The movie tells the story of Jill Young and her extraordinary bond with Joe, a giant mountain gorilla she’s sworn to protect. The main antagonist, Andre Strasser (Rade Šerbedžija), is a ruthless poacher responsible for taking the lives of Joe and Jill’s mothers. Strasser has a personal vendetta against Joe, who had bitten off his thumb and index finger. Jill’s ultimate goal is to safeguard Joe’s well-being by relocating him to a wildlife refuge where he can live in peace.

Like many classic 90s Disney films, Mighty Joe Young expertly balances humor and heart, weaving in a touch of romance. While it may not rank among my all-time favorites, I cherish the memories of this film and know I’m not alone in my nostalgia.