The brilliance of this song is that neither of the singers are in love with Esmerelda. But where Quasimodos' passionate song is one of naïve innocence and dawning hope, Judge Claud Frollo's song is one of rising despair, cynicism and wrath. The two are the perfect foils to eachother, and both demonstrate their obsessions in two entirely different ways. Quasimodo does good, and seeks to help her while keeping the sanctity of the church. Frollo does terrible evil, and culminates in invading the church itself.This movie was freaking awesome.
Thank you for bringing up the bit about Quasi not really being in love. It kind of annoys me when people get upset about him not getting with Esmeralda because I feel like it totally misses the point of his real feelings and role in the story.
The writer of the words, Stephen Schwartz, to the songs in this movie did the songs for The Prince of Egypt as well. He KNOWS how to be deep and well done =)
+Daniel Selk Yes he is. He is a terrific composer too. (look for "wicked"). What I don't get is how composers and lyricist works together... let's say I'm a composer, and my friend writes poems... I would it work? I compose his poem? or maybe he lyric my melody?
One of my favorite things about this song is the fact that _both_ Quasimodo and Frollo are in the wrong. While Frollo is demonizing Esmeralda because he's not strong enough to face up to the fact that he has a raging hard-on for a gypsy, Quasimodo is idolizing Esmeralda and making her out to be some sort of angel because she's the first person who ever showed kindness to him. Granted, that last part isn't his fault (*stares at Frollo judgmentally*), but regardless of who's responsible and who isn't, _he's still wrong_. I know a lot of people get pissed off by the fact that Esmeralda ended up with Phoebus as opposed to Quasimodo. But whereas Quasimodo treated her like an angel and Frollo treated her like a demon, Phoebus treated her like a _person_. He saw her -- and fell in love with her -- for both her flaws _and_ her virtues. What more could she possibly ask for in a partner? /rantoff #shitsdeepman
Quite right. Which is funny, because in the book Phoebus was a completely immoral womanizer who didn't care about Esmeralda at all, and she was much much more naive and basically idolized HIM.
I totally agree. I feel like he's feeling the affection of a friend and just for the first time at all. And with Esmeralda he's understanding it in the only way he has been shown how affection between a man and a women goes. There is the real possibility that he also is in love/lust with her, but if that is the case he is able to set that aside because it's clear he gets it by the end. The whole time all he was really looking for was any friend at all. Stories about people who are so in need of just those simple things are really powerful, lol I tear up thinking about it XD
Also one of the main questions is who is the monster and who is the man? Where Frollo wanted to own Esmeralda and would go as far to burn paris and murder her if he did not get his way, Quasimodo actually was able to let her go and be happy for her as she and Phoebus fell in love. The story would have had much less power in it if Quasi got together with Esmeralda as then we would have never seen that he was the type of person who could love withoud having to posess it. That he could love her withoud needing to have her. It's exactly because they didn't get together that we saw that Quasimode learned the true meaning of love, the selfless kind, and is in fact the man where Frollo was the monster. To me anyway, the symbolic question was answerd by the way how they dealt with their feelings/desires for Esmeralda (of course also their personality..and the fact quasi doesn't burn the city down and stuff like that, but yeah you get the point.) I am very happy he and Esmeralda didn't become a couple. Because she always seemed as more of a mentor and best friend for him to me. She is kind and just and beautifull and the first to show Quasi any true kindness. Of course he is going to fall for her. That doesn't mean they are a good fit. She is kind. If we listen to her song she shows great compassion for a great many people. People who wish Quasi and Esma got together are missing the point of the story. Phoebus is not a lesser choice just because he is more handsome. not even story wise. He was a good man too. He did save Quasi from his fall, Esma saved him from his injury, and Quasi saved Esma from the fire. They are a trinity in many ways. Also just because Quasi and Esma are not romantic doesn't mean they relationship is not equally as strong. People often act like romantic love is more powerfull or meaningfull then that of friendship. This is false. Esma and Quasi could have a bond as deep as Esma and Phoebus. Just different. And thats ok. Quasimode still got unconditionall love from Esmeralda. A true friend. The story is more powerfull for not forcing a romance between them and having Quasi devolp as a human being as he starts to form bonds outside of his rocky friends and Frollo. Also everyone who NEEDS to see Quasi with a girl to feel satisfied (because people obsess over the fact that romance=happyness when this is also false but moving on) Quasi gets a girl in the second movie while maintaining a wonderfull platonic deep and meaningfull friendship with both Esmeralda and Phoebus as well as their son. No I will never side with those who feel Esmeralda should have been with Quasimodo. That would have ruined the whole morale of the story. The point of the question asked.
The lowly vs. the elite The humble vs. the monstrous Heaven vs. Hell Love vs. Lust The same melodies are used in both sections, but in different ways. All of the contrasts in this are fantastic.
+totesme14 The chorus chanting "Kyrie Eleison", which is "Lord have mercy", stops briefly before Frollo says "but she will be mine or she will burn", which is surely his final resignation in his purposes and so his damnation (in the eye of the christian catholic faith).
JoJo Makara "Confiteor" means "I confess", which is the public confessions of people's sins. The venial sins are forgiven, for the heavier sins a confession is required.
***** It's one of the easiest way of singing, if not the absolute easiest. It was thought traditionally by St. Gregorius the Great, pope, to help people praying and chanting at the same time.
+RawkLobstah88 Oh, yes. People can say what they want about this movie and its faithfulness to its source material, but NOBODY can call it on its SCORE.
+Jennifer Schillig Well they can, sadly Topsy Turvy and A Guy Like You honestly weren't that good, and were probably only thrown in to entertain the kids. But these songs, the opening, and the ending reprise are absolutely breathtaking musical wonders.
+RawkLobstah88 Urgh honestly I hate the gargoyles so much because they interrupt the pacing of the movie so badly. I just remind myself that it was marketed as a kids movie and put up with it, but honestly it is sad they couldn't market it as an adult film. Those are some of my favourite parts, along with hellfire, out there and god help the outcasts
+danitiwa I suppose loving is relative. This kind of love, I think, is the only kind Frollo will ever be capable of. Which is part of what makes him such an amazing villain - you cannot help but feel sorry for his soul because, Christianity or no Christianity, it is damned.
+Lythya Frollo's isnt so much love as it is obsession. All he cares about is her belonging to him like shes an object and sees her as such. She is an object to him to be used only by him and no one else, if he can't have her then no one can. Also I don't feel any pity for him at all, he killed an innocent gypsy woman and was about to kill her child, but then proceeded to raise him to be self hating and basically being an emotionally and mentally abusive piece of shit to poor Quasi, then he treats this poor woman like an object because he DESIRES HER BODY. That's all he wants is her body, he doesn't care for her as a person, how can you call that love? That is obsession in it's rawest form. Obsession is not love, it is a sociopathic tendency.
+Lythya Frollo's was obsession while Quasi's was bordering idolization. Quasi's feelings were pure, unlike Frollo's, but it wasn't exactly love either. He only saw the good in Esmeralda. She was an angel from heaven to him, while to Frollo, she was a demon, a siren sent from hell to tempt him into sin. Only Phoebus really loved Esmeralda as a human being. He saw both the good and the bad in her and treated her as an equal, not as an idol or an object. :) So much contrast between Quasi and Frollo, but in the end, she ended up with the guy who loved her for both her beauty and personality, as well as her flaws.
I love that these two songs are together. Both of them are in love with Esmereda, but Quasimodo's is a pure and selfless love, believing it to be sent from heaven. Frollo on the other hand is filled with hateful and selfish desire, and thinks it's sent from hell to destroy him. They both want her, but the way they show it just is an amazing contrast between the two characters and their natures.
Counterfeit Impersonator aye that's true in the original book he was a priest, but in the Disney film he's just a judge so he can get married. It's more the fact he think esmerelda is a gypsy witch that he thinks it's like a demon trying to tempt him I think :)
Emperor Steph III I think it's more that Frollo believes that the Devil has sent Esmeralda to tempt him to leave his faith for sinful desire, which is made all the more stronger by Esmeralda being a gypsy and her performing magic jests. In a way to outsmart the devil, Frollo contemplates to marry Esmeralda, so that he could rightiously take her and still remain pure to himself.
A factor I love about Hellfire that not many people bring up is the Latin chanting that occurs. Most people simply take it like "Oh cool! Latin chants sound awesome!", but no! It factors SO DAMN MUCH into the theme of this song. The chant sung that interludes between Heaven's Light and Hellfire is an excerpt from the Confiteor, a prayer that acts as a confession of sin to the lord. It continues into the first lines of Hellfire, in which Frollo boasts about how he is sinless, and that others aren't as righteous as him, with the ironic chant acting as something of a conscience for Frollo, saying "Yes you have sinned, admit it." Especially when it reaches the bridge: Frollo: "It's not my fault!" Choir: "Mea culpa" ([It is] My fault) Frollo: "I'm not to blame!" Choir: "Mea culpa" ([It is] My fault) Frollo: "It is the gypsy girl, that which who set this flame!" Choir: Mea maxima culpa ([It is] My most grievous fault) The song ends with "Kyrie eleison", a Greek chant for "God have mercy", which matches Frollo's words perfectly, but again, acting as a conscience to Frollo, asking to please have mercy on his poor decision, and to forgive him for his actions he will take. DAMN!
