The Lion King review English version: This majestic Disney treat is an absolute delight for all generations across

Star rating:

The Lion King
Cast: James Earl Jones (Mufasa), JD McCrary / Donald Glover (Simba), Shahadi Wrigth Joseph / Beyonce Carter-Knowles (Nala), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), John Oliver (Zazu), Billy Eichner (Timon), Seth Rogen (Pumba), John Kani (Rafiki), Florence Kasumba (Shenzi)
Director: Jon Favreau
Producer: Walt Disney Pictures and Fairview Entertainment
Run time: 118 minutes

The Lion King has been an integral part of our growing up years. Ever since the animated classic released in 1994, the movie holds a special place for most of us no matter what generation we belong to. It is perhaps one of the most-loved Disney tales of all times. Now 25 years later, the makers have decided to present the same old story in a completely new and technically-enhanced package. So, the simple 2D animation has given way to a CGI photo-realistic remake.

Directed by Jon Favreau (best-remembered for 2016’s Jungle Book), this retelling using 3D animation, motion-capture, and virtual reality tools (VRT) is aimed to appeal to the Gen Next and become a part of their childhood, just the way the original had become a part of our fondest memories. With that in mind, Disney has re-served us with the most delightful treat from their menu, but comparisons are inevitable. So is this tech-advanced Lion King more appealing than the original and does it live up to the expectations? Read on to find out:

What The Lion King is all about:

Well, it’s essentially the same story with a few changes. Mufasa is the kind and just King of the Pride Lands of the African Savannahs, who instills the same sense of responsibility in his young son, Simba. Mufasa and Sarabi’s cub, Simba is the crown prince and the rightful heir to the throne of Pride Rock and the father-son share a most loving relationship. Mufasa’s trusted minister is the loyal hornbill Zazu.

Mufasa’s greedy, envious and power-hungry brother Scar with the help of Shenzi and the other hyenas plot the king’s death and succeed too. Having killed Mufasa, Scar makes Simba believe that the King had died while trying to save his son and so his death was the young cub’s fault. In that guilt, Simba is made to run away from Pride Rock. Too lazy to chase, the hyenas lie to Scar that Simba has been killed and devoured.

Simba leaves behind his mother and best friend Nala, who are falsely made to believe that Simba had died in the Wildebeest stampede at the gorge where Mufasa too had lost his life while saving him. Scar soon becomes the King of Pride Rock and lifts all the hunting rules. The luscious Pride Lands become a hunting ground of the hyenas who with their unchecked hunts soon turn the land near-barren and drive the animals away.

Time moves on. Simba having befriended Pumba (warthog) and Timon (meerkat) grows up in another part of a jungle. They believe in the philosophy of ‘Hakuna Matata’ meaning ‘no worries’.

One day he meets Nala, who has run away from the pride in search of help. She tells him all about their poor conditions back home at Pride Lands. Also, the wise Rafiki learns that Simba is still alive and seeks him out. Simba soon realises that he needs to own up the responsibility of being Mufasa’s son and claim his place in the ‘circle of life’. How he returns to face Scar and reclaim what’s rightfully his, forms the remaining story.

Yay:

The film, like the original, begins with the song celebrating the ‘circle of life’. You are instantly hooked, transported back in time. And this once it’s even more appealing with the fantastic photo-real animals, amazing visual effects and enhanced computer animation. From every strand of the animals’ fur to the dew droplet on the spider’s web, every bit of it looks unbelievably real. The film undoubtedly scores the highest in the visual effects department. Among the highlights is the stunningly shot fight scene between Scar and Simba in the climax. Mufasa’s death scene with Simba trying to wake him up is again beautifully shot and will get you all emotional. The jostle between two hyenas for personal space will leave you in splits.

Timon and Pumba together steal the thunder and lift up the story immensely. They add that much-needed touch of humour and infuse a certain liveliness. They also clearly have the funniest lines and Pumba taking on the body-shaming bullies is hilarious. So clearly, the film’s got a right mix of action, emotions, romance and comedy making it a wholesome family entertainer. It’s a tried and tested story so that clearly works again and it keeps you hooked for the entire 118 minutes.

There have been a few changes made to the narrative though not much to the story and they work in some parts. The background score and music hit all the high notes (Hans Zimmer with Elton John and Tim Rice) and you will love the renditions – some originals and others new. Beyonce’s Spirit is a new addition and gets our thumbs up. The song, I just can’t wait to be king, is an absolute delight to watch and thoroughly enjoyable. The kids will love it. Hakuna Matata, of course, is an all-time favourite!

Among the voice-overs, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Scar is especially menacing and reeks of bitterness and hatred that he felt towards Mufasa and Simba. McCrary and later Glover’s Simba, Eichner’s Timon, Seth Rogen’s Pumba and Florence Kasumba’s Shenzi, are impressive. It’s however nostalgic to hear James Earl Jones thundering as Mufasa once again.

Nay:

Inspite of the amazing 3D animation the film’s characters lack the depth of expressions that the original boasted off. We are sure even the best of technology comes with its limitations and we get a glimpse of it here. Also in some parts to see real animals speak like actual humans and not mime the animals is a teeny-weeny bit creepy. Like the scene where Mufasa falls off the edge of the rocks, you’d expect the lion to roar and not scream ‘Aaaa’ like humans, right?

Also, Zazu and Rafiki are a letdown here. Their characters lack the curve and emotional range we would’ve liked to see them have. (Psst: We liked the Hindi Zazu voiced by veteran Asrani more). Zazu’s reunion with Simba lacked emotional depth as did Rafiki’s joy on learning that he’s alive. The entire bit where he makes Simba realise his true worth lacks the same warmth that was there in the original.

CineBlitz Verdict: 

The film is a beautiful, and heart-warming, emotional story of love, loss, courage and finding one’s own path in the circle of life! The loving father-son relationship will tug at your heart-strings. A beautiful message at the core, The Lion King will appeal to all ages. A majestic leonine treat, it is an absolute delight for kids. While the original holds its forte, the retelling also comes with its own charm, making it a must-watch! So, yes, the lions will rule your hearts yet again with The Lion King.