The Lion King movie is a renowned phenomenon, from the successful classic 1994 animated musical and the 2019 remake, praised for its award-winning soundtrack. It is safe to say that Mufasa: The Lion King is here to continue that musical legacy.
Mufasa: The Lion King is an incredible prequel and sequel to the 2019 remake. We follow two timelines that have become intertwined through storytelling and music. The soundtrack was reflective of the unpredictability of his early life.
Mufasa: The Lion King explores Mufasa’s complicated journey to becoming royalty – the King. It was all but easy for him, navigating through trouble and betrayal to find his place in the circle of life. Directed by Barry Jenkins from Jeff Nathanson’s screenplay, lessons of resilience and determination are woven into the origins of King Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre). The prequel navigates through Mufasa’s life before the sad scene we witness in The Lion King, which leaves Simba running away from memories of his past. Mufasa’s past is uncovered, as we navigate the emotional journey Mufasa embarked on and the untimely encounters with Sarabi, Zazu and Rafiki.
The sequel unfolds with Rafiki (voiced by John Kani), who returns to showcase his incredible storytelling skills, accompanied by everyone’s favourite warthog and meerkat – Timon (voiced by Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (voiced by Seth Rogen). Rafiki retells the tale of Mufasa to Nala and Simba’s daughter Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter), who is eager to learn more about her grandfather and his legacy. No detail is left out in Rafiki’s incredible story; he talks about Mufasa’s friendship and brotherhood with Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), the heir to the throne who saved his life when he was an orphaned cub. Taka and Mufasa embark on a journey to safety away from the wrath of the intimidating white lion Kiros, who will stop at nothing to cause them harm.
Mufasa: The Lion King was an emotionally impactful and captivating experience. The memorable and tuneful soundtrack was incredibly entertaining and will most definitely leave you singing. If the engaging soundtrack does not leave you in love with this movie, then the plot and its twists most definitely will. This adventure left the audience with laughter throughout.
This film deserves to be on your watchlist, as you’ll want to see it again and again.
Need to know: Mufasa: The Lion King is released in cinemas on 20 December.