That is so true! I had wondered what the Latin parts were (I only recognized like 2 phrases. Then someone in youtube land posted the translation for all the Latin parts and my brain exploded. I have never heard the song the same ever since.
I think what makes him scarier is that he actually believes he is in the right for doing all the bad things in the movie, that he is righteous above those "lower" than him. This had to have been the most realistic bad guy in Disney history.
Hands down, Hunchback has the BEST soundtrack of any Disney film. There are a lot of great soundtracks for Disney films, but none of them come close, and this is the BEST song on the soundtrack. Menken's masterwork.
I think I love the soundtrack more than the film itself. That's how good it is. Alan Menken really outdid himself with this one. Actually, the entire team did. This is Disney's diamond in the rough. The only one of their films that actually gets better as you get older. Love it.
New line-up of Disney merchandise! Disney Villain Valentines Day Cards! Expect such classics as "Choose me, or your pyre!" and such moving words as "Be mine, or you will burn!"
Nemo003 "I think a girl who gossips is a bore!", "It's she who holds her tongue who gets the man" , "Why would I like you? Come on now really! Look at you! You think that I'm impressed?", "If you relax it'll enable me to do Anything I please"
Cian Hahaha, yes! And heck, might as well add "Be prepared!" while you're at it. Or for the incest fans... "Don't be a dummy, 'stay' with mommy" or "Mother 'knows' best".
What's so badass about "Hellfire" is that the background chanting in Latin is the Penitential Act, and everything Frollo says contrasts the prayer: Chanters: Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti (I confess to God almighty) Beatae Mariae semper Virgini (To blessed Mary ever Virgin) Beato Michaeli archangelo (To the blessed archangel Michael) Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis (To the holy apostles, to all the saints) Frollo: Beata Maria You know I am a righteous man Of my virtue I am justly proud Chanters: Et tibit Pater (And to you, Father) Frollo: Beata Maria You know I'm so much purer than The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd Chanters: Quia peccavi nimis (That I have sinned) Frollo: Then tell me, Maria Why I see her dancing there Why her smold'ring eyes still scorch my soul Chanters: Cogitatione (In thought) Frollo: I feel her, I see her The sun caught in raven hair Is blazing in me out of all control Chanters: Verbo et opere (In word and deed) Frollo: Like fire Hellfire This fire in my skin This burning Desire Is turning me to sin It's not my fault Chanters: Mea culpa (Through my fault) Frollo: I'm not to blame Chanters: Mea culpa (Through my fault) Frollo: It is the gypsy girl The witch who sent this flame Chanters: Mea maxima culpa (Through my most grieveous fault) Frollo: It's not my fault Chanters: Mea culpa (Through my fault) Frollo: If in God's plan Chanters: Mea culpa (Through my fault) Frollo: He made the devil so much Stronger than a man Chanters: Mea maxima culpa (Through my most griveous fault) Frollo: Protect me, Maria Don't let this siren cast her spell Don't let her fire sear my flesh and bone Destroy Esmeralda And let her taste the fires of hell Or else let her be mine and mine alone Hellfire Dark fire Now gypsy, it's your turn Choose me or Your pyre Be mine or you will burn Chanters: Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy) Frollo: God have mercy on her Chanters: Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy) Frollo: God have mercy on me Chanters: Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy) Frollo: But she will be mine Or she will burn! .... They literally pray confessing their guilt, owning up to their sins, as Frollo sings of his lust yet blames anything but himself. One of the most beautiful contrasts Disney has ever done.
He literally turns the blame on god a man he claims to serve. He commits blasphemy truly thinking that he is blameless or deliberately turning a blind eye to his actions
You know now that I read this and thank you for posting this. But it reminds of what one of the things that Jesus had said about men who are like Frollo. I recall it went something among the lines of it's the man's falt for undressing the woman he longs for in his mind.
Shachar Har-Shuv let's not discount the somewhere that's green reprise, or skid row, or seymours solo from the meek shall inherit. Little shop can be beautiful.
These songs work really well as reflections of each other. Both obsess over the same woman, Quasimodo viewing her as an angel, while Frollo views her as a devil. Quasimodo sees Esmeralda has his savior, while Frollo oppositely sees himself as _her_ savior. And while their ideas of her could not be more different, in the end neither of them have a healthy view of her.
Quasimodo: singing about love. Frollo: singing about lust. Frollo is the most realistic Disney villain. A lot of people try to use religion to protect their evil bidding.
In the book this is even more alarming; since in Disney adaptation he is a High Judge, but in Victor Hugo's story, he is an Archdeacon, in charge of Notre Dame Cathedral... you see? He is not only shielding his guilty through religion (like in the movie), he is supposed to be a vessel of his religion teachings. The contrast of guilty and lust are in a level that I found disturbing. Needless to say, Frollo is the best part of both, the movie and the original novel. Excellent song, kuddos to Disney!
There is such a rich contrast between purity and impurity of the heart in these two songs. One speaking of innocent love and the other a lustful desire. It shows who is the real man and who is the monster.
The translation of the Latin and Greek verses sung by the Church chorus (for anyone curious): 1:40 to 2:18 - Latin *Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti* ("I confess to God Almighty") *Beatae Mariae semper Virgini* ("To the Blessed Mary ever Virgin") *Beato Michaeli archangelo* ("To the Blessed archangel Michael") *Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis* ("To the Holy apostles, to all the saints") 2:30 - Latin *Et tibit Pater* ("And to you, Father") 2:41 - Latin *Quia peccavi nimis* ("For I have sinned greatly") 2:52 - Latin *Cogitatione* ("Thoughts") 3:04 - Latin *Verbo et opere* ("By word and deed") 3:30, 3:32, 3:38, and 3:39 - Latin *Mea culpa* ("It is my fault") 3:34 and 3:42 - Latin *Mea maxima culpa* ("It is my greatest fault") 4:46, 4:52, and 4:58 - Greek *Kyrie Eleison* ("Lord have mercy")
I only came to appreciate this film when I was past my teenages. It has such complex characters and emotions. Before I found it rather scary and uncomprehensible, now I see all the beautiful layers of truth in it. An adolescent/adult disney film, in many ways. Quite genius & unmatched in that respect.
***** Yeah, I get that, and to be honest, I think the film would have been better without a sequel at all... but... let's face it, the sequel we got could have been miles better.
How 'bout this - a prequel instead, where we found out that Frollo was leading that group of monks against Chernabog on Bald Mountain (Fantasia) and being that close to such great Evil has caused him to fight and struggle against sin for years, until Esmerelda finally pushed him over the edge and caused him to go insane.
This song made me realize the idea that the film is (possibly) putting forward of how isolation effects people both good and bad ways, two songs sung by two people cut off from the rest of the world the day they met a beautiful girl. The first, is so smitten and gloriously happy that he wants to share it with the world and actually gives something he feels to be beautiful (bell ringing for all to hear). I kind of feel this may have been the reason for Quasimodo's downfall, like so many people in love he was so focused on how good she was and the notion of them being together he never braced himself for a rejection. The second wants to take the beauty away, pick it like a flower to die in a dark room, only for himself and his lust. He feels that loving anything is the purest of evil and damnation, cursing her and himself for his thoughts, and if he cant have this beauty no one can. once again this to eventually lead to his own downfall and demise as he became fixated on her. Then there's Phoebus, he too loves Esmerelda but has the fortune of being experienced and traveled, not only is he a good person (as shown by all the just things he did) but he has the savoir fair and wits about him that comes from travel to eventually be fortunate. I think this movie is telling us about the dangers of shutting yourself away because whether you are good or bad natured you need to be worldly wise to thrive in life and this only comes from leaving your comfort zone and exploring the unknown.
Well put. Quasi does at least become accepted by the outside world at the end of the movie, so there's hope for him still, even if it's not with Esmeralda specifically. :)
It drives me crazy when people talk about how "Hellfire" is so good without even mentioning "Heaven's Light". The contrast between the two is what lifts them into masterpieces
I used to love 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' as a kid but I never really got why Frollo wanted to kill Esmeralda. Sure, I understood that he considered gipsies to be heathens but he seemed almost obsessed with Esmeralda. As an adult, I finally understood what the big deal was: he either wants to make her his personal sex slave or kill her should she dare refuse. Frollo's character seems even more insane and dangerous now than he did back then.
When I was younger, 5yo, I was convinced it was because she put him in his place at the Festival of Fools and called him a fool. When I got a little older, 10 yo, I thought he was simply in love with her, but was afraid to ask her out, and blamed himself for loving a gypsies, the folk he had always hunted. Now I understand it's a mix of those AND because he's so sexually frustrated, but blames her for making him feel that way. It's such a great pair of songs, because of the great, great contrast: Quasimodo sings about how kind and understanding she is, and loves her for her inner beauty. Frollo sings about how damn horny he is, and blames her for making his blood rush. Then there's the names that are just spot on: "Heaven's light" and "Hell's fire" (Hellfire, I know, but for the sake of my point!) Amazing work x)
+Quindayo DK The makers of this have said that they turned to the character of Amon Goeth from Schindler's List for inspiration--a man who lusted after someone from a "forbidden" race, couldn't deal with the cognitive dissonance of it, and lashed out at her for "causing" him to have these feelings.
