The Little Mermaid (1987)

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In the ending of The Little Mermaid (1987), the mermaid, who has been transformed into a human, faces a dire choice as she must confront the consequences of her actions. Ultimately, she sacrifices her chance at love to save her friends and family from the evil sea witch, leading to a bittersweet resolution.

As the climax unfolds, the mermaid, now a human, realizes that her transformation has come with a heavy price. The sea witch, Ursula, has taken advantage of her desire to be with Prince Eric, and in a final confrontation, the mermaid must fight to reclaim her voice and save her underwater home. The battle culminates in a fierce struggle against Ursula, who has grown powerful and monstrous. With the help of her friends, the mermaid manages to defeat Ursula, restoring peace to the ocean.

In the aftermath, the mermaid is faced with a choice: to remain human and live with Prince Eric or return to the sea. Ultimately, she chooses to return to her family, understanding the importance of her roots and the love she has for her friends. The film concludes with a sense of hope, as the mermaid embraces her identity and the bonds she has forged.

Now, let's delve into the ending in a more detailed, chronological narrative.

As the final act begins, the mermaid, who has been living on land as a human, finds herself in a precarious situation. The sea witch, Ursula, has taken her voice and used it to enchant Prince Eric, leading him to believe that she is the one he loves. The mermaid, desperate to reclaim her voice and her true identity, realizes that she must confront Ursula to save both her friends and her own future.

The scene shifts to the dark, stormy waters where Ursula has taken her lair. The mermaid, accompanied by her loyal friends--Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle--braves the treacherous currents. The atmosphere is tense, filled with the sounds of crashing waves and the distant rumble of thunder. The mermaid's heart races as she approaches the lair, knowing that the fate of her world hangs in the balance.

Inside the lair, Ursula reveals her true form, a towering figure of darkness and malice. The mermaid stands her ground, her determination shining through her fear. The battle begins, with Ursula using her magic to create monstrous sea creatures to attack the mermaid and her friends. The mermaid fights valiantly, her friends rallying around her, showcasing their loyalty and bravery.

In a pivotal moment, the mermaid manages to outsmart Ursula, using her cunning and the strength of her friendships to turn the tide of the battle. With a final surge of courage, she confronts Ursula directly, reclaiming her voice in a powerful moment of self-assertion. The sea witch, enraged, is ultimately defeated, her power dissipating as she is consumed by the very forces she sought to control.

As the storm calms and the waters clear, the mermaid stands victorious but emotionally torn. She has regained her voice and her identity, yet she must now face the reality of her choices. Prince Eric, who has been freed from Ursula's enchantment, rushes to her side, but the mermaid knows that her time on land is limited. The sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the ocean, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

In a heart-wrenching moment, the mermaid realizes that she cannot stay with Eric without the risk of losing her family and her home beneath the waves. With tears in her eyes, she bids farewell to Eric, expressing her love for him through her actions rather than words. The emotional weight of the moment is palpable, as both characters understand the sacrifice being made.

As the mermaid returns to the sea, she is welcomed back by her family and friends, who embrace her with open arms. The underwater world is vibrant and alive, a stark contrast to the turmoil she faced on land. The mermaid's heart swells with love for her family, and she understands that her true identity lies within her connection to them.

The film concludes with a sense of hope and renewal. The mermaid, now fully aware of her place in both worlds, finds peace in her decision. The final scene shows her swimming gracefully through the ocean, surrounded by her friends, a symbol of her strength and resilience. The camera pans out, revealing the vastness of the sea, hinting at the adventures that still await her.

In summary, the fates of the main characters are as follows: the mermaid returns to her underwater home, embracing her identity and her family; Prince Eric is left with bittersweet memories of his love for the mermaid; and Ursula is defeated, her reign of terror ended. The story closes on a note of unity and belonging, emphasizing the importance of love, sacrifice, and the acceptance of one's true self.

The Little Mermaid produced in 1987 does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes with a resolution to Ariel's journey, where she ultimately finds her place in the world above the sea, having made significant sacrifices and learned valuable lessons about love and identity. The story wraps up with a sense of closure, focusing on Ariel's transformation and her new life with Prince Eric, leaving no additional scenes or content after the credits.

Ursula, the sea witch, exploits Ariel's longing to be human by offering her a deal: in exchange for her voice, Ariel will receive legs to walk on land for three days. Ursula's manipulation is cunning; she knows that Ariel's voice is the key to winning Prince Eric's heart, and she plans to use this to her advantage to take over the ocean.

Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, is deeply fascinated by the human world. Her motivation stems from her curiosity and longing for adventure, as she collects human artifacts and dreams of living on land. This desire intensifies when she saves Prince Eric from drowning, igniting a passionate yearning to be part of his world.

Ariel's voice is central to her identity and her ability to connect with Prince Eric. When she trades her voice to Ursula, it symbolizes her sacrifice and the lengths she is willing to go for love. The loss of her voice also creates tension, as she struggles to communicate with Eric and must rely on her other qualities to win his affection.

King Triton is initially furious and heartbroken upon discovering Ariel's fascination with the human world. He feels a deep sense of protectiveness over his daughter and is concerned for her safety. His anger leads him to destroy Ariel's collection of human artifacts, which only deepens her resolve to pursue her dreams, highlighting the generational conflict between them.

Flounder, Ariel's loyal fish friend, and Sebastian, the royal advisor and crab, serve as both companions and voices of reason throughout Ariel's journey. Flounder supports Ariel's adventurous spirit, while Sebastian often tries to dissuade her from pursuing the dangerous path of becoming human. Their contrasting perspectives provide comic relief and emotional support, illustrating the challenges of friendship and loyalty.

The Little Mermaid (1987) is generally considered family-friendly, but there are a few scenes and aspects that might be potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Dark Themes: The film explores themes of longing, sacrifice, and the struggle for identity, which may be intense for younger viewers.

2. Conflict and Tension: There are moments of conflict, particularly between Ariel and her father, King Triton, which may evoke feelings of sadness or anxiety.

3. Villainous Character: Ursula, the sea witch, is portrayed as a menacing figure. Her manipulative nature and the way she deceives Ariel could be frightening for some children.

4. Transformation Scene: Ariel's transformation into a human involves a painful process, which might be unsettling. The imagery of her losing her voice can also be interpreted as distressing.

5. Emotional Moments: There are scenes that depict Ariel's deep sadness and longing, particularly when she feels isolated from her family and her world, which may resonate strongly with sensitive viewers.

6. Dangerous Situations: Ariel faces perilous situations, including encounters with humans and the threat posed by Ursula, which could be alarming.

While these elements may be concerning, the overall narrative is infused with themes of hope, love, and self-discovery, making it a beloved classic for many families.