Any child born in the 90’s is all too familiar with the classic opening of The Lion King’s “The Circle of Life”. Any 90’s baby can pick out the song by the first line “Nants ingonyama bagithi baba” and if we don’t try chanting this confusing Zimbabwe language, we can’t help ourselves but to dramatically burst into “From the day we arrive on the planet” as the African Safari sun starts to rise … it’s almost as if we are tuned to it. This childhood classic was released in 1994 and to this day, there is no greater movie… in my opinion.

      Matthew Broderick, well known for his fantastic job playing hooky in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” stars as the main character, Simba. Simba is a lion cub, also the future king who rebels against his parents and causes issues with hyenas. Simba’s uncle, Scar, is already jealous because he doesn’t inherit the kingdom when his brother, Mufasa dies. Scar, plots to kill Mufasa and puts the guilt on Simba. Scars plan succeeds and Simba runs away believing he killed his own father. In the wilderness Simba makes two friends, Timone and Puma, who teach him everything they know… mostly things about eating grubs and farting. Simba stays and grows up with them until Nala, a childhood friend, finds Simba and convinces him to come back to the kingdom. When Simba is back, he finds that Scar has taken over and has allowed the hyena’s into the land… which was never allowed by Mufasa. The land is torn up and empty, the other animals are gone and the lionesses and hyena’s are all starving. Scar, is in agony but loves his control. To finish up the story quickly, Simba regains control of the land and becomes King.

     Throughout the movie, Simba is taught many things by Timone, and Puma, Mufasa, as well as through Rafiki, a wise old monkey. Timone and Puma always use the phrase “Hakuna Matata” which means no worries. From this phrase, Simba learns to embrace life and not worry about his past. Simba is still bothered by his past despite his fun friends and the new life he has made in the wilderness… one night Mufasa appears in the stars and tells Simba to “Remember who you are.”  Later on as Simba is still battling with himself, Rafiki appears and says “Ah yes, the past can hurt; but you can either run from it, or learn from it.”

     The Lion King was released in 1994 which means it is 22 years old. It is loved by those born in the 90’s and even still, those born in the 21st century. The Lion King is a movie with lasting effects. I was curious to see why this movie had a greater impact than most of the other movies created by Disney. According to Buzzfeed Community, there are 8 reasons The Lion King “Will always be the greatest Disney movie ever.” Besides the outstanding sound track and voice acting, there are three obvious reasons Buzzfeed uses that stood out: “It really highlights the importance of parent/child bonding,” “It teaches us friendship comes in all shapes and sizes,” and last but not least “It shows us it’s never too late to make things right.” These three reasons/lessons are something every person can benefit from no matter the age or maturity. In The Lion King we are taught these great life lessons that can be used in real life. Embrace the life you are given, don’t stress too much but always remember who you are and that you are capable of learning and changing yourself to become better and to accomplish great things. Not only does this movie give us many quotes to live by but it teaches us a greater lesson. I think the overall idea of this movie was to show children and parents alike that issues within the family unit can almost always be fixed with a little bit of encouragement as well as self-change.

     The Lion King has easily been one of my favorite childhood movies. Not only is it mine, but tons of people around the world and although my favorite part is Timone and Puma singing, everyone has different favorite parts whether it is Simba singing about how he can’t wait to be king, or the scene where Simba and Nala fall in love. “The company must maintain traditional American values while realizing the changing times of today's society” (Disney Portrayal Of Culture And Race In Film 1) No matter who the viewer is or how old, the movie all together is relatable in some way.

 

 

 

 

Works cited

"Disney Portrayal Of Culture And Race In Film." Disney  

     Portrayal Of Culture And Race In                     Film.

     Miamioh.edu, 11 Mar. 2014. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.

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Williams, Shelby. ""8 Reasons Why the Lion King Will

     Always Be the Greatest Disney Movie     Ever""

     Buzzfeed Community. Buzzfeed Community, 17 Mar.

     2015. Web. 28 Oct. 2016

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