The most Epic Disney film of all time

Rating: 10/10 (26 November 2006)

No matter what I try and say here it will all end the same way. "The Lion King" is the most beautiful and epic film Disney have ever made. Looking past the fact this was aimed at children (as Disney does) the story is one that could have been easily aimed at an older audience.
The plot focus' around Simba. A young lion cub destined to become king of the Pride Lands. He is happy and adventurous and can't wait to fulfil his role in the future. But things are never so rosy, especially when the clichéd evil Uncle (aka Scar) murders Simba's father, Mufasa and convinces Simba that its his fault and should run away (although Scar wants him dead just to make sure). What unfolds from this is a tale of adventure, friendship, torment, humour, love, responsibility and a full scale war to determine who will be king once and for all. Replace the lions with people and this could easily have been a 12. It's a tale that anyone can enjoy. I've loved it since i saw it in 1994 when I was 7.
The actors who star in "The Lion King" sure know how to do their job. They bring the characters to life in a way that seems special as well as real. Personally I don't think the acting has been anywhere near as perfect as this has in an animated movie. Matthew Broderick as an adult Simba especially. The way he conveys the feelings of anguish and guilt out of his character really hit home.
The soundtrack is probably one of the biggest reasons I love this film. Hans Zimmer's score fits every scene magnificently. It is what gave that feeling of an epic more than anything else. During the tragedy of Mufasa's death the score actually had tears in my eyes. OK I may have been 7 but even today i have to make an effort not to drop a tear. And the final piece where Simba heads to the peak of Pride Rock to take his place as King just had me with my jaw on the floor.
So overall. An epic masterpiece suitable for all. I'm off out now to buy the DVD and watch it again :D