As per usual with Disney, the characters are the highlights of the film. Simba is one of the most underrated leading characters Disney has ever created. His character evolution from beginning to end is actually quite obvious, but it is nonetheless fascinating to watch unfold. As the film follows his journey in every stage of his life, we care deeply for Simba in each phase, feeling his pain and loss while also witnessing his triumph and glory. He is endlessly jovial throughout his childhood while uncertainly leading to determination defines his adulthood. His character is so complexly developed that when Simba finally defeats Scar and assumes the throne, you cannot help but to cry tears of joy while rising to your feet in thunderous applause. Since I just mentioned him, I will go ahead and remark that Scar is one of Disney's best villains in its history and one of my personal favorites. Jeremy Irons's performance may just be the best vocal work for a villain in the studio's history. Scar is just as witty ("I'm surrounded by idiots") as he is vile ("I killed Mufasa!"). He is the ultimate villain that you love to hate. Additionally, Scar's song, "Be Prepared," will have your heart rate rising as you tremble in fear. It is one of my favorite villain songs with some of the best and most interesting animated sequences on display as well.
Elsewhere in the character ensemble, Timon and Pumbaa are two excellent sidekicks that provide the necessary comedic relief in the final half of the film. Smiles are abundant as long as these two are gracing the screen with their presence. Plus, their musical number, "Hakuna Matata," is simply legendary. That entire sequence, highlighted by the growth of Simba while crossing the log, is a crowning achievement for Disney animation. Zazu is also afforded numerous chances to shine. One of my favorite scenes from the film is when Zazu is giving Mufasa the Morning Report. His dialogue is filled with tongue-in-cheek humor, and it is absolutely delightful. Furthermore, when Zazu serenades Scar (much to Scar's displeasure), I laugh hysterically every time. Also, Mufasa is a great character as James Earl Jones provides the perfect voice. His interactions with Simba give this film its meaning and purpose, and their relationship is the driving force behind the entire plot. Whoopi Goldberg and Cheech Martin are nice additions to the cast as Shenzi and Banzai as well.
I have already referred to The Lion King's soundtrack on a couple of occasions, and that is because it is my favorite Disney soundtrack of all-time. Elton John and Tim Rice have crafted some of the most powerfully poignant songs in the history of entertainment. "Circle of Life" will have you cheering just as much as it will have you sobbing. Its message is beyond incredible, and the way this scene is staged to open the film is quite possibly the greatest sequence in Disney history. Simba and Zazu's argumentative "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a show-stopper, allowing the animators to stretch their legs and amaze once again. Plus, it offers a chance for further character development on Simba's behalf. Scar steals the show with his diabolically commanding number, "Be Prepared." This is perfect for Scar, and the scene is perfect for this song. Jeremy Irons is sensational in this song, especially when he proclaims, "The point I must emphasize is you won't get a sniff without me!" Timon and Pumbaa's life motto, "Hakuna Matata," is a energetic and lively song that you won't soon forget. In fact, you'll probably be singing it for days upon days. Finally, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is Disney's most romantic song ever. Disney magic shines brightest in the ballad between Simba and Nala (yet another incredible character, by the way). The Lion King is known for its music, and rightfully so because this soundtrack is a masterclass in how to properly incorporate songs into the story. Also, Hans Zimmer's score is to die for. The themes he has woven throughout the film are inspired and give me chills upon every viewing. There is a reason he won an Oscar for this score, after all.
It seems as if The Lion King is filled with nothing but signature moments. I would say that this film features six signature scenes, beating Beauty and the Beast for the lead. The first one is, obviously, the "Circle of Life" opening. The film could have ended right after this scene and I would have still been amazed. Next, I would say the "Hakuna Matata" sequence is a signature moment as well. While the song is clearly awesome, I consider this a signature scene because of Simba's growth displayed in this simple song. Countless children have lost their innocence during Mufasa's death scene, making it a signature scene as well. Perhaps the most iconic of the signature sequences is when Rafiki attempts to convince Simba of his rightful place as king. Rafiki's wisdom and the changed mindset of Simba is one of the most emotionally satisfying scenes in Disney history, culminating in Mufasa reminding Simba to remember who he is. Also, The "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" sequence is stunningly beautiful in scope and lyric. Simba and Nala's relationship is front and center, and the emotional payoff is immense. The final signature scene is the climatic battle between Simba and Scar. The entire film has been leading to this moment, and when Scar is finally defeated, anyone with a soul will cheer with all their heart.
