I am actually viewing and re-viewing The Lion King a million times for the purpose of my university dissertation. Believe it or not, despite having watched this movie thousands of time, I am still not fed up with it. I personally think that The Lion King most certainly deserves its title as ... Read review
...am actually viewing and re-viewing The Lion King a million times for the purpose of my university dissertation. Believe it or not, despite having watched this movie thousands of time, I am still not fed up with it. I personally think that The Lion King most certainly deserves its title as one of the highest grossing movies in Disney Cinema. It is a movie that I particularly appreciate because of it clearly differs from the other Disney films that ... ...appreciated all over because of the wide rage of thematic elements that it offers, and also because of the originality in which Disney managed to convey many strong emotions and quite a few moral lessons for children.
Plot:
Mufasa is the beloved King of Prideland, and head of his pack of lions. Along with his wife, the Queen Sarabi, they are extremely proud and happy to include their first son, Simba in their midst. ... more
I am actually viewing and re-viewing The Lion King a million times for the purpose of my university dissertation. Believe it or not, despite having watched this movie thousands of time, I am still not fed up with it. I personally think that The Lion King most certainly deserves its title as one of the highest grossing movies in Disney Cinema. It is a movie that I particularly appreciate because of it clearly differs from the other Disney films that were so much in rage during that period of time when Lion King came out. I believe that this movie is also so widely appreciated all over because of the wide rage of thematic elements that it offers, and also because of the originality in which Disney managed to convey many strong emotions and quite a few moral lessons for children.
Plot: Mufasa is the beloved King of Prideland, and head of his pack of lions. Along with his wife, the Queen Sarabi, they are extremely proud and happy to include their first son, Simba in their midst. As Simba grows up, he lives a carefree, happy and sheltered life and spends his time roaming the countryside with his best friend, a little lioness called Nala. However, Mufasa jealous brother Scar is extremely angry at Simba’s birth because this means that following the death of Mufasa one day, it is Simba who will become King of Prideland, and not Scar…
Many people say that this movie contains too many dark thematic features to be considered as an “appropriate” film for children. It is true that this movie has certain dark aspects to it, with a dash of Shakespearean tragic touch (The Lion King is based off Hamlet). But I will not go to the extent of saying that it is not an appropriate film for kids since I personally do not think that children will be more engrossed in Scar’s plotting to uproot the king than in Simba’s many antics. Many of my little cousins, nieces and nephews have watched this film a lot of times and none of them got traumatized for life! In fact, I would say that this is quite an excellent film for children to watch. There are lots of moral lessons like obeying parents (and seeing what happens when they do not obey), friendship, family ties and of course, the typical good always wins over evil. I would say that Simba is quite an example for kids and adults alike: He is far from being perfect and the producers do not attempt to mask any sort of weakness in his personality.
I do think that this really help people in being able to relate to Simba, even if certain happenings in the film may be far from being what is occurring in the lives of the audience. But I think that it is quite refreshing to see one Disney character who is clearly painted with all his flaws and weaknesses. I was getting a little fed up with the pristine perfect Disney Princesses, and Simba really provides a refreshing touch in the list of Disney characters. There also is the wise madrill who often pops unexpectedly pops in the film as the voice of reason and I would personally attribute a lot of these moral lessons for kids to that particular character.
In addition, I also think that this is the movie that really introduces two characters that will simply go down in history as one of the best and funniest on-screen sidekicks in animated cinematography: Timon and Pumba. For those of you who are familiar with Hamlet, I would say that Timon and Pumba are the funny version of Rosencrantz and Guilderstern. I have never seen a funnier or more entertaining pair than these two! Timon and Pumba are quite easily my favorites in the film. I think it is truly amazing how between the two of them, they manage to introduce so much comic relief and wonderful one liners in the film. In fact, I would say that these two are the main reasons why the dark aspect of The Lion King kind of fades in the background. I tried to imagine the movie without the presence of Timon and Pumba and it did sound very bleak indeed. They are so, so entertaining and I would say that the choice of a meekrat being best friends with a warthog is quite a hilarious touch from producers!
I rather saw family ties, rather than love and romanticism at the foreground of the film. Still, there are a few romantic scenes and my favorite one is a scene with Elton John’s “Can you Feel the Love Tonight” plays in the background. I particularly love this scene because I think that the setting, the characters present, as well as the general atmosphere match marvelously well with this part in the movie. In fact, romantic scenes or not, the songs largely contribute towards my huge appreciation of The Lion King. They do provide breaks in the plot and the song also manage to depict certain characters in their true element: There is in fact a scene where Scar sings and to me, he looked genuinely evil in the film!
