A Question of Values

Rating: Null/10 (4 May 2005)

While I don't deny that 'The Lion King'is well animated and has a terrific score, I believe it principally a capitalist parable. Recall the scene where Mufasa walks with Simba through the plains and explains the 'natural order of things'--where the strong prey upon the weak to maintain overall balance and perfection. "We eat the antelope, the antelope eat the grass, etc." (trickle-down effect?) And that thrilling opening scene, where all of the animals gather to witness Simba's birth. Isn't there something a little twisted about a bunch of zebras and antelopes gathering to bray joyously about the birth of yet another lion?
The lions are the heroes, and we're lead to believe that the establishment rules with an even paw. The underdogs (hyenas) are villains, and when they challenge the established order, the result is chaos and decay. Simba's decision to live the hakuna matata philosophy throws the kingdom's delicate balance out of whack. Only when power returns to the son of the old king is the land restored. The messages? Don't question the established order. It is natural and fair for the strong to take down the weak. Do your job, fulfill your function. It's best if power stays in the same hands for generation after generation. Now, this may be all well and good in the actual ecosystem of the savanna or whatever, but Disney's whole gimmick is to blur the line between animal and human, and give animals human characteristics and values.
Don't underestimate the power of these messages--children obsess over animated characters. I remember as a child fighting with my friends over who would get to play 'Cinderella' in our make-believe game. Merchandise (dolls, toys, halloween costumes, spin off books, amusement parks) reinforces the message, serving as a constant reminder.
So it's simply a question of what values you want your children to absorb. If they include: social darwinism, unquestioning defense of the status quo, and contempt for the underdog, this is the film for you. Otherwise, I would stick to muppets.