| THE LION KING |
| My all-time favourite film. This film touched me the very first time I saw it in 1994 and I still watch it several times a year. When it came out briefly in January 2003 at the London IMAX cinema I went to see it twice. The stampede scene - as moving as it is already - was so dramatic at the IMAX. I could actually feel the rumbling of the wildebeest's hooves through my seat! The reasons I love this film are many and varied. Firstly the opening sequence and song "Circle of Life" is so amazing, it really hits you and to this day I can't recall it without a little shiver going through me (ooh, one just did!). Secondly it has everything a film should have: 1) A fantastic setting - the African savannah. 2) An amazing soundtrack - "Circle of Life", "Just Can't Wait to be King", "Be Prepared", "Hakuna Matata", "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" 3) Drama - the stampede scene and the end fight. 4) Sadness - Mufasa's death. 5) Symbolism and spirituality that ISN'T tied to any one faith. 6) Comedy - "So what do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?!" 7) A decent bad guy - Scar schemes and plots, being manipulative and cruel to get his own way. 8) A wise, almost shamanic character - Rafiki the baboon conveys important messages but not in a boring or imposing manner. Far from it, in fact - he's funny and instantly aquires your affection and admiration. 9) Romance - but not just any romance. A realistic romance; starting off as childhood friends, meeting up after years of separation, falling in love, then one realising the other is not the person they once knew, arguing, falling out, then the one who's changed realising they've been running away, then becoming the adult they should be. The result is a truly epic film that really changed my life. The more I watch it, the more lessons I learn from it. I could never get fed up with it - this would definitely be on my desert island discs list! |
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