No one can also mention The Lion King without talking of the hyenas. Despite their portrayal as being the enemies from the very beginning of the movie, I still liked their presence in the film. I would describe the hyenas as being these sort of villains that the audience both like and dislike- they certainly form part of the dark side but they are really funny and stupid at times and they largely contribute to a lot of slapstick humor in the movie. Whoopu Goldberg depicted Shenzi, the main hyena and I think that she did an excellent job! Her tone of voice, along with her numerous hyena laughs were more than appropriate to play Shenzi
The main voice actors include: • Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Cub Simba • Matthew Broderick as Adult Simba • Jeremy Irons as Scar • Moira Kelly as Nala • Nathan Lane as Timon • Eernie Sabella as Pumba • Robert Guillaume as Rafiki DVD Bonus features: • Songs • Audio Commentary • Featurettes • Deleted Scenes
I particularly loved the audio commentary, it was not only extremely helpful for the purpose of my dissertation, but it was also extremely informative when it came to the cast information and trivia about the film.
Advantages: Excellent songs Disadvantages: Bit too much violence for very young children
This is the start of my Walt Disney Corporation series. Over the coming weeks I'm going to be moving through my collection of Disney videos, and hopefully inform and entertain along the way. :o)
**********
Back in 1993, a concept for a new film was raised in a Disney office. It was to be the story of a King's son, the rightful heir to the throne, who was exiled from the kingdom when his evil uncle killed his father. Whilst in exile he'd meet up ... ...certainly a good idea", said the suit behind the desk, "but I can't help thinking that it's been done before."
And indeed it had. You see, the Lion King is nothing more than Shakespeare's "Hamlet", with the actors dressed in animal's clothing. The parallels are there for anyone to see, right down to the young king's father reappearing to him from the dead in a dream.
But enough of this insightful nonsense. What you really want to know is, did I ...
thedeadparrot 05.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King (Animated) (Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: stunning animation, great showtunes, well written characters Disadvantages: The support cast tends to steal the show. Surely this shouldn't happen?
Alright, keep it down at the back. Yes, I’m doing a cartoon. I’m not even going to pretend it’s one of those ‘Adult’ type ones like The Simpsons, with snide references to Bill Clinton. This is truly wholesome family fun.
The Lion King won 2 Academy Awards in 1995, and even six years on, it’s easy to see why. From the breathtaking opening vistas, we follow herds of animals as they make their way across the grassland ... ...young Simba. In this society, the Lions rule the Pridelands, but they know that ruling wisely and justly is essential. All creatures are part of the circle of Life (to which there is a song dedicated.)
All is not well, however: In a career high, Jeremy Irons supplies the voice of Scar, the wicked uncle intent on taking over the Pridelands for himself. With comic support from his henchhyenas (one of whom is voiced by Whoopi Goldberg,) he steals the ...
revere 21.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King (Animated) (Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: An overall fabulous film Disadvantages: Honestly, none
The Lion King is one of Disney's real achivements. Personally, I think all of the Disney films are fantastic - all complete with fabulous characters, colourful locations and superb music, but among all of them, The Lion King truly shines.
The score is probably one of the most memorable features of the film. The powerful opening on to the christening of the future lion king, Simba, is dramatically emphasised with the astounding Circle of Life - a ... ...you rushing out to buy the soundtrack (it did me!!). Then there's Can You Feel The Love Tonight, by Elton John (as is Circle of Life) which you find yourself 'ahhhing' at two lions falling in love after being reunited after many years. A touching moment!! Disney have brought so many human qualities to the lions that you can't help becoming involved with them and believing they are real!
As well as the good characters, the remedy for any good story ...
annalouise 02.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King (Animated) (Special Edition) (DVD)
Advantages: Great story, great action Disadvantages: A bit sentimental at times
A few years ago, the Disney Studios started to lose their very sure touch where feature length animated films were concerned - I think it was around the time of 'Beauty And The Beast', when they seemed to get more concerned about the latest technology and 3D features than a good old fashioned story. Think of it - you could have 'Pocahontas' or 'Jungle Book' - which would you plump for? With me, there's really no contest, I'd go with the 'Man, man ... ...I'd gone for Ansatasia as the epitome of crap Disney, before I got told that they didn't make the thing - well, in my book they did make it but passed it off as somebody else's work - cunning fellas the Disneys!) Having said that, however, the descendants of Walt can still cut it when they really want to, as you would no doubt surmise if you were to check out 'The Lion King', as good a piece of Disney fun as there has been in many a long year - story ...
dave27 03.06.2001 (17.02.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King (Animated) (Special Edition) (DVD)
The Lion King has to be the best film ever made by Disney. As the title suggests it is about Mufasa who is the Lion King and ruler of ‘everything that the light touches.’ Things are great for Mufasa and even better at the arrival of his new son Simba. The film follows Simba growing up to find his place in the ‘great circle of life.’ This film has everything you expect from Disney with great animation especially the wilder ... ...the best thing about this film is its amazing soundtrack every single song is memorable, different and well just great.
The film starts with a sunrise and the powerful song, circle of life, which won an Oscar in 1995 for best original song by Elton John, Tim rice and Hans Zimmer. A great song and a great opening to this film. From this great beginning the film only gets better with songs like I just can’t wait to be king, Be prepared (my favourite), ...
shibby_01 25.01.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Lion King (Animated) (Special Edition) (DVD)
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Advantages: Good storyline Disadvantages: Young children must be accompanied by an adult when viewing this
The LionKing
This film is an American animated feature which was released in 1994 by Walt Disney Pictures with running time of 87 minutes. This is the highest grossing 2D animated film of all time.
