That is one way to interpret it but you must remember that this movie is about a fantasy life and to me growing up yes I did want to be a mermaid but the meaning of the story is to go for what you dreamed for. For what your heart truly wants. Ariel's father did try to keep her away from him but she really wanted to be with him. Your right he could of been abusive but don't you think that his dog would be scared of him? Because if he was he would have beaten the dog. Also Eric was on a boat ride/cruise for his birthday don't you think that his wife would of been with him and if not we would of seen a ring on his finger we get a couple close ups of his hands which in fact have no ring on them. Being a sea princess is all good and grand but she would be a princess all her life with so many sisters there was no way she would rule. Unless they all proved to be unworthy with is impossible. The real world doesn't always turn out like that but a couple times it does and that's what they are trying to portray in the movie is that there is still hope. Disney gives people hope even if it is fake. Science can't explain everything. Also Ariel didn't give up everything for a guy who was hot that's called a crush, she fell inlove with him. Love at first sight. That's why she did it. Not trying to be rude just saying :)

That is one way to interpret it but you must remember that this movie is about a fantasy life and to me growing up yes I did want to be a mermaid but the meaning of the story is to go for what you dreamed for. For what your heart truly wants. Ariel's father did try to keep her away from him but she really wanted to be with him. Your right he could of been abusive but don't you think that his dog would be scared of him? Because if he was he would have beaten the dog. Also Eric was on a boat ride/cruise for his birthday don't you think that his wife would of been with him and if not we would of seen a ring on his finger we get a couple close ups of his hands which in fact have no ring on them. Being a sea princess is all good and grand but she would be a princess all her life with so many sisters there was no way she would rule. Unless they all proved to be unworthy with is impossible. The real world doesn't always turn out like that but a couple times it does and that's what they are trying to portray in the movie is that there is still hope. Disney gives people hope even if it is fake. Science can't explain everything. Also Ariel didn't give up everything for a guy who was hot that's called a crush, she fell inlove with him. Love at first sight. That's why she did it. Not trying to be rude just saying :)

Well you can check Netflix(have to pay to watch movies) or youtube(free) should have the full movie

The Secret World of Arrietty is a whimsical story of these people called "borrowers" who are very small people that borrow things that humans won't notice go missing. The main heroine of the story is the borrower Arrietty. She meets a human named Shaun which cause her move for her home to a new place because humans can never see a borrower. The main message of this film is always have courage and determination to overcome any challenge.