The film premiered in 1994 and is actually the first film I remember seeing in theaters. It was a Saturday afternoon and my Daddy and I were having a father-daughter date which meant D'Lorenzo's pizza and a movie. My movie choices were The Lion King or the non-animated PG version of The Jungle Book (more on the animated version here). I chose The Lion King (even though we had already seen it), so I guess the first theater-going movie experience I remember is seeing The Lion King for the second time. :) I'm not sure how many times I've seen the film now, but one thing is still clear: the film is one of Disney's finest.
The Lion King is loosely based on the plot of Shakespeare's Hamlet (told with a cast of lions of course). Mufasa is king of Pride Rock and the surrounding lands where he leads and cares for his pride of lions as well as all of the plants and creatures in the "circle of life" out in the savannah. His adventurous son Simba wants to be just like his dad but his adventures (with the young lioness Nala) to prove his bravery lead him into more trouble than not. Mufasa's brother, Scar, meanwhile wants to be king himself and as such unleashes a dastardly plot to kill Mufusa and Simba. (That would be the Shakespeare bit.) The after effects of this dastardly plot cause Simba to run away from home. He meets up with Timon and Pumbaa (savannah outcasts so to speak) and embraces the "Hakuna Matata" life (more on that later). His past of course catches up to him and he ultimately goes back to face it for one of the most climatic finales in all of Disney film.
The Lion King is smack in the middle of the Disney Renaissance period of film and it shows. The film is beautiful. This Disney film journey this year is definitely teaching me to appreciate the artistry of the Disney film, particularly the animation and music. I've always liked these things, but I'm also now recognizing the skill and artistry involved as well. The Lion King is gorgeously animated and sumptuously scored. It's a beautiful film. On top of all that, it also has the great story, standout songs, humor and heart that have come to define the Disney name.
The music. Oh the music! Like it's predecessors (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin), the music of The Lion King is epically amazing!! The film begins with the grandiose "Circle of Life." It is a beautiful portrait of Pride Rock and the animals who call it home. Disney animators actually researched and sketched live animals lending a depth and reality to the animated creatures we see on screen. The results are Disney greatness. Next we get to perhaps my favorite song in the film (but really how do you choose just one favorite?!): "I Just Can't Wait to Be King." A young Simba sings this colorful song filled with humor and great drums. Next up, the nefarious Scar has the musical genius of "Be Prepared." The lyrics are droll and decidedly witty with Scar telling his plans to be king to the less cerebral hyenas.
The second act of the film showcases Timon (the meerkat) and Pumbaa (the warthog) in all of their musical and comical glory. First up we have "Hakuna Matata." It means no worries, for the rest of your days. It's our problem-free. Philosophy! Hakuna Matata. 'nough said! :) "Hakuna Matata" is funny, memorable and just plain good music. Our last big musical number is the romantic "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." Even if you've never seen this film, you've probably heard Elton John's rendition of this Disney classic. In the film the song is started and finished by the dynamic duo of Timon and Pumbaa, however they are conspicuously absent for the vast majority of the song. Once again, we have a beautiful number that comes together with gorgeous animation and fantastic musicality.
The Lion King also has a colorful cast of characters. :) Comical characters include Zazu - Mufasa's majordomo and a red-billed hornbill (granted fun is made more at his expense than his own witticisms...), Rafiki (a wise baboon with unconventional communication techniques), the hyenas (Scar's bumbling henchmen), and the famous duo of Timon & Pumbaa. One of the "biggest" characters of the film is Mufasa (Simba's father). His love, leadership and sacrifice provide the heart of this film. It is through his guidance and love that Simba is able to learn from the past and step into the responsibilities that have been given to him.
The Lion King is one of Disney's finest films and a beloved part of my childhood. It was another fantastic stop on this film journey! Thanks for continuing on this journey with me!
This week I'll leave you with wise words from Rafiki:
The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.
Coming Up Next Week: Pocahontas
No comments:
Post a Comment