The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn

Year: 1982

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Directors: Arthur Rankin, Jules Bass

AdventureDramaFantasyAnimationFamily

The last of her kind, a unicorn, must journey across a magical land to confront the dark forces of King Haggard and his schemes. Accompanied by Schmendrick, a well-meaning but flawed magician, she faces dangerous landscapes and powerful enemies in a desperate bid to save the unicorns from extinction and restore balance to the realm.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Last Unicorn (1982)

Trace every key event in The Last Unicorn (1982) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Journey Begins

A female unicorn, the last of her kind, sets out on a perilous journey to find her lost relatives. Guided by the wisdom of two hunters and a delicate butterfly, she believes a sinister creature, the Red Bull, is responsible for the disappearance of her kin.

2

Captured by Mommy Fortuna

The unicorn’s quest leads her to Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival, where she is captured and put on display. Fortuna uses illusions to hide the unicorn's true nature, placing a fake horn on her head so that the carnival-goers do not recognize her as a unicorn.

Midnight Carnival
3

Meeting Schmendrick

Inside the carnival, the unicorn befriends Schmendrick, a bumbling magician who assists Mommy Fortuna. Their bond grows, and they plan their escape from the carnival, unwittingly freeing Celaeno, an immortal harpy who has also been imprisoned.

Midnight Carnival
4

Encounter with Molly Grue

After their daring escape, the unicorn, Schmendrick, and Celaeno meet Molly Grue. Molly's experiences have left her jaded, particularly due to her unrequited love for Captain Cully, adding a layer of complexity to their new friendship as they continue their journey.

5

The Fortress of King Haggard

The trio journeys towards the seaside fortress of King Haggard, who is said to hold answers about the Red Bull and the unicorns. Tensions rise as they approach the king, and they must confront the looming threat of the beast.

King Haggard's Fortress
6

Transformation into Lady Amalthea

Upon encountering the Red Bull, Schmendrick's unpredictable magic transforms the unicorn into a mortal woman named Lady Amalthea. This change alters the dynamics of their mission, as she begins to experience human emotions and sensations for the first time.

7

Entering Haggard's Court

With the support of Schmendrick and Molly, Lady Amalthea enters King Haggard's court. Initially met with skepticism, they find themselves granted a place within the castle, with Schmendrick taken on as Haggard’s new wizard.

Haggard's Castle
8

Mabruk's Revelation

Mabruk, the previous wizard of the court, realizes Lady Amalthea's true identity as a unicorn. He angrily informs King Haggard that allowing her into his court would lead to disaster, heightening the stakes for everyone involved.

Haggard's Castle
9

Romance Blossoms

As Lady Amalthea navigates her new human life, she finds herself falling for Prince Lír. This unexpected romance complicates her quest and introduces new emotional struggles as she contemplates her identity and purpose.

10

The Trap is Set

Haggard orchestrates a trap, revealing his devious plot against the unicorn. Surrounded by danger, the group must confront not only the merciless hunter Haggard but also the terrifying Red Bull as their hopes of rescuing her kin hang in the balance.

11

Truth Revealed

In a moment of desperation, Schmendrick reveals Amalthea's true nature to Prince Lír, who unexpectedly declares his love for her. This declaration complicates Amalthea's focus on her original quest, challenging her commitment to reclaiming her kin.

12

The Battle with the Red Bull

The Red Bull, no longer deceived by Amalthea’s human guise, appears in a fury. In a chaotic confrontation, Schmendrick transforms Amalthea back into her unicorn form, reigniting her strength to challenge the beast.

13

Defeating the Red Bull

In a climactic battle, the unicorn confronts the Red Bull, ultimately driving it into the ocean. This victory not only frees the unicorns trapped by the beast but also triggers the collapse of Haggard’s castle, sealing his fate.

Ocean
14

Reviving Lír

After defeating the Red Bull, the unicorn uses her magic to revive Prince Lír, ensuring he survives the struggle. This act solidifies the bond between them, although she must soon leave to fulfill her own destiny.

15

A Bittersweet Farewell

As she prepares to leave for her woodland sanctuary, the unicorn reflects on her journey and the lessons learned about love and loss. Saying goodbye to Schmendrick and Molly, she acknowledges their vital role in her quest, knowing they helped restore her kin to freedom.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 15:03

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