Robin Hood (1973): Trickery, Taxes, and Triumph

In this week's automatically generated wheel of Disney animated movies, we have the classic tale of England's legendary hero: Robin Hood. In other words, this film is definitely an oldie but a goodie, to put in simplest terms. In fact, this particular movie is also only the 21st Disney animated movie ever, which puts your mind into perspective of exactly how long ago this movie was originally created, as well as how old the Disney animated movie company truly is. 

If you weren't already aware, this classic is based on the legend of Robin Hood, but rather than displaying people, typically, Disney decided to use anthropomorphic animals instead. The story then follows the adventures of Robin Hood, Little John, and the inhabitants of Nottingham as they fight against the excessive taxation of Prince John. Not only do they succeed in the end, but of course, you cannot get away from a classic Disney movie without a little romance: Robin Hood even wins the hand of Maid Marian, a beautiful and kind maiden loved by all the townspeople and who was even childhood sweethearts with the outlaw long ago. 

One thing for sure, as everyone knows, is that there are only two things in life that are guaranteed: death and taxes (except in the world of Robin Hood). What truly makes Robin Hood a hero among the people of Nottingham is that he rebels against the tyrant Prince John and his extreme taxation tendencies, but he also gives back to the community by stealing the gold from the Prince and returning it to the people (rightfully so). At one point in the film, too, and to oppose those who support Robin Hood and his tricks, Prince John not just doubles, but triples the tax rates, forcing those into overwhelming poverty as well as in jail if they cannot meet the fines. The greedy sheriff, who doubled as a tax collector, even throws the elderly, wives, children, injured, sick, and hungry in jail just because they could not pay their taxes, which truly is a poor sign that Prince John does not care about his citizens and only wants to be wealthy and to get rid of Robin Hood. 

In addition, viewers can further understand why the people of Nottingham adore Robin Hood not only because he returns money back to them and defends them against the evil Prince John, but he also treats them all equally and as friends. For instance, the sheriff arrived at a mother's home where they were celebrating her son's birthday. The greedy sheriff then took the son's birthday present, which only contained one single coin that his mother had been saving just for him. While disappointed and thinking his party was ruined, Robin Hood arrives just in time to cheer him up by gifting him a bow, arrow, and his own lucky hat to the child. Moments like so is what brings joy to families, individuals, and the community as whole, while sparking happiness and potential hope within those who need it most. 

If you are looking for a classic Disney film that shows justice being served by those who deserve it and for those who triumph with the best intentions by only seeking to bring good to their world, even against the nastiest of taxes, then Robin Hood is the movie just for you to (re)watch.