As a child of the ’90s who grew up watching Disney classics, I can confidently say that The Lion King has held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember. Having revisited this timeless masterpiece several times over the years, I must admit that it resonates differently with me now than it did back then.
30 years since its initial release, “The Lion King” remains one of the most beloved and financially successful animated films in history. It’s undoubtedly among Disney’s finest animated productions. The film sparked multiple sequels, television shows, and a live-action adaptation that surpassed the original in box office earnings.
Even though countless films have followed since its release, nothing has quite managed to recapture the enchanting, awe-inspiring essence of The Lion King as I experienced it. It remains an unforgettable journey filled with magic, emotion, and moments that continue to resonate with me from time to time. Here are some of those moments that remain etched in my memory.
It Has One Of The Best Openings In Movie History
One fantastic movie sequence that stands out is the beginning of “The Lion King”. Even though it was created in 1994, its animation continues to impress us now. The memorable tune “The Circle of Life” adds to this masterpiece, making it feel like a standalone mini-movie. This powerful opening scene proved ideal for showcasing the film’s first trailer as well.
Jeremy Irons Is The Movie’s MVP
In every remarkable Disney animated feature, there’s an outstanding antagonist, and this certainly holds true for The Lion King. While there are many impressive voice acting performances in this film, Jeremy Irons shines as he seems to thoroughly enjoy portraying Scar. This enthusiasm translates into a performance of one of the most memorable Disney Villains of all time.
Mufasa’s Death Is Heartbreaking
Three decades on, Mufasa’s demise remains startlingly poignant. Regardless of foreknowledge, its emotional impact never wanes. Brace yourself for tears, as this moving moment is about to unfold.
Hakuna Matata Is Actually Terrible Advice
The soundtrack from “The Lion King” stands out among Disney films for its popularity, and “Hakuna Matata” remains a significant part of Disney’s repertoire since the film’s release. However, while it’s a catchy tune, the message of the song – to ignore problems as if they don’t matter – is questionable advice that contradicts the movie’s own stance on dealing with issues.
The It’s A Small World Joke Is Still Funny
Among the many individuals around the globe, it seems I’m one of the rare ones who truly cherishes “It’s A Small World”, whether referring to the ride or the tune. Yet, this affection for it doesn’t hinder my ability to appreciate a good joke.
Robert Guillaume’s Rafiki Doesn’t Get Enough Credit
In the animated film The Lion King, Rafiki might not be the first character that comes to mind as a favorite for many viewers because he has a relatively smaller role. However, it’s important to note that his significant scene stands out as one of the most memorable and impactful moments in the movie, offering a mix of deep contemplation and humor that truly sets it apart.
They Cast Matthew Broderick And Then Didn’t Let Him Sing
In an animated or live-action musical film, it’s quite usual to have various actors lend their voices to the songs instead of singing themselves. This is the case with The Lion King. Although adult Simba doesn’t sing often, his vocals in “Hakuna Matata” are supplied by another voice artist. However, this shouldn’t be taken to mean that Broderick can’t carry a tune; he has indeed won Tony Awards for his musical performances.
The Stampede Scene Is Still Incredible Animation
In its time, the movie The Lion King was produced during an era where animated films predominantly relied on hand-drawing, yet computers were also employed to handle scenes excessively challenging for human artists. One such scene demonstrating the computer’s capabilities in animation was the wildebeest stampede.
The Lion King’s Theme’s Are Actually Criticized In The Film
The Lion King is a film centered around the theme of taking accountability. Initially, Simba feels guilty for his father’s demise and flees, only to later understand that his initial decision was mistaken and returns. However, the narrative sadly underscores the notion that one’s errors are never forgotten, as Simba faces judgement even after revealing the truth about his father’s death, a disappointing portrayal of this crucial life lesson, as support is lacking during his struggle.
Grown Up Nala Is…Uncomfortable
This is…this is a lot.
I Can’t Believe They Thought Pocahontas Would Be Better Than The Lion King
Originally, Disney’s top-notch animators were occupied with the production of Pocahontas, a film that was anticipated to be a success and potentially win Best Picture. This left The Lion King in the capable hands of Disney’s lesser-known team of animators. Nowadays, it’s hard to believe this fact given how impressive The Lion King turned out to be, while Pocahontas, though not poor quality, is evidently not on par with it.
People Thought There Was An Adult Word Hidden In The Film
It’s not uncommon for animators to secretly place Easter eggs in movies, but one of the most well-known instances was misunderstood. Initially, the visual effects team embedded the letters “SFX” into a scene, but due to some viewers misinterpreting one of the letters, they thought an adult term was hidden within a Disney film. This particular shot has been revised and is no longer visible in streaming or modern Blu-ray versions.
Do People Realize Simba And Nala Are Related?
In most lion prides, you’ll typically find just one dominant male. The unusual presence of Scar in Mufasa’s pride becomes more intriguing, suggesting quite strongly that Simba and Nala are likely offspring of Mufasa.
The Dedication To Frank Wells Is Still Touching
Back in April ’94, I lost a significant figure in my gaming world – Frank Wells, the President of the Walt Disney Company, tragically passed away in a plane crash. A few months down the line, they released “The Lion King”, a movie that was dedicated to his memory. The impact Wells had on Disney’s history is something that can’t be overlooked, making the final emotional scene of that film all the more poignant for me.
I Can’t Believe They Almost Cut “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?”
In an interesting turn of events, Elton John disclosed that initially, his love ballad “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” wasn’t included in the film. He diplomatically pointed out that such a decision might not have been wise, given that every exceptional Disney movie features a memorable love song. It’s challenging to envision the movie being as captivating without this particular tune.