I wish this film earned more praise as The Lion King and Beauty and The Beast did. The story, the characters, the music, everything about it is just perfect. I guess it wasn't a film also aimed towards kids that's why it's so underrated...
Angela Darpinian definitely, but it think Lion King truly earned its placed above this movie So prepare for the coup of the century Be prepared for the murkiest scam Meticulous planning Tenacity spanning Decades of denial Is simply why I'll Be king undisputed Respected, saluted And seen for the wonder I am Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared Be prepared!
Victor Hugo once said "music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." I wonder if he would be pleased with the amazing music his works have inspired :)
These are probably my favorite scenes. It's possibly the most relateable moments: a main character we all empathize with and a villain we all know and fear. This movie was so great because the characters were so... real, you know? Ugh this is probably the most underappreciated Disney movie out there.
+LadyOfBroadway333 I don't see myself as attractive at all so I really can relate to Quasi. Needless to say, it pissed me off when I saw her end up with Phoebus
Funny enough, the voice actor of the guard who comes in near the end of the song also has a great villain voice. Corey Burton has voice Count Dooku in the Clone wars (both shows) and Hugo Strange in Batman: Arkham City
I’m autistic, and “Hunchback of Notre Dame” was one of the few video tapes I’d play over and over and over again when I was growing up. Every time, and I mean EVERY TIME this song would come on, I would immediately calm down. I was 11 when I finally understood what the song was about, but even then I find it so soothing for some reason. I don’t blame anyone who was scared of “Hellfire”, I can see why. HANDS DOWN THE BEST VILLAIN SONG OF ALL TIME.
I love how the bells of notre dame motif is played in both songs, but in different tunes. Heaven’s light is played softly and in a major key, representing Quasimodo’s soft personality and his naive and (while misguided) pure idolization of Esmeralda. While in hellfire, the motif is played in a minor key. It’s powerful, dark and foreboding, representing frollo’s decline into madness, brought on by his inability to accept his human nature. He See’s Esmeralda as a temptress and a devil.
HEAVEN'S LIGHT LYRICS So many times out here I've watched a happy pair Of lovers walking in the night They had a kind of glow around them It almost looked like heaven's light I knew I'd never know That warm and loving glow Though I might wish with all my might No face as hideous as my face Was ever meant for heaven's light But suddenly an angel has smiled at me And kissed my cheek without a trace of fright I dare to dream that she Might even care for me And as I ring these bells tonight My cold dark tower seems so bright I swear it must be heaven's light HELLFIRE LYRICS [Intro: Choir] Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti Beatae Mariae semper Virgini Beato Michaeli archangelo Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis [Verse 1] Beata Maria You know I am a righteous man Of my virtue I am justly proud (Et tibit Pater) Beata Maria You know I'm so much purer than The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd (Quia peccavi nimis) Then tell me, Maria Why I see her dancing there Why her smold'ring eyes still scorch my soul (Cogitatione) I feel her, I see her The sun caught in her raven hair Is blazing in me out of all control (Verbo et opere) [Chorus] Like fire Hellfire This fire in my skin This burning Desire Is turning me to sin [Verse 2] It's not my fault (Mea culpa) I'm not to blame It is the gypsy girl The witch who sent this flame (Mea maxima culpa) It's not my fault (Mea culpa) If in God's plan (Mea culpa) He made the devil so much Stronger than a man (Mea maxima culpa) Protect me, Maria Don't let this siren cast her spell Don't let her fire sear my flesh and bone Destroy Esmeralda And let her taste the fires of hell Or else let her be mine and mine alone [Chorus] Hellfire Dark fire Now gypsy, it's your turn Choose me or Your pyre Be mine or you will burn [Outro] God have mercy on her (Kyrie Eleison) God have mercy on me (Kyrie Eleison) But she will be mine Or she will burn!
confiteor deo Omnipotenti (I confess to God Almighty) Beatae Mariae Semper Virgini (Blessed Mary ever virgin) Beato Michaeli archangelo (Blessed Michael the Archangel) Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis (To the holy apostles, to all the saints) Et tibit Pater (And the father trembles) Quia peccavi nimis (Because I have sinned too much) Cogitatione (Thinking) Verbo et opere (By the world and deed) Mea maxima culpa (I have failed) Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy) Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)
"So many times out there, I've watched a happy pair of lovers walking in the night." Man, that line just hit me in a way it never has before in all the years of listening to this song. It shows that, while Quasimodo loves Esmeralda (obviously), he recognizes love comes with physical longing and may feel that for her as well. It's a nice detail, since people with disabilities/deformities are often stereotyped as not having such yearnings.
The part in 2:46 is sooo SOOOOO powerful, deep. When he yearns "Why I see her dancing there?" especially the word WHY is so full of emotion it even "rhymes" with cry! It sound like a spoiled child's cry and it makes me so sad alongside Frollo :(
I really love this medley, because you can see the man and the monster Quasimodo - singing about the pure love he had to Esmeralda Frollo - singing about lust and the obsession he had to Esmeralda's body
The instrumental part of heaven's light is literally my favorite part! There's just something about these two songs that makes them so powerful in contrast
Heaven's Light is 1 min 40 sec long. There's so much in that small window, but it bums me out to this day that such a beautiful song is so short. I need an extended version.
I still can’t get over how amazing the lyrics are. “It’s not my fault if in God’s plan He made the devil so much stronger than a man” Seriously, I know this is over 20 years old at this point, but give the songwriters a raise 😂
Oh it gets even better. As he declares 'It's not my fault!" time and again, The choir of monks use a line from the Confíteor, (I Confess), a prayer said during Mass, as an accusation against him. "Mea culpa! Mea culpa! Mea máxima culpa!" "My fault! My fault! My most grievous fault!" Their accusation cuts to the heart of Catholicism. For yes, the Devil is so much stronger than a man; that is why we call God our Father, He is our Father, we are helpless children and we must call upon Him to carry us through. When we are humble and recognize we are nothing without Him, oh how it is He loves to raise the lowly. Upon His graces that lift us up, higher and ever higher towards Him, no demons may harm us for we have died to self and put on the New Man, Christ, as Paul so wrote. Frollo has completely disregarded the state of his soul, the root of pride blinding him completely and leading to, as we see, surrender to countless more faults and sins. We are never spiritually stagnant, but rather, moving ever closer or further from God. Something made Frollo a lost soul many years before the events of this movie, to the point he's now in this state almost entirely unrelatable as a person.
I love the duality of the songs/song titles. It creates such a contrast between the two characters that this movie does a really great job of capturing. Just like in the beginning of the movie "who is the monster and who is the man"
Hellfire is literally frolo giving into his urges to sin, fighting and reasoning with his morals and good will and having a wrathful mental breakdown put into song. Theres never been a song this powerful again.
If you didn't know : "Mia culpa" means "My fault" or "My sin" or "the blame is on me". It's so awesome to hear those creatures blaming him for his own sinful desire.
+SuperSerialnumber it's supposed to represent that deep down frollo knows he's wrong and he is doing evil, but he's too arrogant and self righteous to actually admit it
I have such fond memories of The Hunchback of Notre Dame because this was the one disney movie we were allowed to watch at jesus camp. I don't think any of the teachers remembered or knew just how critical of church members it was. We were also all like..4-10 years old at the time and were kinda lost on the messages and themes of the movie. Still love it years later : ]
I don't care what people think, this is the Number 1 Disney villain song. Frollo in His pride ignored his flaws. In his lust he allowed a gypsy to torment him. In his hatred he wouldn't even acknowledge that Esmerelda was human. In his wrath he attempted to burn down Paris to fulfill his desires. In his arrogance he put the blame for his actions on Esmerelda, the gypsies, Satan, even God himself. And there are so many people that are just like him. Let us pray that the Lord restrains the evil men in our world, and that their hearts will be changed.
My favorite part of this song has to start at 3:27. I only know a little Latin from high school, but I was raised Catholic. At a certain part of the Mass, the members of the congregation say "Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault." In the original Latin, that's "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa." You can hear the background Latin singers saying that very phrase as Frollo continues to deny his agency, his fault, as their singing increases in volume. He blames his lust on Esmeralda, on anyone but himself. This crescendo ends in Frollo blaming his own sin on the devil, a truly most grievous fault.
Wow imagine if Disney used the word "Hell" and "devil" and any religious imagery in any of their movies today? Can't believe this movie was made for Children. Truly a gem !!
This film would never get passed nowadays, or in the very least they would have to cut out/censor parts to be able to show it to kids. So lucky this was published in the 90s in all of its glory. Definitely the best Disney film :D
I always love how it goes from lighthearted, sweet and romantic to dark and dramatic. I love Disney music so much. I never understood parts of this movie when I was younger but when I got older I loved it for those things.
