Review-Mufasa:The Lion King
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Mufasa: The Lion King Opens Only In Theaters On Dec. 20, 2024
Review by Joy Parris: Life is a journey filled with love, loss, family, challenges, and personal growth. Stories of resilience and triumph have inspired people throughout history. These timeless themes come to life in “Mufasa: The Lion King” through captivating storytelling. The music is emotionally powerful. The film delves into the earlier unexplored journey of Pride Lands’ revered ruler, Mufasa. It offers a view of his path to greatness.
The story is directed by Barry Jenkins. It unfolds through flashbacks narrated by Rafiki (John Kani). Rafiki is the wise shaman destined to guide Mufasa. Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) listens closely as Rafiki recounts Mufasa’s past. Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) offer comic relief with their witty, self-aware commentary. They even joke that Simba’s path was easier — he only had to eat bugs!
The film opens with young Mufasa enjoying life with his family. His father (Keith David) proudly celebrates him as the fastest runner in the Pride Lands. After a long drought, rain finally returns, bringing joy to the land. Still, disaster strikes when Mufasa, eager to drink from the replenished waters, gets swept away in a sudden flood. His father battles the raging current while his mother, Afia (Anija Rose), desperately calls out for him. Despite their efforts, Mufasa is carried far from home.
What makes this scene special is the music that adds depth and dimension to all the characters’ emotions. Imagine watching your child swept away in a raging river as a mother struggles to save her offspring. The music in that scene makes you feel the terror and desperation of both.
As he struggles to swim to safety, a young lion named Taka (Kelvin Harrison) yells out. He warns Mufasa about the nearby crocodiles. Once he escapes from being eaten, he is befriended by Taka who has always wanted a brother. Taka’s mother, Eshe (Thandiwe Newton), shows compassion and takes Mufasa under her care. Taka’s father, King Obasi (Lennie James), perceives Mufasa as a threat. He warns Taka that Mufasa will betray him one day. He wants Mufasa gone. Mufasa tries to adapt to his new environment. Still, he never forgets his mother’s stories about Milele, the promised land. These stories fuel his hope of returning home.
The film’s emotional depth is heightened by its powerful music. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote original songs produced by Mark Mancina. Lebo M contributed extra music. Miranda found inspiration in the screenplay itself. “Some song titles came directly from lines of dialogue,” Miranda explained. “‘I Always Wanted a Brother’ started as a spoken line and became a pivotal song.” He also added moments of joy to balance the intense storyline. “It’s a harrowing journey. I felt it was my job to create ‘joy bombs’. These are musical moments of pure happiness and escape. This approach is similar to how ‘Hakuna Matata’ surprised and delighted audiences in the original film.”
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is an inspiring story about self-discovery, hope, and perseverance. It reminds us to hold on to our dreams. We should never give up, no matter how difficult the journey seems.
New and returning cast members were called on to lend their voices to the film:
- Aaron Pierre as Mufasa
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka, a lion prince with a bright future who accepts Mufasa into his family as a brother
- Tiffany Boone as Sarabi
- Kagiso Lediga as Young Rafiki
- Preston Nyman as Zazu
- Mads Mikkelsen as Kiros, a formidable lion with big plans for his pride
- Thandiwe Newton as Taka’s mother, Eshe
- Lennie James as Taka’s father, Obasi
- Anika Noni Rose as Mufasa’s mother, Afia
- Keith David as Mufasa’s father, Masego
- John Kani as Rafiki
- Seth Rogen as Pumbaa
- Billy Eichner as Timon
- Donald Glover as Simba
- Introducing Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, daughter of King Simba and Queen Nala
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter plays Nala. Additional casting includes Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Folake Olowofoyeku, Joanna Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Sheila Atim, Abdul Salis, and Dominique Jennings.
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