Hercules (1997)

Intro
"Hercules" is a 1997 animated musical adventure movie by Walt Disney Animation Studios, starring Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Susan Egan, and Rip Torn to name a few. The film is loosely based on the famous hero of the very same name from Greek folklore.

Plot
The story begins in ancient Greece, where the gods Zeus and Hera joyously invite their newborn boy, Hercules, on Mount Olympus. Nevertheless, Hades, the god of the Underworld, intends to take Zeus's place as the king of gods. He discovers of a prediction that he can topple Zeus just if Hercules does not interfere. Hellbent on guaranteeing this, Hades sends his minions Pain and Panic to turn Hercules into a mortal and kill him. However, they fail to eliminate all his magnificent strength and wind up leaving him in the world.

Hercules is embraced by Alcmene and Amphitryon, a simple mortal couple, who find his unusual strength as he grows. When he mistakenly ruins the marketplace, Hercules encounters an old seer who informs him of his divine parents, revealing his real origin. Motivated to show himself a 'true hero' to regain his godhood, Hercules embarks on a journey.

The Journey
Hercules is trained by the centaur Philoctetes, who had actually trained many ancient Greek heroes before. After completing his training, Hercules sets off to Thebes, a city understood for its disasters. On his way, he conserves Megara, a damsel in distress, unaware that she is in cahoots with Hades. Hercules ends up being taken with Megara, and unknowingly, she too succumbs to him.

Heroics and Deception
In Thebes, Hercules effectively battle the monster Hydra and becomes popular as a hero. Urged, he carries out brave deeds and is admired. Nevertheless, Hercules is still ruled out a 'real hero' by the gods. On the other hand, discovering Hercules lives and an increasing threat, Hades tricks Hercules into quiting his powers in exchange for Megara's safety.

Climax
Hades unleashes the Titans, legendary giants imprisoned by Zeus, to take control of Olympus. Upon finding that Megara's life is in risk, Hercules's real brave nature emerges, and he regains his powers. He fights the Titans and saves the Gods. Nevertheless, Megara dies securing Hercules. He travels to the Underworld to rescue her soul, and in doing so, fulfills his fate as a 'real hero,' hence regaining his godhood.

Conclusion
The Gods invite Hercules to live among them on Olympus, however he picks to remain in the world with Megara. The motion picture ends with Hercules being hailed as a hero amongst Gods and mortals.

The entire motion picture is narrated as a story by the Muses, the goddesses of the arts, as they expose a tale of battle, bravery, and transformation from zero to hero. In general, Disney's "Hercules" is an amusing twist on Greek mythology. It integrates light-hearted humor, moving love, and the significance of humbleness and bravery. Regardless of the liberties the movie takes with the original myth, "Hercules" remains a beloved classic tale in Disney's library.

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