What Is Tarzan About?
The premise of Tarzan in 260 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the heart of an untamed equatorial jungle, a world of towering canopies, restless rivers and vibrant wildlife teems with both wonder and hidden tension. The ancient rhythm of the forest is suddenly disturbed by a modern, corporate ambition that seeks to plunder its secrets for profit. This clash of primal nature and sleek technology sets the stage for a high‑octane adventure where the line between preservation and exploitation is razor‑thin.
At the center of this conflict is Tarzan, a man raised among gorillas who has learned to move through the trees with effortless grace and to speak the silent language of the wild. Though his body bears the marks of civilization, his heart beats in sync with the jungle’s pulse, granting him a unique perspective that bridges two very different worlds. Alongside him is Jane, a curious and determined explorer whose arrival introduces the promise of connection and the danger of misunderstanding. Their partnership hints at a delicate balance between discovery and respect, each learning from the other’s vastly different upbringing.
Meanwhile, the powerful Greystoke Energies corporation, led by a relentless executive, dispatches a formidable force to suppress any opposition and tap the forest’s resources. Their presence adds a menacing edge to the otherwise lush setting, turning the jungle into a contested frontier where secrecy and truth intermingle. As Tarzan and Jane navigate this encroaching threat, the story promises a blend of thrilling action, striking visuals, and an emotional exploration of identity, loyalty, and what it truly means to protect a home that is both legend and lived reality.
What Happens in Tarzan?
The complete story of Tarzan, from the first scene to the last, in 737 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In 1999, a British family with their baby son faces a tragic fate when their shipwreck leaves them stranded in Equatorial Africa. As they construct a treehouse using timber from their wrecked vessel, they appear to lead a blissful life. However, their happiness is torn apart when Sabor, a brutal leopard that escaped from a circus, attacks and kills the parents. Fortunately, the infant’s cries are heard by Kala, a compassionate gorilla voiced by Glenn Close, who comes across the baby while traversing the jungle. Kala, who has suffered a similar loss at the hands of Sabor, courageously rescues the child and manages to escape with him, leaving Sabor entangled in the ropes around the treehouse.
Kala adopts the human child, naming him Tarzan. Despite opposition from her mate Kerchak (voiced by Lance Henriksen), she lovingly raises Tarzan as her own. As he grows up, the young Tarzan, played by Tony Goldwyn, forms friendships with various animals, including Terk, Kala’s feisty niece, and Tantor, a somewhat neurotic elephant. Despite his upbringing among gorillas, Tarzan’s unique appearance sets him apart, and he is determined to prove his worth to the tribe.
Facing challenges to gain acceptance, Tarzan undertakes dangerous tasks that often backfire, such as attempting to pull a hair from an elephant’s tail, which leads to a stampede that threatens the tribe, inciting the ire of Kerchak. Kerchak harshly informs Tarzan that he can never truly belong to their family. However, with the support of Kala, who believes in his potential, Tarzan continues to strive for self-improvement, even fashioning stone tools to emulate the claws and horns of jungle creatures.
In a fateful encounter, the tribe is attacked by Sabor, resulting in Kerchak being injured while defending his family. Tarzan steps in heroically, and after a fierce battle, he kills Sabor with a spear, earning Kerchak’s reluctant respect.
Meanwhile, a group of human explorers from England arrives to study gorillas, led by the eccentric Professor Archimedes Q Porter and his daughter, Jane (voiced by Minnie Driver). When Jane accidentally strays from the group and finds herself in peril from a troop of baboons, Tarzan saves her, unveiling a deep connection between them that neither anticipated.
Despite Jane’s concern about Clayton’s gunshots disrupting the gorillas, Clayton, the group’s hunter escort, remains focused on security. As Jane and Tarzan spend time together, they discover their striking similarities, and Jane introduces him to human civilization. Terk and Tantor, the loyal friends, mischievously explore the explorers’ camp, leading to humorous misadventures.
Conflict arises when Kerchak arrives and furiously forbids Tarzan from associating with the humans. Tarzan, fiercely defending his newfound friends, argues with Kerchak about the fear of those who are different. Despite Kerchak’s warnings, Tarzan’s fascination with Jane pulls him back to the camp, where he learns to speak English and is introduced to the human way of life.
