Tarzan II
When one of his missteps puts his family in jeopardy, Tarzan decides they would be better off without him.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Tarzan II (2005) exhibits meticulously timed plot construction, characteristic of Brian Smith's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 12 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Tarzan struggles to fit in with his gorilla family, unable to keep up physically and causing accidents during daily activities.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 9 minutes when During a dangerous encounter, Tarzan's mistake nearly gets the family killed. Kerchak roars at him, and Tarzan overhears the gorillas questioning whether he'll ever fit in.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 18 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Tarzan makes the active choice to leave his family and journey into the dark forest to discover what he truly is, hoping to find answers about his identity., moving from reaction to action.
The Collapse moment at 54 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Tarzan discovers he's not a monster at all - the truth shatters his newfound identity. His family is in danger, and he believes he's too weak and powerless to help them., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 58 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Tarzan returns to save his family, using his unique human abilities (intelligence, creativity, tool-use) rather than trying to be a gorilla. He defeats the threat and earns Kerchak's respect., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Tarzan II's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Tarzan II against these established plot points, we can identify how Brian Smith utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Tarzan II within the adventure genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional adventure films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Bad Guys and Zoom.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Tarzan struggles to fit in with his gorilla family, unable to keep up physically and causing accidents during daily activities.
Theme
Kala tells Tarzan that being different isn't wrong, introducing the theme of self-acceptance and finding where you truly belong.
Worldbuilding
Establishing Tarzan's place in the gorilla family, his relationship with Kala, Kerchak's disappointment, and Tarzan's desperate desire to prove himself despite being different.
Disruption
During a dangerous encounter, Tarzan's mistake nearly gets the family killed. Kerchak roars at him, and Tarzan overhears the gorillas questioning whether he'll ever fit in.
Resistance
Devastated and believing himself a monster, Tarzan debates whether he should stay with his family. He wanders away from the group, wrestling with his identity.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Tarzan makes the active choice to leave his family and journey into the dark forest to discover what he truly is, hoping to find answers about his identity.
Premise
Tarzan explores his identity through adventures with Zugor, learning survival skills and trying to understand what kind of creature he is while evading Mama Gunda.
Opposition
The deception unravels as Mama Gunda intensifies her pursuit. Tarzan's false confidence is tested, and the truth about Zugor's "monster" persona begins to surface.
Collapse
Tarzan discovers he's not a monster at all - the truth shatters his newfound identity. His family is in danger, and he believes he's too weak and powerless to help them.
Crisis
Tarzan faces his darkest moment of self-doubt, believing he'll never be strong enough. He must process the loss of his false identity and find true courage within.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Tarzan returns to save his family, using his unique human abilities (intelligence, creativity, tool-use) rather than trying to be a gorilla. He defeats the threat and earns Kerchak's respect.