It’s Basically Hamlet
The Lion King, contrary to popular belief, isn’t derived from a fairy tale, yet it doesn’t claim originality either. It revolves around a king who meets an untimely end at the hands of his brother, and a son who communicates with the spirit of his father before confronting said uncle. The dramatic flow of events mirrors that of Shakespearean plays because, in fact, it is Shakespearean – its plot is derived from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet.
Dead Parents Are Normal In A Disney Movie, But Parents Being Killed Are Not
In most Disney films, it’s quite typical for the main characters to grow up without both parents, usually because one has already passed away before the story begins. However, The Lion King stands out as an exception since it depicts a parent being killed within the film itself. Bambi was the only other movie that had done this previously, but even it never showed the deceased parent on screen. This makes the emotional sequence even more impactful.
The Elephant Graveyard Is Legitimately Terrifying
Perhaps Simba felt thrilled at the prospect of exploring an elephant burial ground, yet in truth, it sends shivers down my spine. After all, who would willingly traverse a location filled with nothing but bone heaps? Such a sight is undeniably chilling and unsettling.
The Pride Lands Recovered Awfully Quickly
It’s uncertain exactly how long it took after Simba became king for his first cub to be born, but if we assume Simba and Nala didn’t wait many years to reproduce, the Pride Lands seem to have recovered from their prolonged neglect in a surprisingly short time, which might not align with typical natural processes.
The Lion King Almost Got A Spiritual Sequel
Given the massive success of The Lion King, it’s no wonder Disney tried to recreate that triumph. Initially, they planned to produce Kingdom of the Sun, an epic dramatic tale set in South America, where Sting would be solely responsible for the music instead of Elton John. Regrettably, this project disintegrated and was eventually transformed into The Emperor’s New Groove, a fantastic film, but quite different from what the original story almost became.
Elton John And The Lion King Work So Much Better Together Than They Should
In a surprising blend, a film set in Africa centered around lions and the music of Elton John might initially seem incongruous. However, they complement each other remarkably well. Although “The Circle of Life” remains the standout track, Elton John’s contribution to The Lion King is remarkable. It’s clear why the soundtrack has endured through the years.
Mufasa Is An Incredible Father
In Disney films, parents are often portrayed as either saintly or villainous characters, but Mufasa from “The Lion King” might be the most realistic and admirable Disney father. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting him as a parent, and this is evident when his son makes mistakes. Instead of being harsh or overly critical, Mufasa corrects his son while making it clear that these actions are motivated by love.
“Be Prepared” Is Terrifying
There’s nothing quite like a good Disney villain song, and The Lion King has one of the best. Jeremy Irons’ voice is just so good at sounding evil and the imagery that goes along with “Be Prepared” is just chilling, possibly more to adults than to kids.
How Many Grubs Did Simba Have To Eat?
From what we understand, it seems Simba primarily relied on grubs for sustenance during his early life. It’s remarkable if that was truly his only source of food, given lions require a significant amount to eat in the wild. One might wonder if he hunted without the help of Timon and Pumbaa. It’s unlikely they would have supported him consuming their fellow creatures.
I’m Pretty Sure Scar Is The First Disney Villain To Be Eaten Alive
In Disney films, many villains don’t make it to the end, but their deaths are often unclear, with most violent scenes occurring off-camera. While the fate of Scar is left mysterious, it can be inferred that he is devoured by hyenas, making his death one of the more graphic among Disney villain demises.
Zazu Is Unfairly Abused
In the magical world of The Lion King, I find myself deeply empathizing with a character who seems to bear an unfair brunt – it’s none other than Zazu the bird. This feathered friend is merely doing his duty, striving to uphold order and protect young Simba, yet his efforts often fall on deaf ears. If only the cub had heeded Zazu’s wise counsel, perhaps things would have taken a much more favorable turn for him. Zazu doesn’t ask for impossible tasks; his advice is always reasonable, making it all the more frustrating to see young Simba disregard him so often.
The Lion King Is So Perfect The Remake Didn’t Even Try To Improve On It
In general, many Disney live-action adaptations have slightly altered the storyline or refreshed outdated ideas for a contemporary audience. Interestingly, The Lion King remake has undergone fewer changes, which isn’t surprising given its unique position as a second attempt at adapting this classic tale. The question remains: how can one improve upon the original version in any subsequent attempts?
Why Does Nobody Realize Scar Is Evil?
Instead of suggesting Simba fabricate the truth about Scar killing Mufasa, which I find questionable, it seems odd that no one suspected foul play from the sibling harboring resentment until the matter was explicitly explained.
The Lion King Hits Differently As An Adult
Growing up, “The Lion King” was typically a coming-of-age tale about learning responsibility. Yet, as an adult, one tends to view the movie from Mufasa’s perspective. As a parent, it becomes evident that Simba’s success stems from the lessons he learned from his father. While you still shed tears, they come from a different emotional wellspring now.
It’s Weird That The Lions’ Food Bows To Them, Right?
It seems clear that “The Lion King” portrays a monarchical system. However, it does feel strange that when Simba is born, all the animals gather to honor him, aware as they are of the fact that someday he may become their predator.
The Lion King Was The High Point Of The Disney Renaissance
In the 1990s, Michael Eisner, the CEO, referred to this period as the “Disney Decade.” Notably, “The Lion King” served as the pinnacle of achievement for their animation studio during that time. While there were many more excellent films yet to be released in the Disney Renaissance, none surpassed the greatness of this particular masterpiece.
Timon And Pumbaa Are Overrated Sidekicks
I plan on expressing this: Despite my efforts, I haven’t managed to develop the same level of affection for Timon and Pumbaa that many others seem to possess. While they do bring some humor into the picture, they can also be quite irritating at times.
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2024-10-11 17:38