Long Live the King

Rating: 10/10 (4 July 2013)

** There are pieces of summary that could be portrayed as spoilers depending on the reader **
As a kid I always enjoyed watching Disney films in the morning after waking up, in the evening before going to sleep, or anytime I had nothing to do. Most Disney movies had to do with princesses and princes falling in love, but at age six boys still had "cooties". I could never understand why a girl would want to be with a prince and live "happily ever after". The Lion King was my go to movie; it had romance but the story wasn't all about falling in love. While the future king, Simba, is just a young cub he has to face many hardships. Simba always looked up to his dad, Mufasa, trying to do what he did, so that one day he would be a great king. While still in his childhood, Simba has to battle his uncle, Scar, who is trying to takeover Pride Rock. The movie is filled with great pictures, story lines, music, and action of course.
The Lion King isn't only a great source of action but the symbolism and morals behind the story are amazing for kids to watch. Some great symbols are shown through the color, brightness, and the weather. Simba tends to be in danger in the less colorful scenes while when Simba is happy and not in danger the use of colors are bright and vibrant. At night Simba seems to learn more about himself as a king and who he has become or should have become. The weather changes many times whether it is rain, sunshine or desert hot. During the rain there is normally a sad or grieving feel. When the sun is shining no one could be happier for what is taking place around them, it is a loving care-free environment. In the desert sun is usually where Simba is lost and ends up taking a positive step forward. Without these symbols the movie would not be the same.
The songs also have great catchy tunes to stick in one's mind, so when you think about the songs you will think about the lyrics. When you think about the lyrics you are learning important parts of the movie. The best moralistic song in the movie would have to be "Hakuna Matata". Having the definition of "no worries" helps overcome what Simba has gone through and to not worry and put his past behind him. This builds a strong friendship for Simba and he grows up not having to worry about anything such as being a king.
There are many examples of action in this movie that have the audience on edge while watching. The rumbling of the ground and pounding rocks set up a great source of suspense while the action is taking place. There are three specific scenes where Simba continues to put his life in danger, whether he is battling hyenas, a stampede of wildebeests, or lions. He must find a way to protect himself and sometimes others around him.
Disney has made many movies but The Lion King is a classic and cannot be beat. Although this movie was made in 1994 it is still watched today by many children and even some adults. The Lion King will live on as one of Disney's greatest films of the twentieth century and can be enjoyed by all family members. The Lion King is king of all movies so in the famous words of Scar, "Long live the King."