Mufasa The Lion King movie review: Disney’s latest offering, Mufasa: The Lion King, takes audiences on a visually rich journey into the backstory of one of its most beloved characters. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the movie dives into the origins of Mufasa, the wise and noble lion whose tragic demise in the 1994 classic, The Lion King, became one of Disney’s most iconic moments. But does this prequel live up to the legacy of its predecessor, or does it fall short of the pride?
Mufasa The Lion King movie review
At the heart of the story is Mufasa, voiced with earnest charm by Aaron Pierre. The film begins with Mufasa’s cubhood, marked by love and belonging, only to be disrupted by a catastrophic flood that separates him from his family. This sets the stage for a Moses-like narrative arc where Mufasa grows through trials, ultimately earning his place as a leader.
Taka, the adopted brother of Mufasa (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), adds layers of complexity to the story. As the future Scar, Taka’s flaws are evident—cowardice, deceit, and resentment—but his bond with Mufasa introduces a compelling dynamic. Their relationship, rooted in loyalty but marred by underlying rivalry, becomes a microcosm of the larger themes of identity, belonging, and leadership.
Mufasa: The Lion King – Official Trailer
Mufasa’s journey introduces him to a new pride, led by the xenophobic Obasi (Lennie James) and his nurturing partner, Eshe (Thandiwe Newton). These characters guide Mufasa’s growth into a skilled and empathetic lion. The narrative takes a darker turn with the introduction of Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), a white lion leading a rapacious pride intent on domination. The conflict with Kiros injects tension, pushing Mufasa and his allies toward the mythical land of Melele, a place of hope and abundance.
While primarily a prequel, the film frames its story with a sequel-like narrative. Rafiki (John Kani) recounts Mufasa’s tale to Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), Simba’s daughter, as she anxiously awaits her parents’ return during a storm. This device brings back familiar characters like Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen), who provide comic relief but feel somewhat shoehorned into the plot.
Barry Jenkins’s direction offers moments of breathtaking beauty, with photorealistic environments that transport audiences back to the Pride Lands. However, the heavy reliance on close-ups and frenetic editing detracts from the emotional resonance. Jeff Nathanson’s script, while formulaic, attempts to weave themes of found family and resilience but lacks the depth and originality of the 1994 classic.
The movie’s central theme of found family resonates strongly. Mufasa’s journey from an orphaned cub to a leader mirrors the struggles of many, making his character relatable and inspiring. However, the critique of birthright monarchies and the heavy-handed nods to colonialism through Kiros’s pride feel overly simplistic and fail to explore these themes with nuance.
Hans Zimmer’s iconic score returns, accompanied by new compositions that blend seamlessly with the film’s tone. The music elevates key moments, providing a sense of grandeur and emotional weight that compensates for some of the narrative’s shortcomings.
Mufasa: The Lion King is a visually stunning but narratively safe addition to Disney’s expanding Lion King franchise. While it enriches the lore and provides an emotional connection to Mufasa’s character, it struggles to justify its necessity in the shadow of the original film. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the nostalgia and visual splendor, but others may find it lacking in substance and innovation.
Summary
Mufasa: The Lion King reminds us why the Pride Lands hold a special place in cinematic history. While it doesn’t reach the heights of the original, it’s a heartfelt attempt to explore the legacy of one of Disney’s most cherished characters. For those willing to embrace its imperfections, the film offers a journey worth taking.
Top 5 Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
The film, unbound by having to recreate large swaths of the original Lion King whole cloth, was clearly allowed to be a product of its director – Justin Clark, Slant Magazine
This series of unfortunate events raises more questions than it answers – Nicholas Barber, BBC.com
Jenkins is the kind of talent who can turn his hand to almost anything and Mufasa is a respectable film as a result – Christina Newland, iNews.co.uk
Jenkins’ knack for eliciting deep emotion and visual wonder remains sharp, especially when bolstered by Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s delightful voice work – Robert Daniels, IGN Movies
We tell ourselves stories in order to live. Corporate movie studios tell you stories in order to keep their board happy and make their bottom line. Find the Venn diagram center between the two, and that’s where this Hakuna Matata 2.0 lies – David Fear, Rolling Stone
Top Movie Ratings
| Metacritic | 58% |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 59% |
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