Mufasa The Lion King Movie Review: No one would have ever said it from the premise, yet Mufasa: The Lion King is an ambitious and exciting prequel that expands the universe of one of the most beloved Disney films of all time, offering a new perspective on the story of Simba's father. Directed by Barry Jenkins, Oscar winner for Moonlight, but also author of the powerful series The Underground Railroad and the delicate If Beale Street Could Talk, the film stands out for a narrative approach that combines emotional depth, clarity of themes, an elaborate visual aesthetic, with a direction that fully exploits the potential of computer graphics, all while maintaining a close link with the legacy of the 1994 classic.
Mufasa: The Lion King Movie Story:
The plot takes place long before the events of the original The Lion King and introduces us to a young Mufasa (played in Italian by Luca Marinelli). Raised as an orphan after a tragic flood that takes his parents, Mufasa is forced to find his place in an alien pride, where he is seen as an outsider and a potential threat to the existing hierarchy. This initial context is fundamental to understanding how the future king develops the wisdom and humility that will make him a unique and representative leader. In this new context, Mufasa will learn to listen to nature and live according to its order, forming a strong bond of friendship with the young Taka, prince of the pride.
Jenkins and screenwriter Jeff Nathanson manage to skillfully weave a story that deepens the character of Mufasa, exploring universal themes such as identity, resilience, and destiny. With it, he also structures and deepens other characters, who will then be fundamental to the life of the future king, including of course Taka / Scar and Sarabi (Elodie), but also the enigmatic, wise, and funny Rafiki (Toni Garrani), as usual Most Valuable Player and narrator of the story. In stark contrast to Simba, who enthusiastically sings “I can’t wait to be king” in The Lion King, young Mufasa seems initially reluctant to embrace his royal future, largely because he feels unworthy of the place his step-brother, Taka, should have by birth.
Mufasa and Taka: From Brothers to Enemies:
One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the relationship between Mufasa and Taka (played by Alberto Boubakar Malanchino for Italy), who later becomes Scar. United by a shared desire to belong, the two cubs develop a brotherly bond that is tested by external circumstances and divergent ambitions. This bond is explored through the song “I Always Wanted a Brother,” which offers a touching moment of introspection but also conveys the overwhelming joy of having found each other. However, the shadow of future betrayal is ever-present, creating an emotional tension that culminates in a surprising revelation.
Visually, Jenkins opts for a style that balances the photorealism of 2019’s The Lion King with greater expressiveness in the animals’ faces and a much more epic and adventurous scope, given by a greater ambition of the gaze compared to Jon Favreau. Jenkins has an impeccable vision of the story he wants to stage, holding tight to the themes he wants to advance and learning to manage a language, that of CGI animation, that he did not know before this film. The result is a
Missing Hans Zimmer:
The music represents another element of the discussion. While the original tracks by Hans Zimmer and Lebo M continue to evoke a strong emotional impact, the new compositions by Lin-Manuel Miranda prove less memorable and at times out of place. “Hakuna Mufasa”, a variation of “Hakuna Matata”, offers a moment of comic relief but lacks the magic of the original songs. However, the choral piece “We Go Together,” inspired by an African proverb, stands out as one of the highlights of the soundtrack, underlining the themes of solidarity and community.
The real problem is that Miranda is inextricably linked to his South American origins, which have allowed him over time to enrich with typical sounds many films of great value, as well as the jewel of his production, the musical Hamilton. However, dealing with African musicality and traditions has put him in difficulty, with the result that the only moments in which the soundtrack shines are those in which Zimmer echoes once again with power and emotion.
The family of choice and the dignity of the individual:
Mufasa: The Lion King promotes two extremely contemporary and powerful themes. On the one hand, the film embraces the idea of a family that goes beyond blood ties and is built, throughout life, as a community linked by elective emotional affinities and intentions, by a consonance of feelings that arise spontaneously and do not refer to hierarchies or birthright.
In the same way, the film teaches, with a “moral” perfectly integrated into the narrative fabric, starting from the archetypal contrast between nature and culture, that it is not written in our DNA what we will become and what we are destined to be because everything depends on our abilities and what we learn on our personal journey. These are the characteristics that make us leaders, servants, followers, companions for life, brothers, and even adversaries. This is particularly evident in the transformation of Mufasa, whose personal journey leads him to recognize that a true king is defined not by power, but by the ability to serve his people.
Mufasa’s story is certainly not revolutionary or extremely original, but it offers a new perspective on what the classic tale of The Lion King, undoubtedly enriches and in some ways makes its legacy and message heavier. In this constant reference to the original, the film still manages to find its own voice and, probably, also its own place in the video library of Disney classics. It is a work that celebrates the power of humility and community, offering a timely lesson for new generations and a nostalgic and emotional experience for long-time fans.