Written by Irene Mecchi And Jonathan Roberts And Linda Woolverton
Directed by Roger Allers And Rob Minkoff
Simba: "Oh, I just can't wait to be King."
It's been a good thirty years since the release of this movie. In that time we've had straight to DVD sequels/prequels, a live action reboot (on my list to review this month) and a live action prequel also about to hit cinemas this month. Okay, not a unique situation for a Disney movie.
Anyways, this movie was something I loved as a child and every single often, I find myself coming back to as an adult. The movie itself opened with the birth of Simba (Matthew Broderick/Jonathan Taylor Thomas) with both parents Mufasa (James Earl Jones) and Sarabi (Madge Sinclair) being proud of their new addition.
Of course Simba's a bit of a boisterous cub, causing exasperation to his father's majordomo Zazu (Rowan Atkinson) but also Simba had a friend and future mate with fellow cub Nala (Moira Kelly/Niketa Calame). Yes,Simba had a flair for mischief and an uncle named Scar (Jeremy Irons) who was more than eager to use that to his advantage.
Now we've seen Disney villains being mean and murderous all the time but for some reason, when it's Scar, it felt that bit worse. Recruiting hyenas Shenzi (Whoopi Goldberg), Banzai (Cheech Marin) and Ed (Jim Cummings) to help kill Mufasa along with also trying to get rid of Simba. Yes, Scar felt that tiny bit more evil than other villains when in reality he's about the same.
Of course it does boil down to the performance and the calculated way in which Scar made Simba believe that the latter was responsible for Mufasa's death. Simba's long exile did result in his friendships with Pumbaa (Ernie Sambella) and Timon (Nathan Lane) and those two are the absolute best friends anyone can have in a Disney movie.
Speaking of Scar, that confrontation between him and the adult Simba as the latter reclaims the pride that Scar took over and diminished was the best part of the movie. Scar's comeuppance was suitably dark, even with the movie ending on a brighter note with a new generation born into the pride.
- A character I liked a lot in this movie was Rafiki (Robert Guillaume), the Shaman of the Pride Lands.
- One of the few Disney movies ot based on an adaptation of sorts.
- Standout music: Circle of Life, I Just Can't Wait to Be King, Be Prepared, Hakuna Matata, and Can You Feel the Love Tonight.
- Chronology: An unspecified time in the Pride Lands of Tanzania.
The Lion King would definitely be in my Top 5 of all time Disney movies. It's just a joy to watch from start to finish with a sympathetic young lead, a fantastically camp and menacing villain, great supporting characters and memorable songs. What more could you want?
Rating: 9 out of 10
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