Disney's first animated film with an original storyline

The Lion King, Disney's first animated film with an original storyline, was an incredible success. In 1994, families emerged from movie theaters humming catchy songs with witty lyrics, composed by Hans Zimmer. With a $45 million budget, Directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff brought the lovable but flawed protagonist Simba, voiced by Matthew Boderick, to life with bold, colorful animation and one-of-a-kind supporting characters like Rafiki, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa.

The movie opens with a powerful scene that is visually striking and musically brilliant as the theme of the circle of life is introduced. The entire animal kingdom of the Pride Lands bows down to newborn prince Simba, heir to the throne, held high to the sky in Rafikis outstretched arms. It is soon apparent that Simbas uncle, Scar, who is too witty to completely loathe, resents this as it is Scars deepest desire to be king. Young Simba is playful, cocky, and desperate to prove himself to be as fearless as his father, Mufasa, the king of Pride Rock. However, when Mufasa is killed by a scheme of Scars, Simba runs away instead of facing his fears, prodded by his uncle, who claims it is Simbas fault that Mufasa died.

When Simba finally can run no more, he collapses in a desert near a jungle, where Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog bring him water and decide to take him under their wing. As Simba grows into adulthood, it is clear their carefree hakuna matata attitude keeps Simba from facing his past and discourages him from deep thoughts or responsibility. The audience nods their heads and taps their feet to this movement evoking song, a needed relief after the tragedy of the previous scene.

Meanwhile, Scar has taken over Pride Rock, where everything is quickly going to ruin under his rule. When Simbas childhood best friend, Nala, finds him as she is searching for help, she is disappointed to find that Simba is not the brave lion she once knew. Rafiki, the eccentric but wise mandrill, comes to Simba to convince him to return also, and leads him to a body of water. When Simba sees his father in his own reflection, Simba realizes he still longs to make his father proud and continue his great legacy. The voice of Mufasa echoes across the savanna, urging, Remember who you are. Simba returns to Pride Rock with his friends to claim his rightful place as king.

Predictably, Scar refuses to step down from the throne, forcing Simba to fight him. Eventually, Simba overtakes Scar but has too much goodness in him to kill his uncle. Scars own hyena henchmen turn against him, and flourishing life returns to the Pride Lands under Simbas rule. The circle of life is completed with the birth of Simbas own cub. Full of humor and unforgettable songs, The Lion King stresses the importance of relationships with friends and family, the importance of respect for others, the importance good leadership, and the importance of righting wrongs, no matter how painful the process may be.

Critics praised the film for being beautifully animated and fun, but thought the darker themes of death, guilt, and redemption were more fitting for adults. Scars marching hyenas that allude to the Nazi army, and his calculated murder of his own brother is undeniably hair-raising, especially when paired with dramatic music intended to incite fear. Now that I’m older, I can certainly see the depth of the movies moral lessons. However, as a child, I cried over Mufasas death until the next upbeat song of Hakuna Matata, but was in no other way disturbed. Because of this, The Lion King is a film that can be appreciated by all ages; not just in its mature themes, but in its brilliant music and lyrics and superb, hand-drawn animation.

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