The Lion King

The Lion King - Induction Project 

To pick something for this task was easy, as my thoughts went straight to "The Lion King" as soon as I heard I had to write about my favourite film. Whether this is because i'm a massive Disney fan, or whether I'm just obsessed with this film I'm not sure but the point is The Lion King is a film I have watched over and over again, which is funny as it actually came out two years before I was born in 1994! I remember the first time I ever watched it was when my dad bought this American animated film for me on video and my five year old eyes lit up with joy from the moment he pressed play. The opening scene of this film, for me, is one of my favourite parts. It's where you find out the roles of Mufasa and his wife, and of course Simba has just been born.  The thing that makes this scene most memorable to me would have to be hands down the music.. "The Circle Of Life" is a song which I think everybody I know is familiar with, it's just such a perfect fit for the scene. I think the directors Roger Allers and Rob Mink made an excellent choice with the backing track selection here. 

 

Another thing that makes me adore The Lion King is the musical aspect to it. I think the songs in this really brighten up the film for funny, entertaining scenes and intensify more darker scenes. Whether it be a happy song like Timone and Pumbas "Hakuna Matata" or a song meant to portray evil like Scars "..Be Prepared" all songs in this film tell the story well, without over cr unrelevant owding it with too many songs.  l I also think Jason Weaver did a great job for doing Simbas voice over in the song "I just can't wait to be king." This is my favourite song, both for the voice talent in it and I think the way Simba is acting rebellious and is excited to be king is adorable, which is made also humorous by the way ZaZu is trying to teach him how to be king  and struggling to get him to pay attention throughout  the whole song.  

A good film, to me, is a film that has some kind of emotional impact on me. Whether that be happy or sad it has to make me feel something and this film certainly delivers this. Slightly embarrassing but I'll admit it anyway, the scene where Mufasa dies trying to save Simba due to Scar's plot always has me in tears.. To me it's sad as Mufasas character is portrayed as a good spirited king, who was just trying to protect his son and has always done a good job protecting his land and he did not deserve to die. The way Simba reacts to his death is also really sad, as he almost can't believe it and obviously still needs his dad as he's very naive and believes Scar's lies. 

 

This film really is a must see, It has made $951 million worldwide (as of 2011) and is the highest grossing 2D film in the U.S. It even has two academy awards. I'd be highly surprised if you haven't already seen this movie, but If you haven't I really recommend you watch it A.S.A.P as you won't be disappointed!