As Tarzan and Jane forge a romantic connection, Jane expresses her desire to return to England, but Tarzan pleads for her to stay. Manipulated by Clayton’s persuasion that Jane will remain only if Tarzan leads them to the gorillas, he reluctantly agrees and guides them to the nesting grounds. However, a tense confrontation ensues when Kerchak mistakenly perceives the humans as a threat, leading to a fierce conflict where Tarzan must defend his relationships and his identity.
After Kerchak’s attack on the humans results in chaos, Tarzan has to confront his own actions that led to the rift with his gorilla family. In a heart-wrenching moment, Kala helps Tarzan come to terms with his past, revealing the truth about his origins, which ultimately drives him to make a significant choice to leave with Jane.
Tragedy strikes when Clayton’s treachery is unveiled, as he captures the group to exploit the gorillas. Tarzan, aided by Terk and Tantor, springs into action to save his friends and the gorilla family from impending doom. In an ultimate confrontation, Tarzan and Clayton engage in a dramatic battle, ultimately leading to Clayton’s demise in a twist of fate.
As the dust settles, Kerchak, on his deathbed, acknowledges Tarzan as his son and embraces him as the leader of the gorilla troop. In a poignant farewell, Jane faces a choice between her former life and the jungle, and inspired by her father, she dives into the unknown, joining Tarzan for a new beginning amid the wild. Together, they cultivate a life intertwined with the heart of the jungle.
Tarzan Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Shipwreck in Equatorial Africa” to “Final Farewell and New Beginnings”. 15 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Shipwreck in Equatorial Africa
In 1999, a British family experiences a tragic shipwreck, leaving them stranded in Equatorial Africa. As they begin to construct a treehouse using timber from the wreck, their life appears idyllic at first.
When:1999 Where:Equatorial Africa
- 2
Tragedy Strikes
Their happiness is abruptly ended when Sabor, a vicious leopard that has escaped from a circus, attacks and kills the parents. In a heart-wrenching moment, their baby son cries out for help amidst the chaos.
Where:Treehouse
- 3
Kala's Rescue
Kala, a compassionate gorilla who lost her own child to Sabor, hears the infant's cries. She bravely rescues the baby from the treehouse, escaping just in time as Sabor gets entangled in ropes.
Where:Jungle
- 4
Adoption of Tarzan
Kala adopts the human child and names him Tarzan. Despite her mate Kerchak's objections, Kala raises him with love and care, trying to make him part of the gorilla family.
Where:Jungle
- 5
Growing Up Among Gorillas
As Tarzan grows, he befriends Terk, Kala's energetic niece, and Tantor, a neurotic elephant. Despite his nurturing environment, Tarzan struggles with his unique appearance and seeks acceptance from the tribe.
Where:Gorilla Troop
- 6
Challenges for Acceptance
To prove his worth, Tarzan engages in dangerous tasks, such as trying to pull a hair from an elephant's tail. However, these attempts often backfire, leading to a stampede and increasing Kerchak's disapproval.
Where:Jungle
- 7
Confrontation with Sabor
The peace of the tribe is shattered when Sabor returns to attack the gorillas. In a desperate defense, Kerchak is injured, and Tarzan steps in, ultimately defeating Sabor and earning reluctant respect from Kerchak.
Where:Gorilla Habitat
- 8
Arrival of Human Explorers
The tranquility is disrupted when a group of human explorers, led by Professor Archimedes Q Porter and his daughter Jane, arrive to observe the gorillas. Their presence raises both curiosity and conflict within the jungle.
Where:Jungle
- 9
Tarzan Saves Jane
When Jane finds herself in danger from a troop of baboons, Tarzan comes to her rescue. This moment sparks an unexpected bond between them, highlighting their mutual curiosity and connection.
Where:Jungle
- 10
Conflict with Kerchak
Kerchak confronts Tarzan, forbidding him from associating with the humans, as he fears the dangers they represent. However, Tarzan defends his friendship with Jane, illustrating his internal struggle between two worlds.
Where:Gorilla Habitat
Show the other 5 events of Tarzan Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Understanding Human Life
Despite Kerchak's warnings, Tarzan visits Jane's camp, where he learns to speak English and is introduced to human culture. This experience deepens his bond with Jane as they discover their shared similarities.
Where:Explorers' Camp
- 12
Choice Between Worlds
As Tarzan and Jane's relationship blossoms, Jane expresses her wish to return to England. Torn, Tarzan persuades her to stay, but he is later manipulated by Clayton into guiding them to the gorillas' nesting grounds.
