Disney's greatest achievement

Rating: 10/10 (17 December 2006)

In the early 1990s Disney hit a revival in animation starting with The Little Mermaid, followed by the only animated best picture nominee, Beauty and the Beast, and reaching its peak in 1994. The Lion King was a marvelous achievement in animation and a worldwide phenomenon that remains to this day the greatest Disney animated film of all time.
The story is about a young lion cub, Simba, the only son of Mufasa, the king. His uncle, Scar, is jealous and greedy, and wants the throne for himself. In a Hamlet-like turn of events Scar kills Mufasa and takes over the kingdom as Simba is forced to live in exile. Simba must find his place in the world and let go of the past in order to regain the Pridelands from his evil uncle.
One of the highlights of any Disney movie is the music, and the Lion King is no different. Hans Zimmer won an Oscar for the background score, which is lively and exciting, obviously with some African influence. Tim Rice and Elton John wrote the songs. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" also won the movie an Oscar, while two other songs were nominated. The voice work is fantastic. James Earl Jones provides authority and command for the king, Mufasa. Jeremy Irons plays the perfect villain, and also gets to show off his singing chops.
The animation comes to life in a way that is not just entertainment for the kids as so many animated movies are, but a real piece of art that anyone can enjoy. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll have the time of your life watching The Lion King.