Disney’s latest film, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” takes viewers on a journey into the past of the beloved lion king we all know and love. As a prequel to the 2019 live-action remake of “The Lion King,” this film highlights the story of Simba’s father Mufasa and his rise to power in the Pride Lands. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the movie provides both nostalgic moments for fans of the original movie by reintroducing old characters as well as incorporating new ones.
The film follows Mufasa’s early life, focusing on how he went from being an orphaned cub to the king in “The Lion King.” It starts with Mufasa and his brother, Scar or Taka, being separated from their family after a tragic event. Raised by a monkey named Rafiki, Mufasa learns about leadership, responsibility, and what it means to protect others. Along the way, we also see Mufasa form relationships with characters like Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa, which later influence his role as a father to Simba.
The filmmakers did an excellent job of capturing the beauty of Africa. The animals’ expressions and movements were created through CGI, however, they still feel alive and full of emotion. One of the film’s most memorable moments is when Mufasa first steps into the role of king and looks over the Pride Lands, which truly highlights the power and responsibility he holds.
Junior Varrah Gramling shared her reaction on the portrayal of the animals. “I thought it [the movie] was really good and I really liked how they made the movie and [I] liked how they portrayed the animals,” Gramling said.
What stands out the most about the movie, though, is the emotional depth it adds to Mufasa’s character. In “The Lion King,” Mufasa is mostly seen as a wise and caring father. In “Mufasa: The Lion King,” we get to see his vulnerabilities and struggles as a young cub trying to figure out what it means to be a leader. The film explores themes like loss, family, and self-doubt, which add to his character and make him more relatable than just the king we see in the original.
The voice acting is another strong point in the film. Aaron Pierre and Braelyn Rankins, who voice the young Mufasa, bring a fresh energy to the character. His performance captures Mufasa’s innocence and eventual growth, making us root for him as he learns how to become the strong and compassionate leader he’s destined to be. On the other hand, Scar (Taka), voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Theo Somolu, is sweet at first, then becomes cunning and manipulative. The movie gives us more insight into why he behaves the way he does. The relationship between Mufasa and Scar (Taka) is central to the film’s plot, and it’s interesting to see how their bond, filled with love and rivalry, evolves.
The music in “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an aspect of the movie that deserves praise. While it doesn’t feature as many iconic songs as the original, the score by Lin Manuel Miranda adds a layer of emotion and excitement that complements the story perfectly. The music helps enhance moments, such as Mufasa’s coronation and his moments of self-realization, as well as his relationships. It’s clear that the filmmakers wanted to capture the magic of the original, and they succeeded in doing so without only relying on nostalgia.
Junior Lily Williams discussed her rating of the movie and who her favorite character was. “I thought it was really good, and my favorite character was Mufasa, the music was really good. I would give it five out of five, and recommend it to anyone,” Williams said.
However, while the film is enjoyable, it isn’t without its flaws. At times, the pacing felt a bit slow, especially in the first half, where the story takes its time to set up Mufasa’s backstory. For younger audiences who may be less patient, this could be a little boring. Also, although the film offers new perspectives on familiar characters, some of the plot points feel predictable, especially if you already know the story of “The Lion King.”
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a heartfelt and visually stunning prequel that offers fans a deeper look into the life of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. It brings new emotional depth to Mufasa’s backstory, with strong performances, breathtaking animation, and a solid soundtrack to back it up. Though it could have been a bit more fast-paced and original at times, the movie still stands as a worthy addition to “The Lion King.”
