MUFASA: THE LION KING. Voiced by: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Billy Eichner, John Kani, Seth Rogen, Donald Glover. Directed by Barry Jenkins. Rated PG (Mild themes and violence). 118 min.
The film tells the story, through flashbacks, of a young orphaned Lion, Mufasa, who becomes friendly with Taka, a cub in line for the throne. Their friendship is tested by what happens, and they journey together through life. Pierre voices Mufasa and Taka are voiced by Pierre and Harrison Jr, respectively. The film itself is a tale of friendship that changes dramatically.
Viewers are introduced to Mufasa as a cub, and his meeting with his adoptive brother Taka (known later as Scar). The film strongly emphasises the narrative strength of the original movie, and blends live action with computer-generated imagery.
Glover voices Simba, Mufasa’s son, but the film centers itself on Mufasa in his formative years. Rafiki (JKani) and Timon (Eichner) tell about Mufasa’s past on his way to becoming the new king.
There is musical material by Elton John, Tim Rice and Lin-Manuel Miranda but the music is not really at the forefront of this film. What the film does do is raise some interesting reflections.
One of the special delights of the original theatre production of The Lion King was the awe and admiration aroused by the puppetry that produced the animal motion that viewers saw on stage. This film brilliantly produces life-like images that give narrative strength to the same story, but uses a technology that is dramatically different. The adaptation creates stunning visual spectacles to embellish the original, and it breathes another life into the recognisable characters. Cinematography for the film is outstanding.
In the movie, some members of the original cast return to reprise their original roles, including Beyoncé and Glover. The complexity of the film makes for an impressive, imaginative cinema experience. Given the film’s complex history, structure, and intersecting plotlines, and the fact that it has a definite musical heritage, there may be more to see (and hear) of The Lion King. This is not a film to tap one’s toes to, but it is a movie to greatly admire.
Disney Studios
Released 19 December 2024