Such a great combination of songs. I am a lover of Hellfire as a perfect example of how a villain can still sing and be intimidating, even moreso with their song, but Heaven's Light, I feel, is a bit underrated. Not many people seem to appreciate it as the set-up for Hellfire, showing Quasimodo's equally naive and confused infatuation towards Esmerelda, and contrasting it with Frollo's knowing and vicious lust. It's a beautifully condensed character study into Quasimodo, a witless and deformed individual, berate himself for what he views as monstrous in himself as he looks up at Esmerelda in awe and putting her on a pedestal. Frollo, on the other hand, is equally dissected, praising himself for what he believes are his virtues, yet looking down on Esmerelda as a witch, yet one he is obsessed with, and attempting to bargain with a god to satisfy his own desires while hiding behind his veneer of piety. Such a great film, with such great characters, and an absolutely incredible soundtrack.
Hahahahaha! Oh goodness you killed me with that! 😂 And I have you a greatest irony; the only guy that doesn't sing to her in the movie is the only guy that doesn't love her in the book. Cause in the original book Phoebus cared nothing of Esmeralda or any woman whatsoever and he was already engaged. He was playing Esmeralda while Frollo and Quasimodo loved her each in his own way (Quasimodo loved her because he believed she could see beyond his ugliness and Frollo loved and desired her to the point of being ready to sacrifice everything for her and eventually going mad because of this)
@@katerinaaqu Not only that but Esmeralda was a complete idiot in the book. She spent almost the entire story pining after Phoebus even unto the death. She was a far cry from the strong female heroine we see in the movie. I'd say Disney made a good call in redeeming both of their characters.
@@silverstarlightproductions1292 Exactly and she even sent Quasimodo back because he hadn't waited the whole night to get Phoebus! In short she was nothing like the character here! Plus Frollo was way more tragic figure in the book! I even felt sorry for him in it!
My favourite song from the film. Frollo is such a hypocritical badass, but he is so awesome by being so. He is the most realistic villain from Disney, as there are many people who have done things like he had done, claiming that God wanted them to do them. The Archdeacon showed the good Christian who would stay at home and not do anything bad like Frollo did. This film can really teach people the right and wrongs of religion.
"Now Gypsie it's your turn, choose me or your fire, be mine or you will burn" when I was a kid I didn't understand what that meant but now as an adult all these years later, I can't believe what I'm hearing. Oh my goodness.
This song is positively brilliant, not just with the way it contrasts Quasimodo and Frollo, but how it contrasts Frollo and the backdrop of the Confiteor showing how far he is from what he should be. The only thing is, every time I listen to it, I'm like... how the heck did this film get a G rating? Seriously? I mean, my gosh, there are like five-year-olds watching this? Except now that I think about it, I feel like if parents were explaining what was going on, that might make it worse for little kids....
3:08 I just cant stop thinking/ singing about this part of the song, someone feels the same? There is something so twisted about this type of obsession that reallly sticks on, that is very eloquent. And very creepy...
Esmeralda: *exists*
Quasi: Heaven’s light
Frollo: Hellfire
Phoebus: What a WOMAN!
Yep😁😆.
So true 🤣
And who gets the girl? 😂😂😂
@@brandonstiffler9631 ... And this is precisely *why* he got her
Get you a man who watches you pole dance and says 'what a woman' LMAO 😂😂😂
The brilliance of this song is that neither of the singers are in love with Esmerelda. But where Quasimodos' passionate song is one of naïve innocence and dawning hope, Judge Claud Frollo's song is one of rising despair, cynicism and wrath. The two are the perfect foils to eachother, and both demonstrate their obsessions in two entirely different ways. Quasimodo does good, and seeks to help her while keeping the sanctity of the church. Frollo does terrible evil, and culminates in invading the church itself.This movie was freaking awesome.
I couldn't agree more. God bless!🙂
Thank you for bringing up the bit about Quasi not really being in love. It kind of annoys me when people get upset about him not getting with Esmeralda because I feel like it totally misses the point of his real feelings and role in the story.
Best depiction of what humanity is in an animation film
I know right! The Hunchback of Notre Dame is hands down my favorite Disney movie!
Thomas Thierry Don’t forget on lust on Frollo’s part.
The writer of the words, Stephen Schwartz, to the songs in this movie did the songs for The Prince of Egypt as well. He KNOWS how to be deep and well done =)
Yes he does
+Daniel Selk Yes he is. He is a terrific composer too. (look for "wicked").
What I don't get is how composers and lyricist works together... let's say I'm a composer, and my friend writes poems... I would it work? I compose his poem? or maybe he lyric my melody?
+Daniel Selk Ironic how he writes Heaven's Light, then for Prince of Egypt write Through Heavens Eyes
+Shachar Har-Shuv Schwartz also wrote the music/lyrics for two other Broadway musicals, Pippin and Godspell
Imagine if someone mashes those two songs together... eargasm.
I think "Hellfire" is probably one of the best Villain songs ever! I'm absolutely obsessed with it
It's not one of the best villain songs. It IS the best villain song ever.
It’s definitely second! But Scar’s “Be Prepared” is #1 for me! ; )
basically Hellfire: MY BONER!! MY BONER!!!!! IT'S DRIVING ME INSANE!!!!!
DatLogic. 🤣 glad to see I’m not the only one who does that
It is!!
One of my favorite things about this song is the fact that _both_ Quasimodo and Frollo are in the wrong. While Frollo is demonizing Esmeralda because he's not strong enough to face up to the fact that he has a raging hard-on for a gypsy, Quasimodo is idolizing Esmeralda and making her out to be some sort of angel because she's the first person who ever showed kindness to him. Granted, that last part isn't his fault (*stares at Frollo judgmentally*), but regardless of who's responsible and who isn't, _he's still wrong_.
I know a lot of people get pissed off by the fact that Esmeralda ended up with Phoebus as opposed to Quasimodo. But whereas Quasimodo treated her like an angel and Frollo treated her like a demon, Phoebus treated her like a _person_. He saw her -- and fell in love with her -- for both her flaws _and_ her virtues. What more could she possibly ask for in a partner?
/rantoff #shitsdeepman
Quite right. Which is funny, because in the book Phoebus was a completely immoral womanizer who didn't care about Esmeralda at all, and she was much much more naive and basically idolized HIM.
the best analisys so far. I'd probably feel suffocated in her place by those two.
I totally agree.
I feel like he's feeling the affection of a friend and just for the first time at all.
And with Esmeralda he's understanding it in the only way he has been shown how affection between a man and a women goes. There is the real possibility that he also is in love/lust with her, but if that is the case he is able to set that aside because it's clear he gets it by the end.
The whole time all he was really looking for was any friend at all. Stories about people who are so in need of just those simple things are really powerful, lol I tear up thinking about it XD
Also one of the main questions is who is the monster and who is the man? Where Frollo wanted to own Esmeralda and would go as far to burn paris and murder her if he did not get his way, Quasimodo actually was able to let her go and be happy for her as she and Phoebus fell in love. The story would have had much less power in it if Quasi got together with Esmeralda as then we would have never seen that he was the type of person who could love withoud having to posess it. That he could love her withoud needing to have her. It's exactly because they didn't get together that we saw that Quasimode learned the true meaning of love, the selfless kind, and is in fact the man where Frollo was the monster. To me anyway, the symbolic question was answerd by the way how they dealt with their feelings/desires for Esmeralda (of course also their personality..and the fact quasi doesn't burn the city down and stuff like that, but yeah you get the point.) I am very happy he and Esmeralda didn't become a couple. Because she always seemed as more of a mentor and best friend for him to me. She is kind and just and beautifull and the first to show Quasi any true kindness. Of course he is going to fall for her. That doesn't mean they are a good fit. She is kind. If we listen to her song she shows great compassion for a great many people. People who wish Quasi and Esma got together are missing the point of the story. Phoebus is not a lesser choice just because he is more handsome. not even story wise. He was a good man too. He did save Quasi from his fall, Esma saved him from his injury, and Quasi saved Esma from the fire. They are a trinity in many ways. Also just because Quasi and Esma are not romantic doesn't mean they relationship is not equally as strong. People often act like romantic love is more powerfull or meaningfull then that of friendship. This is false. Esma and Quasi could have a bond as deep as Esma and Phoebus. Just different. And thats ok. Quasimode still got unconditionall love from Esmeralda. A true friend. The story is more powerfull for not forcing a romance between them and having Quasi devolp as a human being as he starts to form bonds outside of his rocky friends and Frollo. Also everyone who NEEDS to see Quasi with a girl to feel satisfied (because people obsess over the fact that romance=happyness when this is also false but moving on) Quasi gets a girl in the second movie while maintaining a wonderfull platonic deep and meaningfull friendship with both Esmeralda and Phoebus as well as their son. No I will never side with those who feel Esmeralda should have been with Quasimodo. That would have ruined the whole morale of the story. The point of the question asked.
Agree 10000% wow great analysis
The lowly vs. the elite
The humble vs. the monstrous
Heaven vs. Hell
Love vs. Lust
The same melodies are used in both sections, but in different ways. All of the contrasts in this are fantastic.
