The Lion King: A Memory From Childhood

Disney has often used nostalgia to sell its products. Today, a number of new film adaptations of the 90’s old Disney classics have begun. This may well be called a Disney renaissance. These films are meant to entice audiences to the cinema to relive their childhood. Most of these new versions will probably not live up to the original’s high standard. One of the most recent film adaptations is an update of one of Disney’s most beloved films; a Hamlet for our time. We are, of course, talking about the Lion King.

The ’90s were a bit of a golden age for Disney. Between 1989 and 1999, Disney released movies such as Mulan, Tarzan, Hercules, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and, of course, The Lion King.

During this period, a number of films were produced that both adults and children appreciated. With what was then revolutionary technology, these films brought the old Disney magic to new heights.

In the years leading up to the breakthrough of the internet, movies played a bigger role in our lives. Going to the movies was someone special, an exciting experience.

The Lion King was a bit of a breakthrough. Everyone talked about it, everyone loved it. This fascination led, among other things, to a successful musical that is still played in different parts of the world. But now Disney wanted to make a new film adaptation and try to recreate what for many had been a fantastic film experience.

Why make a new version of The Lion King ?

The short answer to this is: because it is profitable. To be fair, however, we must admit that it is somewhat more complex. It is likely that the audience will rush to see the new version of a childhood classic, but it is also likely that they will be critical of the new variant.

This version is also special for completely different reasons. While with other Disney classics you have been able to allow yourself certain creative freedoms in new film adaptations, you have not been able to do the same with The Lion King . For many, this is Disney’s best film ever, and for others the world’s best film, period.

Nostalgia and devotion can thus counteract creative freedom. In this way, the Lion King is untouchable. It cannot be changed because every little detail will be discussed and criticized.

A Hamlet for our time

There may be several reasons why you want to make a new film adaptation. From telling the story from a new perspective to adapting it to a new time. The interesting thing about The Lion King is that it is already an innovation of a very famous work, namely Hamlet. It is told from a different perspective and takes place this time in the realm of the animals.

If you are aware, in the version from 2019 you will notice how conscious the producers were at the complexity of processing this classic. They have therefore been unusually loyal to the original. So one can well ask the question: if it had nothing new to come up with, then what was the point of making a new version? Was it just about nostalgia? Or was it just to make money? Whatever the answer, the audience flocked to the cinemas where they were served a good dose of nostalgia.

However, it is without a doubt a very entertaining film. It has amazing visual effects, even if it is not something it will be remembered for. It hardly shows anything new and has few innovative moments. But it is quite possible that people actually did not want anything new. Everyone seemed happy enough to be able to reminisce about childhood.

Hamlet’s ghost

The Lion King is a variant of Hamlet. The similarities are there, although the former has been made more family-friendly. In his day, Hamlet was revolutionary. It went deep into the characters and their psychological state, which at the time was unheard of. Tragedies have generally had a very important impact on world literature.

In addition to using Hamlet as a reference, the Lion King focused largely on the characters’ emotions and internal drive. Even though it is a story that takes place in the animal kingdom, it still feels very human.

Hamlet is not just about revenge, but about human nature, and the story is rich in characters that are a joy to analyze. In The Lion King you learn about Mufasa and the relationship he has with his son. Their relationship helps to justify the idea of ​​revenge, making it easier for children to feel empathy with the story.

The Lion King has a plot similar to Hamlet’s , but the former is based on an idea that suits the audience’s perception of Disney and Disney movies. Through tragedy, comedy and music, the audience witnesses the loss of a loved one. The new version offers a deeper understanding of the characters and leaves behind the original version’s more childish approach.

That is why the Lion King is still relevant today

The 2019 variant of this classic offers an updated rhetoric where new, more modern norms and values ​​shine through. The film’s message is about how humanity uses its resources and the real value of nature.

The life cycle is still the common thread in history. Mufasa explains to Simba why all living beings are important, from animals to plants. If we allow greed to corrupt us, the life cycle will slowly but surely be destroyed and all life will die out.

Lions are often considered the strong animal that feeds on others. However, Mufasa points out what impact their bodies have after death, how their dead bodies will nourish the earth so that new plants will grow and provide food for other animals.

If everyone contributes and exercises their role without exploiting their position, life will be harmonious and full of opportunities, even if it may sometimes seem unfair.

Scar represents greed, corruption and the desire to own everything and everyone. He does not care about the other animals in the kingdom or about plants that are dying out. In a way, Scar itself is contributing to its own downfall.

Climate crisis and economic inequalities

This message has a parallel message to our time, with the climate crisis and all the problems associated with social injustice, violence and abuse of power. By staying so close to the original, the new film embraces the original message, but brings it closer to our time and the problems we face. This makes it easier for us to identify with the characters in the film and to be more understanding of its message.

The Lion King will always be a Disney classic and it is quite possible that in a few years we will no longer remember the latest version. Nostalgia will always be a strong driving force. It will entice you back to the original film and make you sing along to the soundtrack of your childhood.