The Lion King (2019) -Review

‘The Lion King’ (2019) was a film that gained excitement from many across the world. It was determined to be this years box office hit, but what was it really like? Was it over hyped? Or was it better than ever?

‘The Lion King’ (2019) revisits Simba’s heart-breaking journey from a frightened cub to a lost lion returning to claim his crown. Once again, prepare a box of tissues because the tears will be rolling!

Despite the film being animated, each character portrayed had clear individualism and maintained the characterisation from the original 1994 film. Mufasa’s character embodies knowledge, power and bravery, whilst Scar reflects sin, jealousy and hate – Scar is undoubtedly the foil character that proves Mufasa to be the ideal King and greater leader. However, Scar’s venomous ambition and cunning plans lead to Mufasa’s devastating death. Simba, now left unguided and traumatised, is forced to flee under Scar’s orders to “Run and never return”.

We see Simba grow under the belief he is to blame for his father’s death, but when Nala finds him, she pleads for his help and asks him to return to confront Scar.

The film, however, could have placed more focus on the lionesses, Sarabi (Simba’s mum) and Sarafina (Nala’s mum), as their character’s appeared disconnected from the story – their minimal lines did not present their emotions, especially towards the news of Mufasa’s death and their belief that Simba had died too. Nevertheless, Sarabi does challenge Scar and Shenzi, showing her authority as Queen.

 Although the film has a cloak of darkness hanging over it, the humorous duo Timon and Pumbaa leave audiences chuckling along to their great one-liners and hilarious relationship; I must say, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner were perfect for the roles. It is also impossible to forget the lovable and loyal Zazu, who is also wonderfully funny, and Azizi and Kamari (the renamed hyenas), who are both a little goofy.

The stunning graphics and detailed animation were beautifully realistic; from dust specks to fur texture the animators brought the film to life.  We are most definitely left more emotionally connected as a result of this detail that was missing from the original; the life-like animals and breathtaking scenery will feel as though you had journeyed to Africa and were witnessing it all yourself. However, one criticism is that the movements of the mouths did not appear to match correctly with the speech and sound – then again, animal mouth’s aren’t exactly made to speak like humans.

The spectacular soundtrack assisted in powering the emotional roller-coaster with the traditional (and irresistible) ‘Hakuna Matata’ and new additions, like Beyoncé’s ‘Spirit’, which was a perfect summary of ‘The Lion King’ itself – a spiritual and powerful film that captures the heart and soul when exploring the themes of grief, self-reflection and identity.

Overall, ‘The Lion King’ was a touching and captivating masterpiece, that evoked raw emotion and captured brilliance. It was a remarkable film that had audiences applauding as the credits began to roll – and tears too. A film I would highly recommend, but would warn children that some scenes are more distressing than in the original.