4. Number four of my top mermaid movies is an old black and white classic called "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid." You will have a challenge finding this movie to watch, but VHS versions are available for sale on Amazon.com. All of the underwater footage was filmed in the famous Weeki Wachee Springs in Weeki Wachee, Florida, only a year after this underwater theater opened. Made in 1948, this movie is about a married couple taking a vacation in the Caribbean. The man is almost 50 and is having a mid-life crisis. While on vacation he accidentally fishes up a live mermaid from the sea! Ann Blyth plays the enchanting mermaid and you will love this wonderful film. The only objections a parent might have is the theme of extramarital flirting, and some funny scenes with a guy trying to give up smoking.
5. One that is a little different, and which only recently came out, is a Japanese anime Miyazaki movie called "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea", or simply "Ponyo". In this one the fish-girl is depicted as a goldfish with a human face, which is rather strange. But in an unusual twist, this five-year-old fish-girl has to get the little five-year-old human boy to love her faithfully, or she will turn into sea foam and be no more. It is such a sweet interpretation, these small children learning to love and trust each other in such an innocent way. It is a tale of wonder and courage and should not be missed.
6. My pick for number six is Disney's "The Little Mermaid". It was the movie that got Disney back into the popular movie business again in the 1980s. The music and story are a delight. I remember how enchanted I was when it first came out - it is a delightful mermaid movie, fun for the whole family.
7. Number seven for me is the Russian adaptation of "The Little Mermaid." This 1976 film shows plenty of wonderful mermaid footage under the sea. Back then the swimmers had only small flippers, so they had to ripple their legs in a very quick motion for movement. The underwater scenes are only in the beginning of the movie, but they are marvelous!! (I can't figure out how those swimmers could be in the water with all those jellyfish!!). You can find this movie to rent at Netflix and it is directed by Vladimir Bychkov. Again, this version of Anderson's famous story is a little different, almost a completely new story. Be forewarned that there is nudity in one scene, and portrayals of a witch performing magic. Other than those the whole family will enjoy this one.
8. "Barbie Mermaidia" is a little-kid movie, but the plot is good and the scenes are beautiful. I especially enjoyed the unusual design of Barbie's mermaid tail. In this story the main character has to make great sacrifice, and learns some good lessons. I like this one better than the newest Barbie mermaid movie because of its great message.
9. There was much excitement this year over the new release of "Barbie in a Mermaid Tail." This one has wonderfully fun surfboarding scenes. The mermaid world of Oceana was a little strange - basically a mimic of our materialistic society.
5. One that is a little different, and which only recently came out, is a Japanese anime Miyazaki movie called "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea", or simply "Ponyo". In this one the fish-girl is depicted as a goldfish with a human face, which is rather strange. But in an unusual twist, this five-year-old fish-girl has to get the little five-year-old human boy to love her faithfully, or she will turn into sea foam and be no more. It is such a sweet interpretation, these small children learning to love and trust each other in such an innocent way. It is a tale of wonder and courage and should not be missed.
6. My pick for number six is Disney's "The Little Mermaid". It was the movie that got Disney back into the popular movie business again in the 1980s. The music and story are a delight. I remember how enchanted I was when it first came out - it is a delightful mermaid movie, fun for the whole family.
7. Number seven for me is the Russian adaptation of "The Little Mermaid." This 1976 film shows plenty of wonderful mermaid footage under the sea. Back then the swimmers had only small flippers, so they had to ripple their legs in a very quick motion for movement. The underwater scenes are only in the beginning of the movie, but they are marvelous!! (I can't figure out how those swimmers could be in the water with all those jellyfish!!). You can find this movie to rent at Netflix and it is directed by Vladimir Bychkov. Again, this version of Anderson's famous story is a little different, almost a completely new story. Be forewarned that there is nudity in one scene, and portrayals of a witch performing magic. Other than those the whole family will enjoy this one.
8. "Barbie Mermaidia" is a little-kid movie, but the plot is good and the scenes are beautiful. I especially enjoyed the unusual design of Barbie's mermaid tail. In this story the main character has to make great sacrifice, and learns some good lessons. I like this one better than the newest Barbie mermaid movie because of its great message.
9. There was much excitement this year over the new release of "Barbie in a Mermaid Tail." This one has wonderfully fun surfboarding scenes. The mermaid world of Oceana was a little strange - basically a mimic of our materialistic society.
