‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ – Review
For many of us, Walt Disney Pictures’s The Lion King holds a very prominent place in our hearts; the story of Simba and his quest to become king was a focal part of our childhoods, and the presence of the great king Mufasa creates an immense feeling of emotion in all of us. Now Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins takes audiences back to their pride lands in a beautifully rich and textured origin tale in Mufasa: The Lion King and tells the story of how Mufasa came to be king and how his legacy would shape the destiny of the Pride Lands to follow.
In the Pride Lands of Tanzania after the events of The Lion King, Rafiki the mandrill tells the origin story of two lions, Mufasa and Taka, to Kiara—the granddaughter of Mufasa and daughter of Simba and Nala. The story follows the orphan Mufasa, who is befriended by the young prince Taka and adopted by Taka’s family; the pair become as close as brothers. Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog add color commentary.
With its richly textured world and a cast of treasured characters, Walt Disney Pictures’ The Lion King is a film that audiences return to again and again, and there has always been room to explore its vast landscape of narratives. Now, in Mufasa, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins is able to step back in time and explore the story of how Mufasa came to be King of the Pride Lands and in so doing so, he gives greater context and nuance to the story of Simba and The Lion King. Jenkins is a filmmaker who leads with narrative, and this is present within the context and focus that he places on the nature of this narrative. And what we get is not a repeat of the original Lion King, but instead a journey of a young lion who has destiny thrust upon him and who must step up in order to find his place in the world. Jenkins has a vast canvas on which to explore this grand origin tale and takes every opportunity to do something unique and engaging with the subject matter offered to him.
As a filmmaker, Jenkins has many tools on offer to him when crafting this grand feature. One of the best is the phenomenal photorealist design and artistry of his animators. In watching Mufasa, you feel the full grand scope of the Serengeti of Tanzania come to life as Mufasa searches for the mythical land of Milele. The imagery is beautiful to behold, and one feels as if you are literally watching footage captured by National Geographic. The texture and artistry of this beautiful landscape fully wrap you in its story, and your eyes will be wide with amazement as you look upon this incredible natural ecosystem and the varied species that call it home. Every shot is composed of beautiful framing, and no detail has been left out in realising this grand tale. Deserts and mountain ranges, mixed with the long grass of the Pride Lands, and the design of these incredible creatures pulls you deeper into this layered and exciting story.
Mufasa and his companions Taka, Sarabi, Zazu and Rafiki undertake an incredible journey, and a filmmaker of Barry Jenkins standing draws in an incredible new level of talent, including the likes of Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David and Mads Mikkelsen. Aaron Pierre brings stature and command through his vocalisation of a lion who is drawn to become a king when the Pride Lands and the paradise of Milele are threatened, while Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s performance as Taka displays a soiled and hurt quality of a prince whose actions aren’t enough to back up his broad ego. Mads Mikkelsen brings a snarling fierceness as the White Lion Kiros, and he makes for a worthy antagonist for Mufasa to take on. The actors project into their characters, and with the incredible animation, their actions help power the breathtaking visuals that make their way up onto the big screen.
When discussing The Lion King and the character of Mufasa, it is essential to recognise the significant presence and influence of the late great James Earl Jones. His spirit resonates throughout this production, and it is clear that everyone involved sought to honour his legacy through their performances. This sentiment was particularly felt by Aaron Pierre, who is swiftly establishing himself in Hollywood. His humble demeanour and strong presence draw parallels to Jones himself, and you can sense Pierre’s determination to pay tribute to the man who paved the way before him. The character of Mufasa is imbued with a mix of emotion and power, exploring grand themes such as responsibility, friendship, love, and the journey toward one’s destiny. These elements are sure to leave a profound impact on audiences everywhere. Pierre’s portrayal of Mufasa represents a new chapter in the timeless narrative of The Lion King, beautifully honouring the tradition of its storytelling while continuing the legacy of James Earl Jones on the grand stage of the great circle of life.
Mufasa: The Lion King is a film that is best experienced on the largest screen possible, ideally in IMAX if it’s available. Its grand adventure is sure to delight audiences of all ages, making it one of the most powerful and moving animated features of the year.
Image: Walt Disney Pictures
