The Lion King (1994)

Review Date: March 25th, 2022

Hi everyone, again. Since my 1st movie review received positive reception. This review will be my 2nd review on my new Movie Blog website known as Popcorn Office. However, I’m starting to get used to certain features using the Universe website builder. But I still have ways to go, before I can get the hang of it. So without further ado, let’s get down to the review.

The Lion King is a 1994 American animated musical drama film, produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 32nd film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, & the 5th animated film, produced during a period known as the Disney Renaissance.

The film takes place in a kingdom of lions in Africa, with heavy inspirations of the Bible stories of Joseph & Moses, & William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

WARNING: SPOILERS!!

In the beginning of the movie, we see a sunrise, in which everyone thinks they can hear the loud African-like sounds though. The opening sequence was none other than the Circle of Life. The animals bow to the new prince of Pride Rock, as Rafiki (Robert Guillaume) raises Simba up into the morning sky. Shortly after, Scar (Jeremy Irons) is very jealous of his older brother named Mufasa (James Earl Jones), because he (Scar) wants to be king, & plots to murder both Mufasa, & Simba. So that he can become king.

Sometime after, Simba grows up into a cub, he wants to be brave like his father (Mufasa). He also develops a friendship with Nala as well. In my opinion, lion cubs can be so adorable. But when they get bigger, & stronger. Sometimes, not so much.

Speaking of Simba’s wants & needs, Scar agrees with him. But it causes him to be in situations, that result in him being in a lot of danger. Even his father (Mufasa) was killed by him (Scar). He (Simba) was accused of murdering his own father by Scar.

Oh boy, Mufasa’s death was a tearjerker, even the audiences back in the 1994 was all crying in tears, & stuff. But I didn’t cry. I usually don’t cry during movie deaths though. 😭 This movie is also the 1st animated Disney movie to show a dead body onscreen.

After his death, he runs away. Shortly after, he bonds with both a meerkat, & a warthog named “Timon & Pumbaa”. Timon was played by Nathan Lane, & Pumbaa was played by Ernie Sabella. They tell him “Hakuna Matata”. Which means “No Worries for the Rest of your Days”. But a lot of people really hate the Hakuna Matata song, because they think it’s cringeworthy. But in my opinion, I like all Disney songs, regardless.

Time passes by, & Simba grows up to be an adult (Matthew Broderick). Then, he reunites with Nala who is also an adult as well (Moria Kelly), despite their misunderstanding since he left Pride Rock though. Sometime after the song Can you Feel the Love Tonight, & motivation from Rafiki, & Mufasa’s spirit. He returns to Pride Rock, so that he can take the rightful place as king. Nala, Timon, & Pumbaa go with him.

When they return to Pride Rock, Scar taunts Simba over his role in Mufasa’s death. But he (Scar) tells him that he killed Mufasa in front of everyone. Due to their shock, a battle ensues between the lions, & the hyenas. If this film was released today, I would give it a PG rating.

The fight between Simba & Scar was in slow-motion, because a fight between lions is usually quick. There’s a video on YouTube that was uploaded by bibleanddisneyfan that uses the same fight sequence. But in real time, instead of slow-motion. Here’s the link to it:

After their fight, Scar is defeated, & killed by the hyenas (Scar’s Minions). Shortly after, Simba becomes king, Nala becomes queen, & Rafiki presents their (Simba & Nala) newborn cub to animals at Pride Rock, thus continuing the Circle of Life.

Despite Mufasa’s death, I love everything about this movie. When my parents were together, & when they moved in. This movie (The Lion King) was the 1st movie they purchased when they were living together. They would constantly make references to the movie a lot, & the VHS tape from 1995 is now a family heirloom.

The Lion King (1994) is a fantastic masterpiece that everyone loves. But it would be strange to have someone tells us that they hated it or never saw the movie though.

OVERALL: 10/10

End of Review