Tarzan

In the heart of the African jungle, Disney's animated feature "Tarzan" introduces us to a rich tapestry of characters, each as vibrant and compelling as the last. Tony Goldwyn lends his voice to the titular character, Tarzan, a young orphan who is adopted by the gorilla Kala, voiced by Glenn Close. Kala takes Tarzan in after the tragic death of his biological parents, raising him as her own son alongside her biological child, Terk. Minnie Driver gives life to Jane Porter, an intelligent, independent-minded young woman who travels to Africa with her father, Archimedes Porter, voiced by Nigel Hawthorne.

Tarzan's childhood is idyllic, spent in the lush, verdant surroundings of the jungle, learning the ways of the animals and the secrets of the wild. He grows to consider the gorillas as his family, never questioning his identity until the arrival of Jane Porter and her father. The Porters are in Africa on an expedition to study gorillas, and it is during this adventure that Jane finds herself in need of rescue from a pack of angry baboons. Tarzan, with his agility, strength, and inherent connection to the animals, saves Jane, and in doing so, discovers a whole new world beyond the confines of the jungle.

This chance encounter sets off a chain of events that forces Tarzan to confront his true origins and identity. As he begins to interact with Jane and her father, he realizes that he is not an ape, but a human. This revelation leaves Tarzan torn between his loyalty to his adoptive family and his desire to explore his human origins. He is faced with a difficult decision, one that will shape the course of his life and define his place in the world. The movie thus becomes a journey of self-discovery, of understanding one's true nature and learning to reconcile it with one's emotional attachments. "Tarzan" is a story of identity, family, and belonging, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking African wilderness.

Main Cast of Tarzan

Tony Goldwyn's voice performance as Tarzan in Disney's 1999 animated film "Tarzan" is a standout aspect of the movie, bringing depth and warmth to the iconic character. Goldwyn's portrayal captures the essence of Tarzan's duality; his powerful, athletic physicality, and his innate nobility and vulnerability as a man caught between two worlds. His vocal work is nuanced, conveying Tarzan's initial naivety and his growth into a confident leader. Goldwyn's voice resonates with the character's emotional journey, from the playful interactions with Jane, voiced by Minnie Driver, to the more poignant moments with his ape mother, Kala, voiced by Glenn Close. His performance is not just about delivering lines but about embodying the character's spirit, which is essential in animation where the voice is the audience's main connection to the character. Goldwyn's Tarzan is both fierce and tender, and his vocal prowess allows the audience to fully invest in the Lord of the Jungle's adventures and personal evolution.

Minnie Driver delivered a memorable performance as the voice of Jane Porter in Disney's 1999 animated film "Tarzan," bringing a blend of warmth, intelligence, and spunk to the character. Her portrayal of the intelligent and independent Jane, who ventures into the African jungle as an amateur botanist, is characterized by her expressive voice work that captures the character's adventurous spirit and kindness. Driver's Jane is not just a damsel in distress; she is a strong-willed and curious individual who forms a deep bond with Tarzan, teaching him about her world while learning from his connection to the jungle. Her rendition of the song "Waiting for This Moment" showcases her musical talent, adding depth to Jane's character and enhancing the emotional resonance of the film. Minnie Driver's performance as Jane Porter stands out as a highlight of the film, offering a character that is both relatable and inspiring, and who remains one of the more modern and empowered female leads in Disney's classic animated features.

Glenn Close's voice performance as Kala in Disney's 1999 animated film "Tarzan" is a standout aspect of the movie, bringing depth and warmth to the character of Tarzan's adoptive gorilla mother. Close infuses Kala with a nurturing and protective spirit, beautifully capturing the essence of motherhood as she tenderly raises Tarzan, instilling in him values and the ability to empathize with all creatures. Her rendition of the poignant lullaby "You'll Be in My Heart" resonates with the unconditional love that Kala feels for her human child, showcasing Close's ability to convey complex emotions through her voice alone. The nuanced portrayal of Kala's strength and gentleness, coupled with her unwavering determination to protect her family, adds a layers of emotional resonance to the film, making her one of the most memorable and beloved characters in the Disney pantheon. Glenn Close's performance is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her ability to breathe life into animated characters with the same gravitas as her live-action roles.

Alex D. Linz delivered a remarkable vocal performance as Young Tarzan in Disney's 1999 animated feature "Tarzan," bringing a youthful exuberance and innocence to the iconic character's early years. His portrayal captured the essence of Tarzan's discovery and curiosity about his identity and the world around him. Linz's voice acting resonated with a genuine sense of wonder and playfulness, particularly in scenes where Young Tarzan interacts with his animal friends and learns the ways of the jungle. His performance was pivotal in establishing the character's foundation, allowing for a seamless transition to the older Tarzan, voiced by Tony Goldwyn. Linz's work provided an emotional anchor for the audience, making the character's journey from a joyful, spirited young ape-man to the legendary figure of Tarzan both believable and heartwarming. His vocal inflections and energetic delivery contributed to the film's endearing depiction of Tarzan's formative years, earning him a place in the hearts of viewers and solidifying his contribution to the rich tapestry of Disney's classic characters.

Rosie O'Donnell delivered a memorable voice performance as Terk, the boisterous and fiercely loyal best friend to the titular character in Disney's 1999 animated feature "Tarzan." O'Donnell's vocal work brought a lively and comedic energy to the gregarious young gorilla, infusing Terk with a signature blend of sass and heart. Her delivery of Terk's lines, filled with witty one-liners and a sense of adventurous mischief, provided a perfect counterbalance to Tarzan's more serious and introspective nature. Rosie's performance was not only humorous but also conveyed deep emotion and genuine friendship, particularly during pivotal moments of the film where Terk's unwavering support and love for Tarzan shone through. Her rendition of the song "Trashin' the Camp," an exuberant musical number showcasing Terk's playful personality, became a highlight of the film's soundtrack and further cemented O'Donnell's Terk as an iconic character in the Disney canon, earning her a place in the hearts of viewers as an endearing and unforgettable animated sidekick.

Brian Blessed delivered a powerful and memorable vocal performance as the villainous Clayton in Disney's 1999 animated film "Tarzan." His booming, sonorous voice breathed life into the character of the ruthless poacher, imbuing Clayton with a menacing presence that contrasted sharply with the warmth and kindness of Tarzan's adoptive ape family. Blessed's portrayal was both charming and sinister, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions through his vocal inflections and robust delivery. His performance was highlighted by his iconic laugh, which became a signature element of the character, and his ability to switch from a feigned gentle demeanor to a truly threatening presence in a matter of moments. Blessed's voice work was so effective that it solidified Clayton's place as one of Disney's more formidable and unforgettable antagonists, enhancing the film's adventurous spirit and emotional depth.

Crew of Tarzan