Movie Review: The Lion King (1994)

By the early 1990s, it was clear that Disney Animation was back to its former glory. Disney movies were grander, more ambitious in scale and just way better than ever before. And no movie highlights the Disney Renaissance better than The Lion King, still considered the pinnacle not just of 90s Disney Animation, but Disney Animation as a whole.

Released in the summer of 1994, The Lion King was an unprecedented international success, resonating with viewers and grossing more than $700 million at the global box office- unheard of for an animated film. While a growing economy and resulting inflation has led to the film being overtaken by movies such as Pixar's Finding Nemo and DreamWorks' Shrek franchise, The Lion King still holds the record for all-time highest grossing hand drawn film- a title that will probably never be broken thanks to the apparent death of traditional animation.

The Lion King continued its domination not just in cinemas but also on the home video market, becoming one of the highest selling home video titles of all time and being re-released numerous times on VHS, DVD and most recently, Blu-ray. The movie has spawned two direct to video sequels- The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, and, because everyone demanded it,  The Lion King 1 1/2: Hakuna Matata.

Nearly nineteen years later, The Lion King remains as popular as ever. The recent theatrical 3D re-release grossed almost $200 million globally. Why does this movie continue to win hearts around the world? Simply put: because it's just plain good.

If you don't recognize this iconic image, watch the movie now.

 The story, a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, tells the story of Simba, a lion cub who, well, "Just Can't Wait To Be King". Simba's father, Mufasa, is king of Pride Rock (and of lions in general). The father-son relationship is beautifully established, with Mufasa guiding and teaching Simba the nature of the great "Circle of Life". Tragedy enters the scene when Mufasa's brother Scar attempts to overthrow him and usurp the throne, compelling Simba to flee. Simba meets new friends, the hilarious duo Timon and Pumbaa, who teach him the importance of "Hakuna Matata" (No Worries). But soon it is up to Simba to realize his true purpose, face his past, and take his father's place as rightful king.

Anyone who has not seen The Lion King might assume that this is another "talking animal" movie (which are dime a dozen these days). On watching the movie, however, you realize that this movie plays out very much like a human drama. Universal emotions and themes surface, like ambition, guilt, betrayal, acceptance, and even death. Themes in this movie are definitely dark, but handled with such finesse that on the whole, it's a movie for everyone- not just little kids, not just mature adults. Everyone will find something to take away from it- something of a rarity with animated films of the 2010s.

Just Can't Wait!

 The standout of The Lion King is the music. Impeccably crafted songs and music that reverberates the sounds of the African savannah find their home in this musical. Music legends Elton John and Tim Rice deliver epic tune after another, from the grand opener "Circle of Life" to the sublime "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" (which won the Oscar for Best Original Song). All five songs are bonafide musical masterpieces. Hans Zimmer's score is equally great. Every note, every beat reflects the raw, exotic sounds of Africa, with a genuine African chorus to boot. The music in The Lion King lends perfectly to the visuals and story, giving the movie "instant classic" status (This is one case where I can urge my readers to buy the soundtrack as well as the movie).

"Precisely", Scar.

 Characters are well crafted, but their emotions and actions even more so. Like I earlier mentioned, the movie plays out much like a human drama. The darkness of The Lion King is balanced perfectly with the humor. The meerkat-warthog duo, Timon and Pumbaa serve up tasteful and memorable humor, sure to give laughs even after repeat viewings. Timon and Pumbaa don't just exist to make us laugh, though. They're an important part of the story, giving Simba a different perspective on life. More laughs are supplied by Shenzi, Banzai and Ed, the hyena trio that serve Scar.   Other supporting characters like Zazu the hornbill, and Rafiki the baboon and Simba's friend and romantic interest Nala all have moments. Simba's father Mufasa acts as the "greater power", something good against which all evil and injustice can be compared. Simba and Mufasa's relationship is the foundation of the story- as well as what drives it.

The father-son relationship is the core of the story

 The central focus of the story, though is Simba. Simba is immediately likeable and relatable at the same time. His journey from childhood to maturity is something we all can relate too. Like many of us, Simba loses his way, makes wrong decisions, realizes his mistakes and sets things right. Goes without saying that messages shine brightly in this movie.

Which brings me to the animation. Released halfway through the famous "Disney Renaissance" (and often considered the peak), The Lion King boasts some of the best hand-drawn animation to emerge from Disney. Colors are vibrant and nature-inspired, with oranges, greens and blues everywhere. Character designs are classy and human-like, while still maintaining the fun anthropomorphic flair expected by Disney. There are just too many standout sequences in the movie- the opening sequence, the "Just Can't Wait to Be King" and "Be Prepared" musical numbers, and of course, the awe-inspiring "wildebeest charge" sequence, where thousands of computer-rendered wildebeest charge down a dusty slope. See it to believe it.

Another famous scene- remember this one?

The Lion King is a brilliant film and a pure testament to the power of great storytelling. I simply can't find a single flaw in this one. This is one movie where everything comes together perfectly and the end result is something majestic and epic. A great story, rousing emotion, classic music, fun characters and outstanding animation make this one of the greatest Disney animated films, and one that still stands tall nearly twenty years later.

RATING: ★★★★★

Buy The Lion King on Blu-ray: Amazon

More Disney Classics Reviews:  *Frozen
                                                      *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
                                                    *Cinderella  
                                                    *Peter Pan  
                                                    *Mulan  
                                                    *Wreck-It Ralph