A Film that Animated Film Makers today should take notes from.

Rating: 10/10 (30 April 2018)

Lion King is not only an animation masterpiece but a film masterpiece overall. The technique of cinematography and visual story telling used in Lion King is some of the best seen in Film. Each scene provides a purpose to strike an emotion within you. Complimented by the outstanding soundtrack, the story can be easily told without a word being said, although the characters voice actors and dialogue is just as good. The animation is fluid and beautiful and feels life like in every frame. Lion King is easily some of Disney's best two-dimensional animation work.
The cast is charming, memorable, and their personalities never feels forced or unnecessary. Their voice actors all feel appropriate and their voices distinguish them perfectly, making them feel alive with personality. Each of the characters have their place and don't get in the way of one another with their importance to the plot. At the same time, the characters are never just there for the party. They all contribute to the overall plot and they're all likable in their own rights.
Simba, the main character, is the perfect token example of character growth and development throughout The Lion King. Simba starts a curious child and as he grows and discovers more about who he is, he becomes the hero of the story.
Nala, while the romance is not the main focus of the story, is the perfect contrast to Simba to allow him to grow and mature after his father is gone. Her character allows Simba's growth to shine and develop the pivitol theme of the story.
Scar is an amazing villain, to say the least. He sadistic, yet charming personality, and foul selfish character, makes him an excellent memorable villain.
Comedic Relief in the Lion King is perfectly done. The characters, Timon and Pumbaa, being the film's more lighthearted and comedic personalities are done with subtlety. Many times a comedic relief character can feel forced and irritating but Lion King approached these two and added more emotional depth to them. Their reactions and dialogue is appropriate to the scenario and they're much better characters for it.
While I do enjoy Lion King the most of all animated films, nothing is absolutely perfect and neither is The Lion King. Luckily, most of the cons with The Lion King are mostly nit picks.
The effects that the villain, Scar, had on Pride Rock were not shown until the end of the film. There was much build up to Scar taking over pride rock but after he had taken over he was not shown in the film for quite some time.
The third hyena character of the hyena trio, Ed, is nothing more than a stereotypical funny idiot character. He's only supposed to be "funny" because he is an idiot. This is a one-dimensional, and forgettable character.
Simba's mother, Sarabi, had very few screen time. This is a flaw in my opinion, as she was the last thread of leadership for the Pride Rock lions under scar's rule aside from Nala. It would've added more to her character and would have made her more memorable of a character.
Aside from these few nitpicks, The Lion King is absolute masterpiece and should be regarded as such. The Lion King is a film, modern animated film makers should be taking notes from.