An absolute classic

Rating: 10/10 (8 July 2009)

This was Disney's B-movie production. The studio was convinced that the following year's "Pocahontas" was going to rake in the cash and the praise. However, armed with a story lifted from "Hamlet" and some of the all-time great Disney songs, "The Lion King" became the last great film to come out of Disney's hand-drawn animations, and the last in a golden era which included "Aladdin" and "Beauty and the Beast". The young generation who grew up with this film have a level of affection for it that very few films have achieved. Their parents have a similar fondness for it. Now, some years on, that young generation can appreciate it as a family film once more with their children, but can also appreciate the superior level of craft which is in this film.
From the breathtaking opening, the power of the songs is immediately apparent. "The Circle of Life" with the sun breaking across the plain is striking and iconic, for parent and child alike. The energy of "I just can't wait to be king" is contrasted with the scheming moodiness of "Be Prepared". "Hakuna Matata" is still adored and is delightfully witty (it has the most intelligent fart joke ever) and "Can you feel the love tonight?" is up there with "Beauty and the Beast" in the pantheon of great Disney love songs.
The songs complement a story which is simple, effective and daring. Like many of the best Disney films, there is darkness here that the young viewer can deal with but gives the film added depth. The death of Mufasa can still bring the butchest teenager to tears. However, there is also a wealth of humour which ranges from intelligent and witty to absurd and hilarious ("What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?"). Also, this is a proper story. The trials of Simba are thoroughly engaging and the world he finds himself in is richly populated by entertaining characters. The stand outs are the comic Timon and Pumbaa and Jeremy Irons's deliciously voiced villain, Scar ("I'm surrounded by idiots.").
The film is also a fine example of technical class. It looks stunning – one of Disney's most beautifully drawn films – has a fine score by Hans Zimmer to accompany the award winning songs and was a major step forward in CG effects – the thrilling stampede sequence being almost entirely created in computers.
This was a generation defining film, far superior and far more successful than "Pocahontas" (the VHS was the highest seller of all time). It was and is adored by millions. It has been somewhat forgotten, particularly after the advent of CG animation two years later with the magnificent "Toy Story". This film, however, deserves better as it is an undoubted classic to be enjoyed by young and old alike.