The Lion King [G]

When he was a carefree cub and future king of the Pride Lands, Simba was framed for his father’s death and exiled by his evil uncle Scar, who sought the throne for himself. Now an adult lion, Simba returns to Pride Rock to face his uncle and his past. 

Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba. Sithi uhhm ingonyama. 

I think that there can be no doubt that this is the most moving and tear-jerking Disney film to ever grace our screens. The mixture of the amazing animation, the dramatic story, the catchy soundtrack, and the occasional bits of comic relief make The Lion King one of the most celebrated and moving Disney classics. 

Simba is a young and carefree lion cub who is also the future king of the Pride Lands. His uncle, Scar, is bitterly jealous because, with Simba around, he misses out of being King. One day, a terrible stampede occurs and Simba is framed for his father’s death and exiled by his evil uncle, Scar. Now an adult lion, Simba decides to return to Pride Rock and, with the help of his friends, faces his uncle and his past. 

AWW I LOVE THE LION KING! It’s such a moving film. I mentioned before that this would have to be Disney’s most moving movie and I firmly believe that it is so. Seriously, if it weren’t for the occasional bits of comic relief so brilliantly provided by Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, Nathan Lane, and Ernie Sabella, we would all demand to be given a box of tissues with each rental or purchase of the film. 

The basic story of the film is actually quite adult: it’s all about the murder of a king and his son has the blame placed upon by a jealous uncle who should have been king. As the cub grows up, he gains wisdom and a sense of responsibility and finally goes back home to challenge his uncle and face his demons. 

The amazing animation, musical numbers, and comic relief is what will really appeal to the kids, but for an adult, The Lion King is the most perfectly balanced animated film that brilliantly combines elements of comedy, drama, action, and musical into 85 minutes of absolute enjoyment and emotion. I cried the first time I watched this, when I was five, and I still cry now at the age of twenty-one. 

Featuring the voice talents of Matthew Broderick, Jim Cummings, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jeremy Irons, Robert Guillaume, Rowan Atkinson, Moia Kelly, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Madge Sinclair, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and featuring a brilliant soundtrack from Elton John and Tim Rice, The Lion King is a wonderful film, earning its place in The Book. Filled with amazing animation, memorable characters, comedy, drama, suspense, and romance, it’s a real Disney classic, one that is a must-have in any film buff’s collection. 

Can you feel the love tonight? The peace the evening brings. The world for once, in perfect harmony with all its living things.