In here vs out there
Heavens light vs. hellfire
+Lexie McDonie Coke vs Pepsi
Batman vs Superman
Freddy Vs Jason
Demon with holy soul vs. angel with unholy soul
reminds me of how les mis uses melodies to create contrasts as well
"I had a little trouble with the fireplace last night." ;)
LilyMoon3697 That's why he was evil... They never invited him to Sunday BBQ's because he would get all... Theatrical...
I see. your orders, sir?
@@benrobson3442 FiNd ThE gYpSy GiRl!
*Seinfeld slap bass*
@@adelinehaley9428 That's not so good in today's context aha ahaha ahhahhhuhuh :( (xD)
Does anyone else love the Gregorian chant? It's a fantastic backdrop for the message Frollo sings, of course. But alone it's simply beautiful
+totesme14 The chorus chanting "Kyrie Eleison", which is "Lord have mercy", stops briefly before Frollo says "but she will be mine or she will burn", which is surely his final resignation in his purposes and so his damnation (in the eye of the christian catholic faith).
+TrollMalefico1984 so many hidden message in this movie truly a beautiful tale of sorrow and love awe I love this movie :3
+totesme14 on the middle of both songs it is a chant named "CONFITETOR", not whole though, just parts of it
JoJo Makara
"Confiteor" means "I confess", which is the public confessions of people's sins. The venial sins are forgiven, for the heavier sins a confession is required.
***** It's one of the easiest way of singing, if not the absolute easiest.
It was thought traditionally by St. Gregorius the Great, pope, to help people praying and chanting at the same time.
I absolutely love that the "The Bells of Notre Dame" leitmotif is so well implemented in these songs.
+RawkLobstah88 Oh, yes. People can say what they want about this movie and its faithfulness to its source material, but NOBODY can call it on its SCORE.
+Jennifer Schillig Well they can, sadly Topsy Turvy and A Guy Like You honestly weren't that good, and were probably only thrown in to entertain the kids. But these songs, the opening, and the ending reprise are absolutely breathtaking musical wonders.
+RawkLobstah88 Urgh honestly I hate the gargoyles so much because they interrupt the pacing of the movie so badly. I just remind myself that it was marketed as a kids movie and put up with it, but honestly it is sad they couldn't market it as an adult film.
Those are some of my favourite parts, along with hellfire, out there and god help the outcasts
+RawkLobstah88 Topsy Turvy is extremely important to the plot. It's more lighthearted, but that's only because of the setting.
JJdaPK True. And honestly, the soundtrack version is okay. In the movie though, I can't stand it.
Wowowow! Two people loving the same person in two completely different ways singing right after each other. So well done!
Lythya Only the latter isn't really love it's insane and hateful infatuation
+danitiwa I suppose loving is relative. This kind of love, I think, is the only kind Frollo will ever be capable of. Which is part of what makes him such an amazing villain - you cannot help but feel sorry for his soul because, Christianity or no Christianity, it is damned.
+Lythya Frollo's isnt so much love as it is obsession. All he cares about is her belonging to him like shes an object and sees her as such. She is an object to him to be used only by him and no one else, if he can't have her then no one can. Also I don't feel any pity for him at all, he killed an innocent gypsy woman and was about to kill her child, but then proceeded to raise him to be self hating and basically being an emotionally and mentally abusive piece of shit to poor Quasi, then he treats this poor woman like an object because he DESIRES HER BODY. That's all he wants is her body, he doesn't care for her as a person, how can you call that love? That is obsession in it's rawest form. Obsession is not love, it is a sociopathic tendency.
+Lythya Frollo's was obsession while Quasi's was bordering idolization. Quasi's feelings were pure, unlike Frollo's, but it wasn't exactly love either. He only saw the good in Esmeralda. She was an angel from heaven to him, while to Frollo, she was a demon, a siren sent from hell to tempt him into sin.
Only Phoebus really loved Esmeralda as a human being. He saw both the good and the bad in her and treated her as an equal, not as an idol or an object. :)
So much contrast between Quasi and Frollo, but in the end, she ended up with the guy who loved her for both her beauty and personality, as well as her flaws.
Koreen Trinidad (y) It's true!
I love that these two songs are together. Both of them are in love with Esmereda, but Quasimodo's is a pure and selfless love, believing it to be sent from heaven. Frollo on the other hand is filled with hateful and selfish desire, and thinks it's sent from hell to destroy him. They both want her, but the way they show it just is an amazing contrast between the two characters and their natures.
phoenixkh93 I think I get it now...Frollo thinks his is sent from hell to punish him, because priests aren't allowed to get married, so...
Counterfeit Impersonator aye that's true in the original book he was a priest, but in the Disney film he's just a judge so he can get married. It's more the fact he think esmerelda is a gypsy witch that he thinks it's like a demon trying to tempt him I think :)
Ah, I haven't seen the movie, so that makes sense. Thanks! :)
Emperor Steph III I think it's more that Frollo believes that the Devil has sent Esmeralda to tempt him to leave his faith for sinful desire, which is made all the more stronger by Esmeralda being a gypsy and her performing magic jests. In a way to outsmart the devil, Frollo contemplates to marry Esmeralda, so that he could rightiously take her and still remain pure to himself.
+Emperor Dreams III you need to watch it it's so amazing :3
A factor I love about Hellfire that not many people bring up is the Latin chanting that occurs. Most people simply take it like "Oh cool! Latin chants sound awesome!", but no! It factors SO DAMN MUCH into the theme of this song. The chant sung that interludes between Heaven's Light and Hellfire is an excerpt from the Confiteor, a prayer that acts as a confession of sin to the lord. It continues into the first lines of Hellfire, in which Frollo boasts about how he is sinless, and that others aren't as righteous as him, with the ironic chant acting as something of a conscience for Frollo, saying "Yes you have sinned, admit it." Especially when it reaches the bridge:
Frollo: "It's not my fault!"
Choir: "Mea culpa" ([It is] My fault)
Frollo: "I'm not to blame!"
Choir: "Mea culpa" ([It is] My fault)
Frollo: "It is the gypsy girl, that which who set this flame!"
Choir: Mea maxima culpa ([It is] My most grievous fault)
The song ends with "Kyrie eleison", a Greek chant for "God have mercy", which matches Frollo's words perfectly, but again, acting as a conscience to Frollo, asking to please have mercy on his poor decision, and to forgive him for his actions he will take.
DAMN!
We pray that at Mass during Lent/Advent, times of penance, repentance, and renewal.
SirSomeguy
Yea I like how he basically knew he was damning himself in the end but said fuck it cuz i I want some of that gypsy booty
That is so true! I had wondered what the Latin parts were (I only recognized like 2 phrases. Then someone in youtube land posted the translation for all the Latin parts and my brain exploded. I have never heard the song the same ever since.
million kudos to you @sirsomeguy because i am LIVING for this analysis
Frollo = one of Disney's creepiest villains. He was freaking sniffing her scarf *shudder*
Watched the movie a few days ago and he has to be the creepiest villain.
By far one of, if not, Disney's darkest.
I think what makes him scarier is that he actually believes he is in the right for doing all the bad things in the movie, that he is righteous above those "lower" than him. This had to have been the most realistic bad guy in Disney history.
That is what we people call… PEDOPHILE!!!!!!!
Angela Reeds I don't think Esmeralda was a child, although, I'm not sure how old she is lol
But I get your point
Hands down, Hunchback has the BEST soundtrack of any Disney film. There are a lot of great soundtracks for Disney films, but none of them come close, and this is the BEST song on the soundtrack. Menken's masterwork.
And yet out of the five Oscars he's won through Disney films, Hunchback wasn't one of them. It genuinely makes me a bit mad.
not only that, it somehow received a Golden Raspberry nomination for 'Worst Written Film Grossing Over $100 Million' :/
I think I love the soundtrack more than the film itself. That's how good it is. Alan Menken really outdid himself with this one. Actually, the entire team did. This is Disney's diamond in the rough. The only one of their films that actually gets better as you get older. Love it.
@DatLogic. The prince of egypt is a dreamworks movie...
@DatLogic. I personally think Hunchback is the Disney equivalent of the Prince of Egypt, though POE is much better.
And then all of Paris got burnt to the ground because Frollo couldn't keep it in his pants.
+Erika Belliveau *in his dress
+Random Troll and Hater Well, you see, there's a joke in the movie that Frollo wears a dress. Try watching it! 😉
Robe.
"frollo's nose is long and he wears a truss" not "dress"
oh my god lmao
"Choose me or your pyre" is possibly my favourite lyric ever
New line-up of Disney merchandise! Disney Villain Valentines Day Cards! Expect such classics as "Choose me, or your pyre!" and such moving words as "Be mine, or you will burn!"
Will you be my valentine?
Nemo003 "I think a girl who gossips is a bore!", "It's she who holds her tongue who gets the man" , "Why would I like you? Come on now really! Look at you! You think that I'm impressed?", "If you relax it'll enable me to do Anything I please"
Cian Hahaha, yes! And heck, might as well add "Be prepared!" while you're at it. Or for the incest fans... "Don't be a dummy, 'stay' with mommy" or "Mother 'knows' best".
