The film begins with a shipwreck off the coast of Africa, leaving a young couple, their infant son, and a gorilla family stranded. The gorillas rescue the baby from the wreckage and raise him as their own, naming him Tarzan. The baby’s parents are killed by a leopard named Sabor.
As Tarzan grows up, he struggles to fit in with his gorilla family. Despite his differences, he is accepted by Kala, the gentle gorilla who becomes his adoptive mother, and Kerchak, the alpha male who is initially skeptical of him.
Years later, a group of explorers arrives in the jungle, including Jane Porter, her father Professor Archimedes Q. Porter, and their guide Clayton. Tarzan encounters them and is fascinated by their human ways, especially Jane.
Tarzan learns about his human heritage from Jane and her father and discovers that he is not truly a gorilla. He becomes torn between his loyalty to his gorilla family and his curiosity about the human world.
Meanwhile, Clayton secretly plots to capture the gorillas and sell them for profit. He manipulates Tarzan into leading him to the gorillas’ nesting grounds by promising to take him to England to see more humans like Jane.
When Tarzan realizes Clayton’s true intentions, he races back to the gorillas’ home to warn them. A fierce battle ensues between the humans and the gorillas, with Tarzan ultimately defeating Clayton and saving his family.
In the end, Tarzan chooses to remain in the jungle with his gorilla family, but Jane decides to stay with him, realizing that she belongs in the jungle too. They share a romantic kiss as the film concludes.
“Tarzan” is praised for its breathtaking animation, memorable characters, and emotional depth. It received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing over $448 million worldwide. The film’s soundtrack, featuring songs by Phil Collins, also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “You’ll Be in My Heart.”