In recent years, Disney has been implementing live-action adaptations of its animated films. Many works are presented from a different perspective rather than simply replicating the original, such as the “Maleficent” series that portrays the villain as a misunderstood character. “Mufasa: The Lion King” (Vietnamese title: “Mufasa: Vua Sư Tử”) enters this list by exploring the backstory of Mufasa and Scar—two pivotal characters from “The Lion King” (1994) and its 2019 remake.
The story of “Mufasa: The Lion King” follows Rafiki (John Kani) as he tells Simba’s daughter, Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), a tale during a summer night. It begins when Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) is a young cub raised far from his father. Fortuitously, he is nurtured by Eshe (Thandiwe Newton) and befriends Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). However, Taka’s father, King Obasi (Lennie James), only allows Mufasa to live alongside the royal family. Years later, a mysterious drought strikes, forcing the royal family to seek refuge in the Pride Lands, and Mufasa and Taka must flee. Along the way, they meet Sarabi (Tiffany Boone), Zazu (Preston Nyman), and Rafiki, starting a new adventure.
A Nostalgic Soundtrack with Mixed Emotions
In reality, the 2019 “The Lion King” remains a subject of debate regarding its live-action classification. The film was not animated in the traditional sense but was entirely created using CGI, lacking any “real” animals. However, with “Mufasa: The Lion King,” director Barry Jenkins has made it clear that this film is animated, merely with a new visual layer. Unfortunately, after several years, Hollywood’s animation style has become somewhat stagnant.
The film’s visuals do not rely on reality but instead blend artificial technology with inspiration from the outside world. However, the movie does bring a rich emotional landscape and depth to each detail. Each scene encapsulates not only the Pride Lands of Simba but also the unique landscapes and weather of Africa.
The initial habitat of Mufasa is a dry, scorching wasteland. The narrative shifts to the lush green territories of Obasi. The journey of the group traverses vast heights, wide rivers, and beautiful mountains toward the vibrant Pride Lands. The film features numerous wide-angle shots that portray the environment dramatically.
The expressions and movements of the animals are also a significant advancement. The emotional depth of the characters is greater and more poignant. Viewers can feel when they are happy, sad, joyful, or grieving. Notably, the evolution of personalities is well expressed through their eyes. Furthermore, the movements, playful interactions, and conflicts among the animals create a more immersive experience. It wouldn’t be too much to say that “Mufasa: The Lion King” evokes the same emotional responses that the 1994 animated version does.
Unfortunately, the film’s soundtrack does not match the quality of its visuals. The new songs like “I Always Wanted a Brother,” “Bye Bye,” and “Brother Betrayed,” composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, fail to make a lasting impact. The best moments are the character-specific scores composed by Hans Zimmer, which evoke nostalgia for many viewers.
Deep Character Analysis
Anyone who has seen both versions of “The Lion King” knows the fates of characters like Mufasa, Scar, Sarabi, Zazu, and Rafiki. What happens to them before the events unfold is still a mystery. While “Mufasa: The Lion King” is seen as an origin story for Mufasa, it also effectively builds Taka into Scar and develops the remaining characters. Through this, Barry Jenkins has also imparted many valuable lessons.
The filmmakers emphasize the roles of mentors and parental figures in shaping a character’s personality. Mufasa and Taka grow up together in a shared environment. However, while Mufasa is often guided by Eshe toward greatness, King Obasi only provides Taka with a sense of mediocrity and disappointment. Taka’s envy transforms into animosity.
This dynamic between Mufasa, Sarabi, and Taka creates a narrative backdrop that adds depth to Taka’s transformation into Scar in “The Lion King.” The film does not “demonize” anyone but rather provides explanations for actions and the processes through which a once-ordinary person can become evil. Sarabi, Zazu, and Rafiki also have their own narratives that contribute to the richness of the Pride Lands. Kiros is presented as a one-dimensional villain. However, with too many characters in the film, adding depth to Kiros is unnecessary.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” unfolds through two timelines—Mufasa’s past as narrated by Rafiki and the present where Kiara listens. Timon and Pumbaa continue to play their comedic roles, adding light-hearted moments, though they sometimes feel extraneous. This film also presents Mufasa’s journey as a quest, leading to continuous, somewhat trivial conflicts. The pacing is quick, interspersing action sequences without creating a lasting sense of tension or leaving a significant impact.
Rating: 3.5/5
Many believe that Hollywood has “run out of stories” when it comes to remakes and adaptations of classic films. However, with “Mufasa: The Lion King,” it has been demonstrated that even as a prequel of a long-established brand, if there is a solid foundation and a little creativity in production, the film can still retain its unique value.