What's so badass about "Hellfire" is that the background chanting in Latin is the Penitential Act, and everything Frollo says contrasts the prayer:
Chanters:
Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti (I confess to God almighty)
Beatae Mariae semper Virgini (To blessed Mary ever Virgin)
Beato Michaeli archangelo (To the blessed archangel Michael)
Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis (To the holy apostles, to all the saints)
Frollo:
Beata Maria
You know I am a righteous man
Of my virtue I am justly proud
Chanters:
Et tibit Pater (And to you, Father)
Frollo:
Beata Maria
You know I'm so much purer than
The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd
Chanters:
Quia peccavi nimis (That I have sinned)
Frollo:
Then tell me, Maria
Why I see her dancing there
Why her smold'ring eyes still scorch my soul
Chanters:
Cogitatione (In thought)
Frollo:
I feel her, I see her
The sun caught in raven hair
Is blazing in me out of all control
Chanters:
Verbo et opere (In word and deed)
Frollo:
Like fire
Hellfire
This fire in my skin
This burning
Desire
Is turning me to sin
It's not my fault
Chanters:
Mea culpa (Through my fault)
Frollo:
I'm not to blame
Chanters:
Mea culpa (Through my fault)
Frollo:
It is the gypsy girl
The witch who sent this flame
Chanters:
Mea maxima culpa (Through my most grieveous fault)
Frollo:
It's not my fault
Chanters:
Mea culpa (Through my fault)
Frollo:
If in God's plan
Chanters:
Mea culpa (Through my fault)
Frollo:
He made the devil so much
Stronger than a man
Chanters:
Mea maxima culpa (Through my most griveous fault)
Frollo:
Protect me, Maria
Don't let this siren cast her spell
Don't let her fire sear my flesh and bone
Destroy Esmeralda
And let her taste the fires of hell
Or else let her be mine and mine alone
Hellfire
Dark fire
Now gypsy, it's your turn
Choose me or
Your pyre
Be mine or you will burn
Chanters:
Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)
Frollo:
God have mercy on her
Chanters:
Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)
Frollo:
God have mercy on me
Chanters:
Kyrie Eleison (Lord have mercy)
Frollo:
But she will be mine
Or she will burn!
....
They literally pray confessing their guilt, owning up to their sins, as Frollo sings of his lust yet blames anything but himself. One of the most beautiful contrasts Disney has ever done.
LuthienofOssiriand
And this is the sole reason I think “Hellfire” is better than “Be Prepared”.
He literally turns the blame on god a man he claims to serve. He commits blasphemy truly thinking that he is blameless or deliberately turning a blind eye to his actions
You know now that I read this and thank you for posting this. But it reminds of what one of the things that Jesus had said about men who are like Frollo. I recall it went something among the lines of it's the man's falt for undressing the woman he longs for in his mind.
One could reason to say that he blamed God for his sin.
One of the probably most brilliant pieces by Alan Menken.
Shachar Har-Shuv let's not discount the somewhere that's green reprise, or skid row, or seymours solo from the meek shall inherit. Little shop can be beautiful.
These songs work really well as reflections of each other. Both obsess over the same woman, Quasimodo viewing her as an angel, while Frollo views her as a devil. Quasimodo sees Esmeralda has his savior, while Frollo oppositely sees himself as _her_ savior. And while their ideas of her could not be more different, in the end neither of them have a healthy view of her.
Quasimodo: singing about love.
Frollo: singing about lust.
Frollo is the most realistic Disney villain. A lot of people try to use religion to protect their evil bidding.
It's people like Frollo that give the rest of us Christians a bad name.
Yeah. It sucks to have a bad look just because of those few rouges out there that claim to be Christian. 😑
You do not know how it makes me happy that there's not only talking about bad muslims
In the book this is even more alarming; since in Disney adaptation he is a High Judge, but in Victor Hugo's story, he is an Archdeacon, in charge of Notre Dame Cathedral... you see? He is not only shielding his guilty through religion (like in the movie), he is supposed to be a vessel of his religion teachings. The contrast of guilty and lust are in a level that I found disturbing.
Needless to say, Frollo is the best part of both, the movie and the original novel. Excellent song, kuddos to Disney!
that isn't entirely accurate- he isn't using religion to cover up actions he knows are wrong, he genuinely believes he is in the right
There is such a rich contrast between purity and impurity of the heart in these two songs. One speaking of innocent love and the other a lustful desire. It shows who is the real man and who is the monster.
The translation of the Latin and Greek verses sung by the Church chorus (for anyone curious):
1:40 to 2:18 - Latin
*Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti* ("I confess to God Almighty")
*Beatae Mariae semper Virgini* ("To the Blessed Mary ever Virgin")
*Beato Michaeli archangelo* ("To the Blessed archangel Michael")
*Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis* ("To the Holy apostles, to all the saints")
2:30 - Latin
*Et tibit Pater* ("And to you, Father")
2:41 - Latin
*Quia peccavi nimis* ("For I have sinned greatly")
2:52 - Latin
*Cogitatione* ("Thoughts")
3:04 - Latin
*Verbo et opere* ("By word and deed")
3:30, 3:32, 3:38, and 3:39 - Latin
*Mea culpa* ("It is my fault")
3:34 and 3:42 - Latin
*Mea maxima culpa* ("It is my greatest fault")
4:46, 4:52, and 4:58 - Greek
*Kyrie Eleison* ("Lord have mercy")
Scary
Quinnie Berning Mea culpa, propitius mihi.
Kal V. That's quite alright, mate, after all you're not the original artist ^^
Quinnie Berning I will not "mate" with you.
Kal V. Suit yourself
I only came to appreciate this film when I was past my teenages. It has such complex characters and emotions. Before I found it rather scary and uncomprehensible, now I see all the beautiful layers of truth in it. An adolescent/adult disney film, in many ways. Quite genius & unmatched in that respect.
Yeah?
I enjoy it too but the painfully obvious attempts at reminding people that it's a Disney film are too difficult to ignore.
Hellfire is genuinely terrifying in the most beautiful way possible.
Let's face it. This film deserved a more bad-ass sequel.
instead we got "Quasimodo get's a girl friend and fights a self gay weirdo."
I disagree. The film did not need a sequel at all. It's a brilliant stand-alone piece and that's how it should stay.
***** Yeah, I get that, and to be honest, I think the film would have been better without a sequel at all... but... let's face it, the sequel we got could have been miles better.
How 'bout this - a prequel instead, where we found out that Frollo was leading that group of monks against Chernabog on Bald Mountain (Fantasia) and being that close to such great Evil has caused him to fight and struggle against sin for years, until Esmerelda finally pushed him over the edge and caused him to go insane.
Jayden Dove I like it!
this is the most entertaining and beautiful movie about religion that ive watched so far
the Prince of Egypt was really good too
dats Catholic religion
Vegeta Saiyan Prince of Rage boners that was dream works
Myrtice Woullard, Christian and Jewish faith.
watch Jesus Christ Superstar 1973. that is amazing. spectacular
This song made me realize the idea that the film is (possibly) putting forward of how isolation effects people both good and bad ways, two songs sung by two people cut off from the rest of the world the day they met a beautiful girl. The first, is so smitten and gloriously happy that he wants to share it with the world and actually gives something he feels to be beautiful (bell ringing for all to hear). I kind of feel this may have been the reason for Quasimodo's downfall, like so many people in love he was so focused on how good she was and the notion of them being together he never braced himself for a rejection.
The second wants to take the beauty away, pick it like a flower to die in a dark room, only for himself and his lust. He feels that loving anything is the purest of evil and damnation, cursing her and himself for his thoughts, and if he cant have this beauty no one can. once again this to eventually lead to his own downfall and demise as he became fixated on her.
Then there's Phoebus, he too loves Esmerelda but has the fortune of being experienced and traveled, not only is he a good person (as shown by all the just things he did) but he has the savoir fair and wits about him that comes from travel to eventually be fortunate. I think this movie is telling us about the dangers of shutting yourself away because whether you are good or bad natured you need to be worldly wise to thrive in life and this only comes from leaving your comfort zone and exploring the unknown.
Never thought of it that way. Very nice insight :D
Well put. Quasi does at least become accepted by the outside world at the end of the movie, so there's hope for him still, even if it's not with Esmeralda specifically. :)
Very beautifully written. People can choose to either become better, good and compassionate, or become monsters.
The comparison between these two songs is amazing! :D
Yeah, and I often mishear 2:30 as "MTV par-tay".
Jake Rutigliano HAHAHAHA!!!!! 😂😂😆😆 I'm going to hear that every time, now! Oh, that is too hilarious!!
fantacylandfilms Though Hellfire is better.
I wish "Heaven's Light" was longer...so beautiful, but so short.
It drives me crazy when people talk about how "Hellfire" is so good without even mentioning "Heaven's Light". The contrast between the two is what lifts them into masterpieces
Frollo's song on how to victim blame basically
Yep.
I remember being blown away the first time I saw this scene....I cannot remember the actor's name but my god he sang this brilliantly.
Tony Jay
@@Eric_1991 Must throw a shout out to Tom Hulce for his great work as Quasi.
Frollo: "Destroy Esmeralda and let her taste the fires of Hell"
N.C. : "You know for kids!"
