"Hakuna Matata!" - it means "no worries,"
Eventhough I am not a big fan of animated movies, this one! I can watch it over and over, no matter my age. The Lion King (1994) is one of the most iconic Disney animated movies. The story is not very deep or complex. It was pretty simple, yet powerful. But when it is combined with the amazing animation, cast, Music, and Soundtracks, this becomes next level. Believe me, this was in 1994.
The animation is flawless and stunning. It shares the beauty of the African landscape and wild animals. Each of the cast's voices perfectly blends with their characters and characteristics. So, after all, it's a truly marvelous experience. How else will it become a blockbuster, the highest-grossing film of 1994, an Academy Award winner, and maybe the greatest animated film ever made.?
In theaters: June 15, 1994
Directors: Rob Minkoff , Roger Allers
Screenplay by: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton
Cast: Jeremy Irons, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Music by: Hans Zimmer
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Budget: $45 million
Box office: $978.8 million
The Lion King
In the IMDB rating, out of 1.2 million users, the movie has received 8.5/10. It received two Academy Awards for Best Original Score for Hans Zimmer and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice) song as the Best Original Song. And also, three Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Original Score – Motion Picture, Best Original Song – Motion Picture, and many other awards and nominations.
The story is based on a young lion prince named Simba who is the next in line to rule the Pride Lands of Tanzania after his father, Mufasa. At the start, we see a gathering of various animals to witness the newborn son of King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi. The animals celebrated the arrival of the new prince. But King's brother, Simba's evil uncle Scar, is jealous as he would never be throned with this. So, he is jealous and plotting with hyenas.
We see the father-son relationship, and king-prince relationship nicely in the first half. Mufasa is a well-respected, wise, and brave king who protects the herd. He educated his son to be brave, about the responsibilities of a king, and the "circle of life"
Anyway, when Simba is grooming to be a great king in his father's footsteps, Scar succeeds in ascending the throne. He, with Hyenas, killed Mufasa convinced Simba that it was his fault, and fled away. Eventhough Hyenas tried to kill him, he got lucky and survived with the help of Timon and Pumbaa, who later became his new friends.
So, Scar ruled the Pride Lands, letting Hyenas to enter it. While the kingdom is gradually degrading, and without food and water, Simba lives a carefree life with his new friends. Eventhough he felt guilty, he forgot the past and lived under the motto "Hakuna Matata"/ "no worries". in far away.
But, years later, accidentally his childhood friend Nala got into the place. They got recognized and fell in love. Eventhough, Nala tried to take him home and rescue the kingdom, Simba refused at first. But then he realizes his responsibility, and his father is watching over him.
So, he returned home, and with the help of his friends and family, he defeated Scar and Hyenas. He became the king, with Nala as his queen. The Pride Land got nourished again and in the end, they continued the circle of life presenting their newborn son.
So, it was an amazing cinematic experience after all. While all the entertainment, it gives valuable lessons. Phrases like “Hakuna Matata/ no worries” and “Remember who you are” are inspiring generations. Especially the first one has become a "trend. So, give it a try guys! Worth it!
That's it for today!! Until the next time! Enjoy!
Thank you.
Best Regards!