The Little Mermaid (1989) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

The Little Mermaid1989

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

The Little Mermaid (1989) is about as far from “woke” as major studio animation gets these days. Narrative, tradition, and classic themes remain front and center; viewers seeking ideological lectures will find themselves high and dry.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

The 1989 original keeps narrative front and center, focusing on Ariel's personal journey with clear motivations and believable character flaws. There’s no sign of identity politics or forced diversity wedged into the story. It’s classic Disney storytelling with personality and growth prioritized over box-ticking.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

While the film portrays a rebellious daughter challenging parental authority, it ultimately values family, tradition, and romance. Masculinity (King Triton) isn’t undermined, and neither are themes of loyalty, sacrifice, or personal responsibility, pretty much the opposite of a modern subversion fest.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

There is little to no ideological preachiness here, the film reflects fairly universal yearnings and moral dilemmas, not a one-note agenda. Differences in worldview are depicted through family dynamics, not strawman villains or token antagonists.

User Reviews

No user reviews received yet.

Please leave a review and let the world know what you think.
Your review will be kept completely anonymous.

Your Review

Comments

Users Also Viewed

12%

Movie poster for Interview with the Vampire

10%

Movie poster for Who Framed Roger Rabbit

10%

Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.