There’s something you should know about me. I’m obsessed with analysing seemingly simple stories that are absolute masterpieces when it comes to their craftsmanship.
The Emperor’s New Groove is one of my favourite examples of this type of story.
There is so much that one can learn from this hilarious film, but here are three things that stand out:
1. You can make a very unlovable protagonist relatable if you give him a backstory. Disney does this seamlessly by giving us a glimpse of Emperor Kuzco as a baby. We are shown in those few seconds why he is the selfish, arrogant man he is: he was spoiled from day 1.
2. Humour skillfully used can go a long way to make a story unforgettable. In The Emperor’s New Groove, Disney pulls out all the stops, using quirky major characters, side characters, the story’s unique setting, slapstick, and an occasional “wink” to the audience (“How did we get here Kronk?” “I dunno. By all accounts it doesn’t make sense.”) to create humour.
3. It’s possible to communicate biblical truth in a story that never once refers to God. I don’t know whether Disney intended it or not, but the fact is that the movie’s message is very much a message that has its roots in Christianity. (I won’t say what the message is in case you haven’t seen the movie yet.)
4. (Bonus Point) Always check the label of a poison before administering it.