Before turning 21 at the end of summer, I decided to spend my last summer as a 20-year-old watching Disney films that I had never watched before. Looking at the list I've written, one film I wanted to watch was "Treasure Planet," which revolves around 17-year-old Jim Hawkins, who embarks on a quest to find Treasure Planet.
I was told that this film was a very underrated film, but a popular Disney film. Even one of my friends told me that was definitely a film worth watching. Therefore, I decided to watch the film with my sisters one day and I completely underestimated the film. I was really impressed with the movie. I was even moved to tears. This film is definitely going on my top favorites. Here are the reasons why.
1. "Treasure Planet" depicts a very relatable protagonist
The main protagonist of "Treasure Planet" is Jim Hawkins. What makes Jim Hawkins very relatable is that he is a pure representation of an angsty teenager. Although he helps run his family's Benbow Inn with his mother, he is quite unhappy and gets in trouble with the police every time they caught him solarcruising on a restricted area. His mother shows great disappointment in her son regarding this, advising him not to throw away his entire future. Her son bluntly responded, "Yeah, what future?" This statement really stunned me, echoing the anxieties of someone who has no prospects or hope for the future. Another thing making Jim Hawkins relatable is that he was abandoned by his own father. When he was very young, his father left him and his mother. This is indeed a traumatic factor in Jim's childhood, making it very painful to watch. This also reminds me of what the singer Kelly Clarkson went through. She had coped with her parents' divorce and still recalls the day her father left her in her song "Piece by Piece."
2. "Treasure Planet" does not entirely focus on romance
What sets the film completely apart from Disney films is that it is not entirely focused on romance. Jim Hawkins does not get a love interest at all. Although there is a budding romantic relationship between Dr. Delbert Doppler and Captain Amelia, the heart of the film relies on the father-son bond between Jim Hawkins and Captain Long John Silver, the primary antagonist of the film. What makes the film so promising is that villain Captain Long John Silver has a change of heart, especially when he becomes a father figure to Jim Hawkins.
He even delivers one of the most powerful quotes in the film: "Now you listen to me, James Hawkins. You got the makings of greatness in you, but you got to take the helm and chart your own course. Stick to it, no matter the squalls! And when the time comes you get the chance to really test the cut of your sails, and show what you're made of... well, I hope I'm there, catching some of the light coming off you that day."
Although Jim and Long John Silver become enemies to search for Treasure Planet, Long John Silver chooses to save Jim's life rather than take what's left of Treasure Planet with him.
3. "Treasure Planet" teaches us that adventures do not leave us empty-handed at all
Even though Treasure Planet is lost forever, Jim does gain something from his adventure. It may not exactly be real treasure, but it's something even greater. Jim has proven his inner worth. Because of that, not only does he gain adulthood, but he also gains the love and guidance he lacked through his relationship with Long John Silver (who sees the true brilliance in him.) Jim even gains two new friends. One of them is Morph, Long John Silver's shapeshifting pet, and the other is an abandoned robot named B.E.N. Furthermore, Jim even receives a recommendation from Captain Amelia to Interstellar Academy. Jim is no dead-ender after all! With some loot that Long John Silver has left for him, Jim is able to rebuilt Benbow Inn and reconciles with his mother. Jim even becomes a military cadet. Clearly, there is more treasure in adventures than all of the pirate's loot on Treasure Planet. And best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your lives.
Disney's "Treasure Planet" is seriously one of the most underrated Disney films out there. It has a great message, a great story, and animation that is ahead of its time. If you're looking for a very good Disney film to watch for the summer, Disney's "Treasure Planet" is definitely a hidden gem worth taking a look at.
