‘Steady as a Beating Drum’, the opening song in Pocahontas, and ‘The Bells of Notre Dame’ from The Hunchback of Notre Dame both contain the language of their setting, despite its usage being dropped as the setting becomes more established. In this respect, opening songs can be helpful in conveying a culture. Native languages can be used to add authenticity to a film, creating a sense of place that might not be as palpable if translated into English. Lesser-known Disney film Brother Bear, set in a post-ice age Alaska, uses music sung by a Bulgarian choir containing lyrics in Iñupiaq, a language native to the region of the setting.
#BROTHER BEAR AND POCAHONTAS MOVIE#
What is interesting, however, is how including the language of the place the film is set in actually enhances the movie when used correctly. The problem with trying to convey different cultures through the English language is that a film can come dangerously close to cultural appropriation. This happens in films like Aladdin, where there are vague hints of a Middle Eastern backdrop but very little in-depth exploration of the culture from which the folk tale the movie is based came from. Now, more often than not though, Disney films portray culture through music in a way that is very loosely interpreting a setting. Many Disney films take place in countries all over the world, with each one having its own distinct feel. Part of what makes Disney movies iconic and often grabs our attention is their songs and attempts to portray a culture or setting. They have a magical quality to them that spans generations and even the most hard-faced of people can find something to enjoy in at least one of them.
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