The Black Cauldron

1985 • 80 minutes
4.4
662 reviews
57%
Tomatometer
PG
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Fantasy, magic, and fun are all brewed together in Disney's legendary adventure The Black Cauldron. Whoever releases the mysterious Black Cauldron's power will be invincible! The fearsome Horned King will do anything to possess it, but he is challenged by the most unlikely adversary: a young assistant pig keeper named Taran, who dreams of doing heroic deeds. With a motley team of the brave Princess Eilonwy, a minstrel named Fflewddur Fflam and Hen Wen, a remarkable pig who can predict the future, Taran embarks on a quest to stop the Black Cauldron's evil once and for all. Will he have the courage to succeed?
Rating
PG

Ratings and reviews

4.4
662 reviews
Kyle Vansteelandt
January 12, 2022
"The Black Cauldron" is one of the most underappreciated animated films from Walt Disney, even though it received a mixed reception; from negativity, some say that it's considered to be "the black sheep of Disney animation" due to it's "dark nightmare fuel for a Disney film for kids," while from positivity, some say that it is "technically brilliant and ambitious." For me, I am most certainly on the positive side. What makes "The Black Cauldron" so ambitious and technically brilliant is that it's exceedingly dynamic; the filmmakers (Ted Berman and Richard Rich) has been providing dramatic energy that is lively and never looses any steam until the end credits, especially when the mood changes. And these two filmmakers are throwing an enormous amount of surprises that are sharp, clever, and unpredictable. Most of the surprises that are unpredictable comes from the well-utilized tone that has the pitch-perfect volume alongside the slick timing to keep things restless. There are even some meticulous moments that are gripping, especially with the use of the character's hands. The story is sincerely relevant, offering brilliant fun to the adventure, while offering strong messages along the way that involves the value of courage and friendship. The courage is bold, the friendship is tenacious, touching, and it embraces loyalty. Elmer Bernstein's score is phenomenal; it is a lively orchestral score that supports the movie with full-bodied resonance. The spectacular animation has delivered visual flair with blazing execution. From the flashing lights, to the wide variety of vibrant colors, to how perfectly edited the screenplay is. The drawn-animation of the lands and places are amazing to look at. The character designs are exactly what they are suppose to look like for a fantasy adventure that focuses on the old-fashioned theme of good-vs-evil. The protagonists look charming, some of the antagonists look really mean, but the main antagonist in particular looks absolutely creepy (we will get to that in a moment). Every character has a flashy personality, and is superbly voiced to match, as well as bringing that character to life to create a strong characterization. Grant Bardsley voices the main character: Taran is an assistant pig-keeper with his special pig named Hen Wen. Hen has the magic to tell the future with his vision. But, Taran is more than that; he is a bold and valiant warrior with lots of confidence, and is always looking for a risky adventure to search for the black cauldron that has been hidden for centuries. Freddie Jones voices Caer Dallben the wizard. Freddie's voice makes this wizard sound wise and narrow-minded (he does not tolerate any kind of danger). Susan Sheridan voices Princess Eilonwy. Eilonwy is not only a cute and good-natured princess, she is also a spunky heroine. When Taran and Eilonwy interact and develop a bond, The chemistry between these two young characters is so engaging to watch. John Byner is so amusing as Gurgi. Gurgi is a likable little fella; he is a comic relief with a puckish sense of humor that I find funny in a cute way, and is a loyal supporting sidekick. Nigel Hawthorne sounds jolly as Flewddur Flam. He is a supporting character who is also a comic relief. Every time he lies, his harp breaks a string. That is the equivalent of the growing nose of Pinocchio. Phil Fondacaro is fantastic as the creeper. The creeper is an ugly goblin with a dynamic personality; he is excitable, irritable, and timid. The creeper is the slave to his evil master: the infamous Horned King, voiced by John Hurt. The Horned King is the main antagonist and he is imposing; starting with his ominous introduction. He has a creepy appearance, ghastly weaponry from his gripping clutches to his horrible magic, and John Hurt's astonishing voice work makes him sound sinister. "The Black Cauldron" is suitable for kids age seven and up. In conclusion: For children, it's a dreadful nightmare (unless your kids are seven years old or older), For adults, it's a satisfying romp. Recommended.
The Queen
October 30, 2017
This is one of the best movies ever made! I APPRECIATED this because I l loved the animation. The art is impeccable and just showed so much beauty and imagination was portrade. How much manual effort was put into the art making it lovely and pleasurable to the eye. The plot was awesome and yes a little eery, but that is what made is so interesting. The movie to me wasn't meant to elaborate on the characters. No, it was meant to tell a simple story ABOUT A PIG BEING RESCUED! That's it. It deserves the name of Disney masterpiece and is probably appreciated by all artists alive today. Now, to all the haters who down mouthed this movie and wished they had a speck of the talent these artists had, 1st: not everyone wants to watch a silly funny computer animated film all the time. 2nd: yes the movie is a little intense for younger viewers(the first time I saw it I was ten), but if you're alive today and then say it gave one nightmares is pretty sad. But they are all gun hoe to watch harry potter, the conjuring, or even 300 or Hansel and Gretel; but not a cartoon? They must've been bias. Or they're too much of a coward to stomach the seriousness that the movie portrade and has never read any slightly interesting book(s) in your life that, sadly, it was a shock to your imagination. Finally, there has never been such disgruntle to a movie all because it was "scary". I get it, you weren't expecting anything like this because its disney. Well, if you don't like it then go watch Furngully. Everyone, this movie was awesome and I highly recommend it. Just don't let any 6 year old see it
30 people found this review helpful
Spring Larkin
December 22, 2016
I don't think this movie is a bad or poorly made one. It just wasn't what I was looking for when I rented it. It is darker; almost like the true, anime films. It was interesting, and a definite change from what one expects from Disney, animated films. I am a big, fantasy fan, so that's probably why I wasn't upset about how this movie differs from the usual sort of Disney, animated film. It had a classic fantasy kind of feel to it. Vaguely makes one think of LOTR and Wheel of Time or something like that.