demigod Hercules is raised by a mortal couple after being stripped of his immortality by the villainous Hades. Though he possesses immense strength, he is often ridiculed for his lack of control. Upon seeking answers at the Temple of Zeus, he learns he must become a 'true hero' to reclaim his place in Mount Olympus. Guided by a satyr named Phil and accompanied by his friend Pegasus, Hercules embarks on a journey to prove himself. Along the way, he encounters Megara, a woman whose fate is tied to Hades's schemes, and must navigate various challenges set by the underworld ruler to prove his worth.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In Ancient Greece, the god Zeus and his brother Hades are at odds. Hades seeks to free the Titans and seize control of Mount Olympus. To prevent this, he attempts to kill the demigod Hercules, but the infant is only stripped of his immortality, not his strength, and is raised by mortals. Years later, a teenage Hercules seeks his true identity and is told by a statue of Zeus that he must become a 'true hero' to regain his godhood. He trains with the satyr Phil and travels to Thebes, where he meets Megara. Hades, realizing the boy is still alive, orchestrates a series of trials, including a battle with the Hydra, to force Hercules into a situation where he can be defeated. After a period of success, Hercules and Megara fall in love. Hades then holds Megara hostage, demanding Hercules surrender his strength. Hercules agrees, and the Titans are unleashed. During a final battle against the Cyclops, Megara is mortally injured, and Hercules's strength returns. He defeats the Cyclops and leads a desperate charge to Olympus to free the gods. After the victory, he journeys to the underworld to save Megara's soul, successfully reclaiming his immortality. He is offered a place among the gods but chooses to remain on Earth with Megara.
- First release year
- 1997
- Runtime (minutes)
- 93
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- John Musker; Ron Clements
- Writers
- Ron Clements · screenplay; John Musker · screenplay; Donald McEnery · screenplay; Bob Shaw · screenplay; Irene Mecchi · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Tate Donovan · Hercules; Susan Egan · Megara; Danny DeVito · Philoctetes/Phil; James Woods · Hades; Rip Torn · Zeus; Samantha Eggar · Hera; Lillias White · Muses; Cheryl Freeman · Muses; LaChanze · Muses; Roz Ryan · Muses; Vaneese Thomas · Muses
- Genres
- animated; musical; fantasy; comedy
- Themes
- Heroism; Identity; Sacrifice
- Tone and mood
- Light; Humorous
- Premise and plot tags
- Mythology; Demigod; Adventure
- Source material / true-story basis
- Greek mythology
- Reception
- The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for James Woods's performance as Hades. However, the animation and music received mixed responses, and the film under-performed in its theatrical release compared to other Disney animated films of the era.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 74 · scale: 100 · review count: 22
- Production trivia
- The film's production design was inspired by the work of British cartoonist Gerald Scarfe.; The film's animation was produced in both Burbank, California and Paris.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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