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With 93% votes of kids across America, according to a survey, The Lion King is rated to be the Best Kids and Family Movie Ever. Without a doubt in my mind, I now understand the deeper themes of the plot and why this Disney Film is so important to watch with your kids or family.
Connecting with the warm colors, the soothing soundtracks and the calming effect of James Earl Jones’ voice, The Lion King can definitely shape any kids’ life and remains a constant presence throughout the youth of any person.
Let’s look at some solid reasons as to why the 1994 movie, The Lion King is one of the greatest movies for kids and families of all time.
- Introduces Individuality
With dialogues such as “Remember Who You Are”, this movie sends out an influential message through its quotes like no other book or film.
It not only introduces individuality with heritage but helps us embrace our legacy. The powerful theme of finding one’s position from birthright brings the movie home. It promotes our innate ability to blend various cultures into our persona. From our grandparents, parents to our ancestor’s journeys are what raised us to be who we are today.
- Importance of Relationships
In the movie, the unwavering bond between Simba and Mufasa makes the families reflect on their relationship with their parents. The passionate link between Mufasa and Simba encourages qualities such as friendship, trust, honesty and love between parents and a child.
The storyline and this relationship constantly keep the kids coming back for more.
- Best Sidekicks Timon and Pumbaa
Well, who doesn’t love Timon and Pumbaa? These two are arguably the best sidekicks in Disney Movies. From fighting to making an intense atmosphere super light with their laughs, rewatching this classic became even more enjoyable with these two in it.
Life seems more easy, relaxed and memorable with these two around.
- Power of Love
This movie focuses and revolves around the power of love. It signifies that despite the curveballs that life might throw at you, love will always be your light at the end of the tunnel. Even though Simba and Nala, his ladylove or should I say lionesslove, saw each other suffering and being devasted but never left each other and fought together for a better purpose, their love.
It is not uncommon to believe that life and situations changes people, however, they both grew together with a relationship that displayed perpetual explanation of love being present in everything around.
- Words of Wisdom from Mandrill
Rafiki who was portrayed as a crazy but spiritual and strange Mandrill, had a voice of reason and helped Simba out of toughest of situations. His inspiring quotes and messages such as “The past can hurt, but in life, what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, funnier and wiser”, made Simba feel that he could move mountains with love, passion and motivation.
- Mesmerizing Soundtracks
The 1994 movie, The Lion King had some of the most critically-acclaimed soundtracks of any Disney movie. With the influence of African music, instruments and soothing rhythms, songwriter Sir Elton John in 1993 said, “When Time Rice called for The Lion King, it changed my life and career.”
The songs in this movie make you feel powerful, electrified and lively.
- Symbolism of Pride and The Devil
The cunning, creepy and disturbing negative character in the movie, Scar is one Disney villain every kid is scared of. But, the movie with its ending proved that how too much pride can kill the devil.
As it is said, the utmost evil is pride, it was only through this pride that Scar became the devil. His idea of domination over Mufasa and his kingdom seemed like a plan of Satan and if this symbolization of pride and the devil doesn’t bring out deep appreciation, I am not sure what will.
- The Circle of Life Explained
With a lingering emotion of taking place in the circle of life, this Disney film brings out many emotions. It reminds of the feeling of home and not only reaches the depths of your soul but also explains that every one on this earth is put for some odd strange reason but the world works in a way that every one plays their separate roles to make life a beautiful puzzle.
- Characters with Undeniable Humor
With this beautiful animated representation of characters living in the jungle, the movie takes you through a colorful journey and a story filled with clever humor behind the sadness.
Even through the most difficult times when every one is sobbing uncontrollably during the film, the characters still manage to make you laugh through the pain. Be it the furious monkey, the drag hula dancer or the three hungry hyenas, all the characters lighten up the atmosphere when you reach a dark place in the film.
- Commanding Revenge Narrative
The story of The Lion King revolves around a young cub who is accused for his father’s death. As sad, twisted and horrifying the story is, it is later revealed as a plan of revenge by the cub’s uncle, Scar, which makes the story even more captivating and makes the narrative revengeful.
- Of course, Hakuna Matata
This phrase which was put beautifully in a soundtrack of the movie, Hakuna Matata, means to worry less, taking it easy and living more. Despite the dark theme of revenge, the bold retribution and the twisted plotlines, The Lion King teaches us the philosophy that everything we do in our lives is not in our control and that one should take life easy, relax and breathe and it becomes easier to bear.
Final Thoughts
With a score of 93% on the audience board and 88% on the critics board online, The Lion King brings out a swirl of emotions in a kid or family. With every song, every message and every twist, the Disney film makes you shed tears.
It is a movie which no one can ever give up!