True!
I used to love 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' as a kid but I never really got why Frollo wanted to kill Esmeralda. Sure, I understood that he considered gipsies to be heathens but he seemed almost obsessed with Esmeralda. As an adult, I finally understood what the big deal was: he either wants to make her his personal sex slave or kill her should she dare refuse. Frollo's character seems even more insane and dangerous now than he did back then.
When I was younger, 5yo, I was convinced it was because she put him in his place at the Festival of Fools and called him a fool. When I got a little older, 10 yo, I thought he was simply in love with her, but was afraid to ask her out, and blamed himself for loving a gypsies, the folk he had always hunted. Now I understand it's a mix of those AND because he's so sexually frustrated, but blames her for making him feel that way. It's such a great pair of songs, because of the great, great contrast: Quasimodo sings about how kind and understanding she is, and loves her for her inner beauty. Frollo sings about how damn horny he is, and blames her for making his blood rush. Then there's the names that are just spot on: "Heaven's light" and "Hell's fire" (Hellfire, I know, but for the sake of my point!)
Amazing work x)
+Quindayo DK The makers of this have said that they turned to the character of Amon Goeth from Schindler's List for inspiration--a man who lusted after someone from a "forbidden" race, couldn't deal with the cognitive dissonance of it, and lashed out at her for "causing" him to have these feelings.
I know right. When I realized what it ment my brain just went 🤯
I wish this film earned more praise as The Lion King and Beauty and The Beast did. The story, the characters, the music, everything about it is just perfect. I guess it wasn't a film also aimed towards kids that's why it's so underrated...
Angela Darpinian definitely, but it think Lion King truly earned its placed above this movie
So prepare for the coup of the century
Be prepared for the murkiest scam
Meticulous planning
Tenacity spanning
Decades of denial
Is simply why I'll
Be king undisputed
Respected, saluted
And seen for the wonder I am
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared
Be prepared!
Hunchback tried to be for kids but it just isn't. It wasn't allowed to be what it truly could have been.
@@captahab6370 lion king is shit
@@joyce5292 well your pleasant… 😂
A better response is earn AS MUCH as Lion King/BeautyBeast….duh
Victor Hugo once said "music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." I wonder if he would be pleased with the amazing music his works have inspired :)
These are probably my favorite scenes. It's possibly the most relateable moments: a main character we all empathize with and a villain we all know and fear. This movie was so great because the characters were so... real, you know? Ugh this is probably the most underappreciated Disney movie out there.
I can't listen to Heaven's light without thinking "No Quasi! She's just gonna dump you!"
+LadyOfBroadway333 I really wanted him to be with Esmeralda. :( In my opinion she had more chemistry with Quasi than with Phoebus.
+LadyOfBroadway333 Maybe this movie is so underrated because of the Friendzone factor, which few kids' movies do.
+xRaineDropsx it was still better than the ending from the book
+LadyOfBroadway333 I don't see myself as attractive at all so I really can relate to Quasi.
Needless to say, it pissed me off when I saw her end up with Phoebus
Technically it's more like she friendzones him.
Omg Quasimodo's voice is so soothing and beautiful 😭😭😭😭
God, does Tony Jay (Frollo's voice actor) have a fantastic villain voice!
Funny enough, the voice actor of the guard who comes in near the end of the song also has a great villain voice. Corey Burton has voice Count Dooku in the Clone wars (both shows) and Hugo Strange in Batman: Arkham City
Tony Jay also did the voice of Shere Khan from The Jungle Book 2. Tony Jay was amazing movie actor for Disney.
I’m autistic, and “Hunchback of Notre Dame” was one of the few video tapes I’d play over and over and over again when I was growing up. Every time, and I mean EVERY TIME this song would come on, I would immediately calm down. I was 11 when I finally understood what the song was about, but even then I find it so soothing for some reason. I don’t blame anyone who was scared of “Hellfire”, I can see why. HANDS DOWN THE BEST VILLAIN SONG OF ALL TIME.
I love how the bells of notre dame motif is played in both songs, but in different tunes. Heaven’s light is played softly and in a major key, representing Quasimodo’s soft personality and his naive and (while misguided) pure idolization of Esmeralda. While in hellfire, the motif is played in a minor key. It’s powerful, dark and foreboding, representing frollo’s decline into madness, brought on by his inability to accept his human nature. He See’s Esmeralda as a temptress and a devil.
I often think what Walt would think about this film. I think he would've loved it.
He would've made it himself if he thought he could gt away with it. Walt hated that his animation studio had been stereotyped into a corner.
HEAVEN'S LIGHT LYRICS
So many times out here
I've watched a happy pair
Of lovers walking in the night
They had a kind of glow around them
It almost looked like heaven's light
I knew I'd never know
That warm and loving glow
Though I might wish with all my might
No face as hideous as my face
Was ever meant for heaven's light
But suddenly an angel has smiled at me
And kissed my cheek without a trace of fright
I dare to dream that she
Might even care for me
And as I ring these bells tonight
My cold dark tower seems so bright
I swear it must be heaven's light
HELLFIRE LYRICS
[Intro: Choir]
Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti
Beatae Mariae semper Virgini
Beato Michaeli archangelo
Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis
[Verse 1]
Beata Maria
You know I am a righteous man
Of my virtue I am justly proud
(Et tibit Pater)
Beata Maria
You know I'm so much purer than
The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd
(Quia peccavi nimis)
Then tell me, Maria
Why I see her dancing there
Why her smold'ring eyes still scorch my soul
(Cogitatione)
I feel her, I see her
The sun caught in her raven hair
Is blazing in me out of all control
(Verbo et opere)
[Chorus]
Like fire
Hellfire
This fire in my skin
This burning
Desire
Is turning me to sin
[Verse 2]
It's not my fault
(Mea culpa)
I'm not to blame
It is the gypsy girl
The witch who sent this flame
(Mea maxima culpa)
It's not my fault
(Mea culpa)
If in God's plan
(Mea culpa)
He made the devil so much
Stronger than a man
(Mea maxima culpa)
Protect me, Maria
Don't let this siren cast her spell
Don't let her fire sear my flesh and bone
Destroy Esmeralda
And let her taste the fires of hell
Or else let her be mine and mine alone
[Chorus]
Hellfire
Dark fire
Now gypsy, it's your turn
Choose me or
Your pyre
Be mine or you will burn
[Outro]
God have mercy on her
(Kyrie Eleison)
God have mercy on me
(Kyrie Eleison)
But she will be mine
Or she will burn!
confiteor deo Omnipotenti
(I confess to God Almighty)
Beatae Mariae Semper Virgini
(Blessed Mary ever virgin)
Beato Michaeli archangelo
(Blessed Michael the Archangel)
Sanctis apostolis omnibus sanctis
(To the holy apostles, to all the saints)
Et tibit Pater
(And the father trembles)
Quia peccavi nimis
(Because I have sinned too much)
Cogitatione
(Thinking)
Verbo et opere
(By the world and deed)
Mea maxima culpa
(I have failed)
Kyrie Eleison
(Lord have mercy)
Kyrie Eleison
(Lord have mercy)
@@LemonDrops_ thank you both for this
Heaven's light: Has to max out the volume
*Hellfire: IT'S TOO FUCKING LOUD!!* Oh, my volume's up, heh
AND ITS STILL NOT ENOUGH
Hellfire needs and deserves a feckin' tower of studio amps.
+MKtheinstrumentalist It needs something like the wall of subwoofers the Devil summons during Tenacious D's rock-off near the end.
"So many times out there, I've watched a happy pair of lovers walking in the night."
Man, that line just hit me in a way it never has before in all the years of listening to this song. It shows that, while Quasimodo loves Esmeralda (obviously), he recognizes love comes with physical longing and may feel that for her as well. It's a nice detail, since people with disabilities/deformities are often stereotyped as not having such yearnings.
He gets a hottie girl in a sequel so he gives inspires disabled people to get that kind of girl.
The voice of the hunchback is amazing, beautiful voice.
can't get over that drum at 4:50. :)
favorite Disney movie/villain of all time
Who knew this song would take such a literal turn?
How'd this song go from so sweet & beautiful it makes you wanna cry to so dark & creepy it makes you wanna scream
Disney magic.
i find the latin singing by the archdeacon and monks (during the transition) underrated though... carries the number along well
The part in 2:46 is sooo SOOOOO powerful, deep. When he yearns "Why I see her dancing there?" especially the word WHY is so full of emotion it even "rhymes" with cry! It sound like a spoiled child's cry and it makes me so sad alongside Frollo :(
I would have loved to have been in the room when Tony Jay was recording this.
Saaaame. Can you just imagine the intensity on his face? How he must have sounded in-person. It's a chilling but wonderful thought.
I really love this medley, because you can see the man and the monster
Quasimodo - singing about the pure love he had to Esmeralda
Frollo - singing about lust and the obsession he had to Esmeralda's body
I love the "ahhh" the chorus does starting at 3:46! 😍
Heaven's Light makes me cry every single time. I'm not gonna lie. It's just so beautiful... :')
What about hellfire
This movie had such excellent music
Listening in 2019
RIP Notre Dame. A beautiful, historic building burned today.
