The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (2008)
Synopsis:
This animated prequel explores Ariel's life in the underwater kingdom of Atlantica before she ever dreamed of the world above. After the beloved Queen Athena is tragically killed by pirates, the heartbroken King Triton bans all music from the kingdom, leaving Ariel and her sisters in a world without song. Despite her father's strict decree, the spirited young mermaid can't suppress her love of music and adventure. Together with her loyal friends Flounder and Sebastian, Ariel embarks on a journey to restore harmony to Atlantica and help her grieving father rediscover joy. This family-friendly tale reveals how Ariel's passion for music and her determination to follow her heart shaped the mermaid she would become, setting the stage for the adventures that would later change her life forever.
Where To Watch: The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Parental Feedback
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning carries an emotional weight that balances lighthearted musical moments with themes of grief and loss. Parents should be prepared for scenes depicting the death of a beloved character and the resulting ban on music throughout the underwater kingdom, which creates a somber atmosphere in the early portions. The pacing picks up as Ariel and her friends work to restore joy to their world, blending adventure with heartfelt family dynamics that explore healing and the power of expression.
Why Kids Should Watch The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning offers several positive elements for young viewers to enjoy and learn from.
The story emphasizes the importance of standing up for what you believe in, as Ariel courageously challenges her father's strict rules to bring music back to the kingdom. Her determination shows children that positive change sometimes requires bravery and persistence.
The film celebrates the healing power of music and creative expression, demonstrating how art can help families process difficult emotions and reconnect with joy. This message encourages children to value their own creative outlets and understand their emotional importance.
Strong themes of family love and reconciliation run throughout, as King Triton and Ariel work through their grief in different ways and ultimately find understanding. The story models how families can overcome pain together and grow closer through honest communication.
Beloved characters like Sebastian and Flounder provide loyal friendship and comic relief, showing children the value of supportive friends who encourage you to follow your heart. Their dedication to helping Ariel demonstrates true friendship in action.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning
Parents may want to consider a few aspects before viewing with sensitive children.
The death of Queen Athena at the hands of pirates occurs early in the story and drives the entire plot, which may be emotionally intense for very young or sensitive viewers. This loss creates a pervasive sadness that affects the kingdom and could be difficult for children who struggle with themes of parental death.
The complete ban on music and the enforcement of this rule creates an oppressive atmosphere that some children might find unsettling. The strictness of King Triton's grief-driven laws and the fear they instill in the underwater citizens could feel heavy for younger audiences.
Marina Del Ray serves as an antagonist who manipulates situations for personal gain, and her deceptive behavior might require parental explanation. Some children may need help understanding her motivations and why her actions are harmful to others.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning earns approval for families ready to discuss themes of loss and healing, offering meaningful lessons about expression, family bonds, and courage wrapped in a musical adventure.
What Parents Should Know About The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Ariel demonstrates courage, loyalty to family, and the importance of standing up for personal beliefs, while Sebastian and Flounder model supportive friendship. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the death of Queen Athena and the resulting grief experienced by King Triton and Ariel create emotionally heavy moments that may require parental guidance for younger viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, Marina Del Ray faces consequences for her manipulative actions, and the film shows how King Triton's well-intentioned but extreme ban on music ultimately causes harm to his family and kingdom. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the story emphasizes teamwork as Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder work together to restore music, and King Triton ultimately learns to communicate openly with his daughter about their shared grief. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, children will understand that creative expression is important for emotional health, that families can heal together from loss, and that love means allowing others to be themselves. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning as a prequel that adds depth to Ariel's character while delivering important messages about grief, family, and self-expression. Many families value the opportunity to discuss loss and healing in an age-appropriate context, though some note that the emotional weight may be too heavy for very young children. The musical numbers and familiar characters provide comfort and entertainment, while the themes of standing up for what's right and the importance of creative expression resonate with both children and adults. Most parents recommend the film for families with children old enough to handle discussions about death and sadness, finding it a worthwhile addition to the Little Mermaid story that reinforces positive values about family love and personal courage.
Official The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning Trailer
Why Kids Love The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Ariel and her underwater pals Flounder and Sebastian sneak around the kingdom on a secret mission to bring music back to the sea. They dodge guards and zip through coral passages, racing against time before anyone discovers their plan. The bright, colorful ocean world sparkles with hidden caves and glittering treasures that make every escape feel like an adventure.
Sebastian the crab provides plenty of laughs as he nervously tries to keep up with Ariel's daring ideas, his claws clicking and his voice squeaking when danger gets close. Flounder splashes alongside as the loyal sidekick, always ready to help even when he's scared. Together, this brave team works to outsmart the strict rules and restore the joy that King Triton banned from their underwater home.
The catchy songs burst with energy as Ariel and her six singing sisters fill the ocean with music and movement. Every musical number features swirling choreography and vibrant animation that makes kids want to sing along. When the characters stand up for what they believe in, the underwater kingdom transforms into a celebration of friendship, teamwork, and the power of never giving up on the things that matter most.