The Lion King (1994) Movie Review
Growing up, we were moved by Bambi's mother's death, and now, "The Lion King" introduces us to Mufasa's demise, the father of a lion cub destined to become king. Disney animators understand that sweet cartoon characters alone can't create dreams. They weave in dark moments, scary scenes, and ancient themes, like the crime of regicide. Surprisingly serious, "The Lion King," a beautifully animated film, might be too intense for really young kids.
The Lion King Movie
This movie is part of Disney's annual media extravaganzas, following the success of "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin." Disney is reclaiming its animated feature film legacy, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney's early works like "Dumbo" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," which delved into primal fears and desires. Unlike later films that became innocuous "children's movies," these recent four animated features are true "family films," entertaining both kids and adults.
%20Movie.jpg "The Lion King (1994) Movie")
What sets "The Lion King" apart is that it's the first Disney animated feature without a pre-existing story. Instead, it draws from classical mythology, narrating the life journey of Simba, a lion cub, from birth to manhood. The film opens with "The Circble of Life," a captivating blend of music and animation depicting the animals of the African veld gathering to celebrate the birth of their future king. The adorable cub is lifted on a rock, and the creatures below hail him, creating a jungle version of a political rally.
In "The Lion King," we see a mix of animals like zebras and gazelles living together, but it skips the fact that many of them survive by eating each other. The movie walks a tightrope between fantasy and the harsh reality of the jungle. At first, we meet Simba, an innocent cub who thinks everyone adores him. However, his uncle Scar, a cunning character voiced by Jeremy Irons, becomes the villain, plotting to take over the kingdom.
Scar convinces Simba that he's to blame for the king's death, leading the little cub to exile himself. The film introduces some funny characters - Timon, a meerkat, and Pumbaa, a warthog - who become Simba's buddies during his tough times. Other colorful characters include Zazu, a hornbill, and a trio of hyenas who cause trouble.
Unlike earlier Disney films, "The Lion King" combines hand-drawn animation with computer assistance. It tackles a serious theme - a cub losing its home and feeling guilty for its father's death due to a betrayal by its uncle. The film isn't as lively as "The Little Mermaid" or "Beauty and the Beast," but it explores real issues. While some songs may not be as catchy, the movie's unexpected seriousness provides a learning experience for children, dealing with life's realities in a way that prepares them for future challenges. The story of Simba has deep roots in Greek tragedy and a touch of "Hamlet," making it both educational and entertaining.