Where:Jungle
- 13
Kerchak Misunderstands
Kerchak attacks the group of humans, mistaking them for a threat due to Tarzan's guidance. This conflict forces Tarzan to confront his loyalties as he defends his human friends against his own family.
Where:Gorilla Habitat
- 14
Clayton's Treachery
As Clayton's true intentions surface, he captures the gorillas to exploit them. Tarzan, with help from Terk and Tantor, mounts a daring rescue to save his friends and confront Clayton's betrayal.
Where:Jungle
- 15
Final Farewell and New Beginnings
In the aftermath, Kerchak acknowledges Tarzan as his son before passing away, bequeathing him the leadership of the gorilla troop. Jane makes a pivotal choice to join Tarzan in the jungle, marking their new life together.
Where:Jungle
Who Are the Main Characters in Tarzan?
4 characters, among them Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn), Kala and Jane (Minnie Driver): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn)
Played by Tony Goldwyn
Tarzan is a courageous and curious character who embodies both the innocence of childhood and the strength of a leader. His unique upbringing instills in him deep empathy for animals, yet he grapples with understanding his human heritage. Through his journey, he evolves from an outsider seeking acceptance to a confident figure ready to embrace his dual identity.
- 🦧 Explorer
- 🦁 Protector
- K
Kala
Kala is a nurturing and compassionate gorilla who becomes a mother figure to Tarzan. Her own past tragedies shape her protective instincts and drive her commitment to Tarzan's well-being. Throughout the story, Kala serves as a bridge for Tarzan between two worlds, encouraging his growth while respecting his uniqueness.
- 🦍 Caregiver
- ❤️ Strong Bond
-
Jane (Minnie Driver)
Played by Minnie Driver
Jane is a spirited and intelligent young woman who represents the allure of human civilization. Her initial curiosity about Tarzan transforms into a profound connection that challenges her to reconsider her place in the world. Her character showcases themes of love, choice, and the struggle to reconcile between two different lives.
- 👩🎓 Explorer
- 💞 Romantic
- K
Kerchak
Kerchak is the authoritative leader of the gorilla troop, struggling with notions of duty and acceptance. His harsh demeanor conceals a deep concern for his family's security and a desire for Tarzan to conform to gorilla norms. Over time, Kerchak's journey reflects the themes of acceptance, understanding, and ultimately, paternal love.
- 🦍 Authority
- ⚔️ Conflict
Where and When Is Tarzan Set?
Tarzan is set in Equatorial Africa and Jungle (Late 19th Century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Late 19th Century
The late 19th century was a time of exploration and colonial expansion, marked by interactions between European explorers and indigenous cultures. This period often saw the clash of civilizations, and the arrival of human explorers in Tarzan's life highlights both the allure and the risks of cultural encounters during this era.
Where
Equatorial Africa, Jungle
Equatorial Africa is known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforests. The jungle serves as a vibrant and dangerous backdrop for Tarzan's adventures, filled with various animal species and exotic flora. This setting profoundly influences Tarzan's identity and relationships as he navigates between the human and animal worlds.
- 🌳 Jungle
- 🦒 Wildlife
What Are the Themes of Tarzan?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity and Nature vs. Civilization.
-
01
Identity
The theme of identity is central to Tarzan's journey as he struggles to find his place between two worlds. Raised by gorillas, yet inherently human, Tarzan's quest for self-discovery drives him to confront societal norms and familial bonds. His interactions with Jane challenge his understanding of belonging and highlight the complexity of identity in a diverse world.
-
02
Nature vs. Civilization
This theme explores the contrast between the wild, untamed jungle and the encroaching forces of civilization represented by the human explorers. Tarzan embodies the harmony of nature while facing the destructive elements of human greed. His journey reflects the tension between preserving natural habitats and the inevitable influence of modern society.
What Kind of Film Is Tarzan?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A heartfelt and adventurous animated journey that balances thrilling jungle action with touching themes of found family, identity, and acceptance, culminating in a hopeful and uplifting resolution.
- adventurous
- heartfelt
- uplifting
- melancholic
- tense
- nostalgic
- found family
- identity
- man vs nature
- loss of parents
Content notes: animal death, death of parents, child endangerment, animal attack.
Quiz
How well do you remember Tarzan? Test yourself on the story.