The Lion King is spectacular in every phase. Its characters are iconic, the songs are legendary, its animation is gorgeous, and the themes are extremely powerful. Decades from now, people will still be enjoying and dissecting this film for everything its worth, and its timelessness will undoubtedly prevail. It has something for everyone, and that is why it easily achieves masterpiece status.
Rating: 10/10
Historical Significance: The team assigned to work on The Lion King was considered to be Disney's "B-team," who were suppose to just keep busy while Disney's "A-team" worked on the film with the most perceived potential, Pocahontas. For instance, Alan Menken wrote the music for Pocahontas, a proven Disney veteran, while The Lion King brought in Elton John for his first crack at writing music for a Disney film. Also, The Lion King brought in first time directors Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers, while Pocahontas was helmed by Mike Gabriel, who had previously directed The Rescuers Down Under, and Eric Goldberg, who was a supervising animator for Aladdin. The final results were vastly different. While both films won two Academy Awards (Score and Original Song), The Lion King was a bonafide success critically and financially while Pocahontas was met with mixed reviews and a tepid box office. The Lion King would go on to gross over $312 million in its initial run domestically and is the second highest grossing animated film in history behind Frozen. Meanwhile, Pocahontas grossed just over $141 million in the US.
Behind the Scenes: The original version of the story did not include Scar being related to Mufasa. This is why Scar's appearance is so different from Mufasa, but as Disney began developing the story, they found that the villain would be much more intriguing if he was posing a threat from within. Furthermore, Elton John was given a special screening of the film a few weeks before the release, and to his surprise, the ballad "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" had been cut. John immediately protested and eventually convinced the filmmakers to reinstate the song into the final product. All this was after John had to convince the animators to allow Simba and Nala to sing the song, not Timon and Pumbaa like they had originally planned. In the end, John was right as "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Favorite Character: You know I am a huge fan of a nice character arc, and Simba experiences one of Disney's most well developed arcs. In a mere ninety minutes, we witness Simba's birth, adolescence, and adulthood, and we genuinely care for him every step of the way. From the moment Rafiki triumphantly lifts him above the kingdom on Pride Rock to Simba's conquest of Scar to reclaim his rightful throne, Simba is a character that we fully invest in and are never detached from. As Hans Zimmer's fantastic score swells immediately after Scar's defeat as Simba ascends Pride Rock, I have never experienced so many chills on my body. That is all made possible by the arc of this legendary character created by Disney. Sure, Timon and Pumbaa steal the show and Scar is one of Disney's best villains, but Simba is the heart and soul behind this entire film, and his life is always a wonder to behold.
Favorite Scene/Song: The iconic opening prologue featuring "Circle of Life" is one of the most powerful scenes in the history of Hollywood. Elton John and Tim Rice crafted an anthem for the ages, and the filmmakers allow this anthem to shine as the theme for the entire film. The animation in this sequence is simply superb as we are introduced to all of these classic characters in such a unique and inventive way. It is a song and scene that is generation-defining. Once you see it, you will never truly forget it. Of course, when Rafiki presents young Simba to the kingdom, an iconic moment for Disney and Hollywood was born. All in all, whenever that sun begins rising over the horizon, I know that I am about to witness yet another Disney masterpiece.Updated Ranking: Truly, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin could really be co-leaders in my book.
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Lion King
- Aladdin
- The Little Mermaid
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Peter Pan
- Cinderella
- The Jungle Book
- Sleeping Beauty
- Pinocchio
- Lady and the Tramp
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Alice in Wonderland
- Dumbo
- Bambi
- 101 Dalmatians
- The Great Mouse Detective
- Fantasia
- The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
- The AristoCats
- The Rescuers Down Under
- Fun and Fancy Free
- The Fox and the Hound
- Robin Hood
- Melody Time
- The Three Caballeros
- Saludos Amigos
- Oliver & Company
- The Rescuers
- The Sword in the Stone
- Make Mine Music
- The Black Cauldron
When we were in the fifties, I stated that the fifties were Disney's greatest decade due to the fact that you saw an expanded presence in cinema with more live action films, a concise focus on television, and the opening of Disneyland in addition to five classic animated films. However, if you were to simply talk about animation, the nineties are without question the greatest Disney decade as I believe the last few days have proven. Tomorrow, that trend will continue with the "A team" project, Pocahontas!
-Cody Fleenor
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