As a movie critic with a lifelong obsession with Disney classics and a heart full of nostalgia, I must say that watching “Mufasa: The Lion King” was like witnessing a once-beloved character being stripped of his dignity.
Following the extraordinary success of the live-action remake of The Lion King, earning a staggering $1.6 billion at the box office, it was only a matter of time before Disney capitalized further on this popular franchise. Rather than producing a sequel, Disney opted for an unusual move and invested in a prequel story centered around Mufasa – titled Mufasa: The Lion King. This film delves into Mufasa’s journey from cub to king, shedding light on how beloved characters like Zazu and Rafiki became part of the royal court. Additionally, it offers insights into why Scar, a character well-known for his bitterness in The Lion King, harbors such resentment, even going as far as murdering his brother to claim power. Unfortunately, the portrayal of Scar’s transition into villainy is underdeveloped, potentially exacerbating character flaws.
In “The Lion King,” it’s suggested that Mufasa is part of a royal lineage; however, the prequel uncovers that he was actually born into common ancestry. As a young cub, Mufasa (played by Aaron Pierre) tragically lost his parents in a flood and was carried far from home. He was then saved by Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), who at the time went by Scar, a prince from one of the numerous lion dominions that roamed the African savannah.
Taka is overjoyed to discover another cub, as he’s longed for a brother all along. Yet, Taka’s father Obasi (portrayed by Lennie James) isn’t keen on accepting Mufasa; the king fears that having another male cub might jeopardize his own son’s claim to the throne. Consequently, Mufasa is nurtured by Taka’s mother Eshe (voiced by Thandie Newton), who instructs him in hunting and tracking skills akin to those of a lioness. Sadly, Taka yearns for more time with his mother like Mufasa enjoys, but Obasi prohibits it; the prince is expected to stay close to his father, not the females. However, Mufasa: The Lion King demonstrates no hint of sibling rivalry between them.
The bond between Taka and Mufasa strengthens following an attack on their kingdom by Kiros’ troops, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, a ruthless white lion aiming to eliminate all royal lineages. During the assault, Kiros’ lions target Eshe, with Mufasa bravely defending his adoptive mother, while Taka, overwhelmed with fear, flees. Obasi commends Mufasa’s courage and sends them both away to evade Kiros’ vengeance. Despite this intense moment, the film reveals no signs of animosity between Taka and Mufasa. Taka feels ashamed for his inability to fight like Mufasa, yet they continue to be inseparable. This harmony is disrupted, however, due to a seemingly trivial reason: Taka and Mufasa become entangled in a love triangle.
A Love Triangle Is the Worst Way to Justify Scar’s Actions
To flee from Kiros, Mufasa, and Taka head towards the legendary lands of Milele – a verdant paradise teeming with food for every creature within the circle of life. Along the way, they make allies with various characters, among them Sarabi, a regal lioness princess voiced by Tiffany Boone. Smitten by Sarabi, Taka implores Mufasa to assist him in winning her affection. Mufasa obliges, even going so far as to fabricate an audacious rescue story where Sarabi supposedly fainted. However, Taka’s plan backfires when Sarabi discovers the deception despite Mufasa’s attempts to shield his actions. Ironically, it is Mufasa whom Sarabi comes to love, who in turn harbors feelings for the princess as well.
That’s the entire explanation for why Taka chooses to become evil. He views Mufasa being with Sarabi as an act of betrayal, leading him to switch allegiances and aid Kiros in their murderous plot. To clarify, unrequited love can certainly be agonizing. However, in The Lion King: Mufasa, there’s no scene that shows Mufasa working against his brother’s desires. In fact, quite the opposite! So, responding by becoming a ruthless killer seems excessive and misguided.
In addition to his romantic disappointment, Taka unexpectedly develops feelings of resentment towards Mufasa for reasons unrelated to the events portrayed in the movie. He alleges that Mufasa took away the affection of their mother and admiration from their father, despite the film clearly depicting Taka as respected within the kingdom while Mufasa was an outcast until he saved Eshe. It seems illogical to assume that Taka, heartbroken by a situation beyond Mufasa’s control, would plot to kill his own brother in retaliation.
In both adaptations of “The Lion King”, Scar is portrayed as a lion driven by ambition for power, harboring resentment towards his brother’s kingdom. His objectives are political, aiming to rule the territory with harsh authority. Initially, Scar comes across as a menacing figure who makes up for his physical weakness through cunning schemes and deceptive sweetness. It’s disheartening that the prequel chose to simplify the complexity of the villain’s feelings into a juvenile fit of jealousy instead. From now on, the scene where Scar kills Mufasa will have a new impact, and it won’t be a pleasant one.
Mufasa: The Lion King is currently available in theaters.
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2024-12-23 18:09