'The Lion King' - a mini-review

 BASIC INFO 

Year - 1994 

Country - the U.S 

Language - English, Zulu, Swahili, Xhosa

Company - Walt Disney Studios

Directed by - Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers

Runtime - 88 minutes

Based on - "Hamlet" (by William Shakespeare)

Age rating - U (the UK)

REVIEWER'S SCORE 

Animation - 10/10

Story - 9/10

Characters - 9/10

Sound design - 8/10

OVERALL - 9/10

Before we start...

I just wanted to say: thank you to a friend of mine who gave me constructive criticism regarding my previous mini-reviews. It means a lot to me. You're one of the best friends I could have asked for. :) Even if my life isn't always that colourful.

FINAL THOUGHTS: 

I can't say I blame myself for being so engrossed in this film, whether as a young girl or a fully-grown woman. I also don't care what others think about it, I will never forget how good The Lion King trilogy is as a whole. But I'm going to focus on the first movie in particular for purposes of this review. 

With an array of catchy musical numbers, gorgeous animation, loveable characters - like Simba; Timon and Nala, great comedy, a gripping story, memorable quotes and catchphares (Hakuna Matata, anyone?) and one of the better Disney villains - Scar, this film has rightfully  made its way into my memory and my heart.

Another important thing to note is that The Lion King draws heavy influence from Shakespearian plays, namely, Hamlet, which its story is based on. There are also some powerful moral lessons for both children and adults - one: our desires can corrupt us (as reflected in the characters of Scar and his henchmen, the three hyenas - Shenzi, Banzai and Ed), and two - running away from our past will not make our problems disappear, but can actually make them worse (illustrated by Simba, when he ran away from the Pridelands after Mufasa's tragic fate, later to be found and adopted by Timon and Pumbaa and discover the truth about himself as an adult). 

I also adore the romance between Simba and Nala. Some say it happened too quickly, but still, I find these two adorable together, be it as cubs or fully-grown lions, and wanted them to have their happily-ever-after. 

Oh, and the final battle between Scar's army and the Pridelanders is just epic. 

In conclusion, a great movie with a masterfully made soundtrack. 

Before we go ...

Thanks for taking your time to read this 'mini-review'. And stay tuned for the next one, where I'll talk about a certain cartoon series featuring... talking cars. 

Love,

         your Diva ❤