The instrumental part of heaven's light is literally my favorite part! There's just something about these two songs that makes them so powerful in contrast
Heaven's Light is 1 min 40 sec long. There's so much in that small window, but it bums me out to this day that such a beautiful song is so short. I need an extended version.
I WANT TO RE WATCH THIS FILM SO BADLY BUT I HAVE EXAMS DAMN EXAMS
+Keikora on Netflix now
Absolutely LOVE the transition music between these two beautiful songs!
I still can’t get over how amazing the lyrics are.
“It’s not my fault
if in God’s plan
He made the devil so much stronger than a man”
Seriously, I know this is over 20 years old at this point, but give the songwriters a raise 😂
Oh it gets even better.
As he declares 'It's not my fault!" time and again,
The choir of monks use a line from the Confíteor, (I Confess), a prayer said during Mass, as an accusation against him.
"Mea culpa! Mea culpa! Mea máxima culpa!"
"My fault! My fault! My most grievous fault!"
Their accusation cuts to the heart of Catholicism. For yes, the Devil is so much stronger than a man; that is why we call God our Father, He is our Father, we are helpless children and we must call upon Him to carry us through. When we are humble and recognize we are nothing without Him, oh how it is He loves to raise the lowly. Upon His graces that lift us up, higher and ever higher towards Him, no demons may harm us for we have died to self and put on the New Man, Christ, as Paul so wrote.
Frollo has completely disregarded the state of his soul, the root of pride blinding him completely and leading to, as we see, surrender to countless more faults and sins. We are never spiritually stagnant, but rather, moving ever closer or further from God. Something made Frollo a lost soul many years before the events of this movie, to the point he's now in this state almost entirely unrelatable as a person.
Damn, how I love the contrast between both songs, as we can see the nature of both characters
I love the duality of the songs/song titles. It creates such a contrast between the two characters that this movie does a really great job of capturing. Just like in the beginning of the movie "who is the monster and who is the man"
"Get out, you idiot!"
so i can finish my dramatic song!! "HELL FAAYAH....
Ever since I was little, "Heaven's Light' always makes me well up....and Hellfire always scares the shit out of me.
GOOSEBUMPS! GOOSEBUMPS EVERYWHERE
The music at the end of Heaven’s Light is so enchanting, sounds like a carousel!
Hellfire is literally frolo giving into his urges to sin, fighting and reasoning with his morals and good will and having a wrathful mental breakdown put into song. Theres never been a song this powerful again.
If you didn't know : "Mia culpa" means "My fault" or "My sin" or "the blame is on me". It's so awesome to hear those creatures blaming him for his own sinful desire.
+SuperSerialnumber it's supposed to represent that deep down frollo knows he's wrong and he is doing evil, but he's too arrogant and self righteous to actually admit it
bruh Quzimodos voice is angelic he took over the whole movie
The most complex disney movie and creepy villian
I have such fond memories of The Hunchback of Notre Dame because this was the one disney movie we were allowed to watch at jesus camp. I don't think any of the teachers remembered or knew just how critical of church members it was. We were also all like..4-10 years old at the time and were kinda lost on the messages and themes of the movie. Still love it years later : ]
I wonder how many parents were super uncomfortable during this scene in the movie
nah, my dad thinks is fine
Mine was awed
i really have to confess, when i watched this at the age of 10, i had no idea what it was about!
@@darkuser9992 Thats not to much of a suprise to be hoenst i mean i dident either and i was 8 or something
😈
This movie is SO UNDERRATED!!! My favourite. The music is incredible
Frollo always scared me when I was younger, but when I got older and understood what he really wanted I was terrified of him.
Having one of my friends sing Out There and another sing this back to back is absolutely amazing
This movie has been on my mind all day, thoughts and prayers are with the Parisians ❤️
I don't care what people think, this is the Number 1 Disney villain song.
Frollo in His pride ignored his flaws.
In his lust he allowed a gypsy to torment him.
In his hatred he wouldn't even acknowledge that Esmerelda was human.
In his wrath he attempted to burn down Paris to fulfill his desires.
In his arrogance he put the blame for his actions on Esmerelda, the gypsies, Satan, even God himself.
And there are so many people that are just like him. Let us pray that the Lord restrains the evil men in our world, and that their hearts will be changed.
My favorite part of this song has to start at 3:27. I only know a little Latin from high school, but I was raised Catholic. At a certain part of the Mass, the members of the congregation say "Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault." In the original Latin, that's "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa." You can hear the background Latin singers saying that very phrase as Frollo continues to deny his agency, his fault, as their singing increases in volume. He blames his lust on Esmeralda, on anyone but himself. This crescendo ends in Frollo blaming his own sin on the devil, a truly most grievous fault.
I love this song so much especially the gregorian part bridging between quasimodo and frollo part
"Minister Frollo, the gypsy's been taken."
"Find Liam Neeson."
The transition between the two songs is so good
I love the contrast between Heaven's light and hellfire
both of these songs are beautiful
Wow imagine if Disney used the word "Hell" and "devil" and any religious imagery
in any of their movies today?
Can't believe this movie was made for Children.
Truly a gem !!
This film would never get passed nowadays, or in the very least they would have to cut out/censor parts to be able to show it to kids. So lucky this was published in the 90s in all of its glory. Definitely the best Disney film :D
"nooo!!! you cant make disney movies so political !!!! its brainwashing satanism!!!"
The French version of Hellfire is a little darker, it literally has words "infernale bacchanale". Definitely not something suitable for kids :D
The chorus of this song is the main theme of the bells of Notre Dame.
I'm always amazed how everything is tied to them, even the music.
These are my favorite songs from the movie
I always love how it goes from lighthearted, sweet and romantic to dark and dramatic. I love Disney music so much.
I never understood parts of this movie when I was younger but when I got older I loved it for those things.
Such a great combination of songs. I am a lover of Hellfire as a perfect example of how a villain can still sing and be intimidating, even moreso with their song, but Heaven's Light, I feel, is a bit underrated. Not many people seem to appreciate it as the set-up for Hellfire, showing Quasimodo's equally naive and confused infatuation towards Esmerelda, and contrasting it with Frollo's knowing and vicious lust. It's a beautifully condensed character study into Quasimodo, a witless and deformed individual, berate himself for what he views as monstrous in himself as he looks up at Esmerelda in awe and putting her on a pedestal. Frollo, on the other hand, is equally dissected, praising himself for what he believes are his virtues, yet looking down on Esmerelda as a witch, yet one he is obsessed with, and attempting to bargain with a god to satisfy his own desires while hiding behind his veneer of piety.
Such a great film, with such great characters, and an absolutely incredible soundtrack.
the transition from major to minor keys is really contrasting here and it works sooo well.
1:41 Best part starts
Superb movie and music.
How ironic that both of them didn't even get the girl but lost her to someone who didn't even have to sing to her! XD
Hahahahaha! Oh goodness you killed me with that! 😂 And I have you a greatest irony; the only guy that doesn't sing to her in the movie is the only guy that doesn't love her in the book. Cause in the original book Phoebus cared nothing of Esmeralda or any woman whatsoever and he was already engaged. He was playing Esmeralda while Frollo and Quasimodo loved her each in his own way (Quasimodo loved her because he believed she could see beyond his ugliness and Frollo loved and desired her to the point of being ready to sacrifice everything for her and eventually going mad because of this)
@@katerinaaqu Not only that but Esmeralda was a complete idiot in the book. She spent almost the entire story pining after Phoebus even unto the death. She was a far cry from the strong female heroine we see in the movie. I'd say Disney made a good call in redeeming both of their characters.
@@silverstarlightproductions1292 Exactly and she even sent Quasimodo back because he hadn't waited the whole night to get Phoebus! In short she was nothing like the character here! Plus Frollo was way more tragic figure in the book! I even felt sorry for him in it!
Phoebus deserved at least one song
A song for each end of the friendzone spectrum.
My favourite song from the film. Frollo is such a hypocritical badass, but he is so awesome by being so. He is the most realistic villain from Disney, as there are many people who have done things like he had done, claiming that God wanted them to do them. The Archdeacon showed the good Christian who would stay at home and not do anything bad like Frollo did. This film can really teach people the right and wrongs of religion.
"Now Gypsie it's your turn, choose me or your fire, be mine or you will burn" when I was a kid I didn't understand what that meant but now as an adult all these years later, I can't believe what I'm hearing. Oh my goodness.
This song is positively brilliant, not just with the way it contrasts Quasimodo and Frollo, but how it contrasts Frollo and the backdrop of the Confiteor showing how far he is from what he should be. The only thing is, every time I listen to it, I'm like... how the heck did this film get a G rating? Seriously? I mean, my gosh, there are like five-year-olds watching this? Except now that I think about it, I feel like if parents were explaining what was going on, that might make it worse for little kids....
3:08 I just cant stop thinking/ singing about this part of the song, someone feels the same? There is something so twisted about this type of obsession that reallly sticks on, that is very eloquent. And very creepy...
voice of Quasimodo was amazing.
It doesn't matter when I revisit this song I will still get goosebumps all over my body (including my scalp).