By Danielle Cherry
Pride Rock shines once again in “Mufasa,” retracing the history of the royal line to where it all began: with Taka and Mufasa. Throughout the film, their relationship develops and stretches as they encounter obstacles that hinder them from making it to Milele.
From the beginning of the film, Taka and Mufasa are inseparable, playing in the grass under the watchful eye of Taka’s father, Obasi. By the middle of the film, the viewer is clued to who Taka really is: the notorious Scar. Despite my knowledge of who Scar is, his character arc in the movie took a surprising twist that I didn’t see coming.
I loved how the movie began with Simba and Nala’s story, following their daughter Kiera as she was frightened by a storm. Timon and Pumba grace the screen once more, causing laughter to erupt from the audience. The story of “Mufasa” is told by Rafiki (John Kani) to distract Kiera from the storm.
Throughout the movie the present day characters would interject, asking questions and embellishing the events. Pumba and Timon’s humor stole the show, making fun of “The Lion King Musical” as well as the movie’s production team. Although the jokes outside of the “Lion King” universe were subtle, they packed a punch.
Awestruck is hardly enough to describe the way I felt while seeing this movie. Visually, the live-action animation of the lions and the scenic world pop off the screen in brilliant colors. The detail in the texture of the fur and reflections within the water was incredible.
The musical score that accompanied the onscreen action intensified the scenes. Beautiful orchestral pieces lifted my heart as stunning aerial views swept across the screen. Intense thrills in the music truly made this movie stand out from all the others around it. I walked away feeling like I had just witnessed an epic unfold.
Like the original “Lion King,” “Mufasa” is a musical. Everything stops as the lions sing about their feelings. I was blown away by Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) and Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) in their beautiful duet: “Tell Me It’s You.” The vocal range of Pierre and Boone’s harmonies made my heart swell as I watched the characters fall for each other.
Coming into the film, I had low expectations for how the writers would tell the story of another king taking the throne without it being repetitive. I was proved wrong.
The story was wonderfully cohesive to the original “Lion King,” adding details about the life of Mufasa that make sense in his overall character development. I was impressed with how the film progressed the present day story with Kiera and, at the same time, told a thrilling tale from the past.
I liked some of the songs, but they were interjected into scenes in an awkward way. Compared to the original soundtrack, it comes nowhere close, but I liked how the music progressed the story in a way that mere dialogue couldn’t. It added characters’ thoughts and feelings in a heartfelt way, cluing the audience into the internal monologue of the characters.
“Mufasa” deals with the question of fate, our lives being a part of a never-ending cycle that coalesces in one specific moment. Throughout the film, Mufasa comes to terms with his destiny to become king, even though he is not royal by blood. Rafiki coaxes his worldview of fate upon Mufasa, shaping the way that the young king-to-be rules his kingdom and understands life and his place.
Jealousy courses through the film, driving characters to betray each other and regret their choices. This film showed the dangers of desiring what others have and thinking less of yourself for it. Taka’s song “Brother Betrayed” explores the emotions behind betrayal, the music taking on a slippery and slimy feel, leaving the audience heartbroken both for his decision and his understanding of the situation.
This was such a visually stunning movie, with beautiful landscapes and highly detailed animals. An epic adventure awaits viewers who want nostalgia and a new story. The animation alone deserves an Oscar, and this film goes even further by presenting a compelling and emotional story. My bet is that “Mufasa” is in it to win something this year; I guess we will find out soon.
“Mufasa” is currently in theaters.
Danielle Cherry is a freshman Communications major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and loves a good cup of coffee.
Images courtesy of Disney
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