Cast
King Mufasa (Lion) - James Earl Jones
Adult Simba (Lion) - Matthew Broderick
Cub Simba (Lion) - Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Scar (Lion) - Jeremy Irons
Sarabi (Lioness) - Madge Sinclair
Cub Nala (Lioness) -Niketa Calame
Adult Nala (Lioness) - Moira Kelly
Rafiki ( Mandrill) - Robert Guillame
Zazu (hornbill) - Rowan Atkinson
Timon (Meerkat) - Nathan Lane
Pumbaa (Warthog) - Ernie Sabella
Shenzi ( Hyena) - Whoopi Goldberg
Banzai (Hyena) - Cheech Marin
Ed (Hyena) - Jim Cummings
PLOT
Young Simba
The film takes place in Pride Lands of African ...
Advantages: Perfect combination of songs and characters with a captivating storyline Disadvantages: Impossible to watch without tears
As soon as The LionKing starts it captures your imagination and you are plunged into the African 'Pridelands'. The opening song is very african and sets the scene perfectly with the first song, "The circle of life", which is what the film is based on.
Dont go thinking its "just" a childrens cartoon. I found this film enchanting at the age of 5 when it was first released, but when i received the specialeditionDVD at the age of seventeen, i was still excited to watch it. It appeals to people of all ages, and though everything about Disney screams "For kids!", there are parts that adults would appreciate and understand more.
Overall the story has a very deep and meaningful storyline that perhaps children do not understand, but it still appeals to them and seems easy for them to get a basic grasp on, even if they do not have ...
Advantages: Fantastic soundtrack, Powerful story, Great characters Disadvantages: From one of the best film introductions it tails off at the end
the sceanes footage and commentary, deleted sceanes, abandoned concepts, interactive games and music videos. Now some of these you will never watch but included are some great bits of information and entertainment for any Disney or LionKing fan.
I deliberatly haven't gone into too much detail regarding the story line, for the sake of those few who do not know it. But this DVD should not be regarded as a 'kids film', whilst suitable for all of the family it does have some moving scenes and features both life and death and, more importantly, deserves to be regarded as a true classic and not just in the animated genre. ...
The adventure-filled story of Simba the Lion who is finding it difficult to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his future role as king of the jungle. Along the journey he meets many marvellous characters who help him find himself in the great circle of life.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
Walt Disney Home Video; Technicolor Distribution Services
Release date
31/10/2003
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
BED 888911
Barcode
5017188889117
Screenwriter
Cheech Marin, Whoopi Goldberg
Featured
James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg
Host
James Earl Jones
Voice
Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Cheech Marin, Jeremy Irons, Matthew Broderick, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Robert Guillaume
Languages
Main Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Bonus updated version of the film including new song The Morning Report, Commentary - 1. Rob Minkhoff, Featurette - 1. MAKING OF THE MORNING REPORT, 2. STORY JOURNEY, 3. FILM JOURNEY, 4. STAGE JOURNEY, 5. MUSIC JOURNEY, 6. ANIMAL HOURNEY, 7. DVD SOUND DESIGN, 8. ANIMAL KINGDOM, 9. ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE, 10. INTERNATIONAL RELEASE, Music Video - 1. CIRCLE OF LIFE - Circle Of Stars, 2. CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT - Elton John, 3. CIRCLE OF LIFE - Elton John, 4. HAKUNA MATATA - Jimmy Cliff featuring Lebo M, Singalong Track, Deleted Scenes, Multi-Language Clip Reel, International Sequences, Timon & Pumbaa's Virtual Safari, Character Design, Computer Animation, Production Design, Early Concepts, Game - 1. TIMON'S GRAB A GRUB, 2. PUMBAA'S SOUND SENSATIONS, 3. LION KING PERSONALITY PROFILE, Storyboard To Film Comparison, Visual Development, Stage Musical, Background Layer Assembly, EFX Animation
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1, DEHT (DTS)
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 DEHT (DTS)
Animated
Animated
Professional reviews
Review
"...THE LION KING deals with real issues....A learning experience as well as an entertainment..." (Chicago Sun-Times, p.39, 24/06/1994)
"...A hugely entertaining blend of music, fun and eye-popping thrills....A movie of exhilarating surprises..." (Rolling Stone, p.98, 14/07/1994)
"...A majestic outdoor spectacle....[With] nobly high visual and moral standards..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars..." (USA Today, p.1D, 15/06/1994)
DVD Description
Wild Africa is the setting for this animated tale of a young lion cub whose evil uncle usurps his father's crown and lets hyenas overrun the kingdom. Dodging danger and befriending some oddball characters, the cub wanders the land until the day he's ready to return. With songs by Elton John and featuring the voices of Whoopie Goldberg, Cheech Marin, James Earl Jones, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane and Jeremy Irons. Academy Awards: 2, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Elton John and Tim Rice: "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"). Academy Award Nominations: 4, including 3 for Best Original Song.
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