Review of the film “Mufasa: The Lion King”: flawless!

This photorealistic animated film directed by Barry Jenkins is a little gem of emotion, fun and warmth, much better – by far – than its 2019 predecessor.

• Also read: Review of “Flow, the cat who was no longer afraid of water”: for animal lovers (and especially cat lovers)

For some time now, Disney studios have accustomed us to the frantic and indigestible recycling of its most popular franchises. Between two Marvels, we were treated to a succession of live-action feature films (Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Dumbo, Mulan, The Little Mermaid and soon Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) or to films in photorealistic computer-generated images (The Jungle Book, Pinocchio, The Lion King and soon Moana).

Obviously, at the mention of Mufasa: the lion kingall fears were allowed. The franchise The Lion King was made into films (US$1.6 billion in revenue), musicals (US$8.1 billion in revenue… yes, you read that right!), not to mention video games, books and other products derivatives.

However, screenwriter Jeff Nathanson and director Barry Jenkins (the magnificent Moonlightrecipient of the Oscar for best film in 2017) were keen to present a quality film, with multidimensional characters, engaging songs and a relevant story.

Kiara (voice of Blue Ivy Carter in the original version) took refuge in a cave as a storm approached which frightened her. The daughter of Nala (voice of Beyoncé Knowles Carter) and Simba (voice of Donald Glover) then speaks with Rafiki (voice of John Kani) who begins to tell her the story of Mufasa (voice of Aaron Pierre and Patrick Emmanuel Abellard in the version dubbed in Quebec).

Because the lion cub, separated from its parents by the flooding of a river, finds refuge with other lions. Adopted by Eshe (voice of Thandiwe Newton), young Mufasa becomes friends with Taka, future Scar (voice of Kelvin Harrison Jr.). The little ones grow up like brothers, become adolescents and are confronted with the desire for territorial expansion of the Kiros pack (voice of Mads Mikkelsen).

The songs, written and composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, all come at the right time (that of Zazu, dubbed here by William Cloutier, is very nice) and in no way slow down the rhythm of Mufasa: the lion king. Because, even if the psychology of the characters is perfectly nuanced (a rare occurrence in a film intended for families), the scenario focuses on the achievement of a double objective (Mufasa wishes to find his family and he must also confront Kiros to ensure the safety of his adoptive pack), a perfect element to ensure effective suspense (even if we know that everything will end well since we are at Disney). The humor is skillfully distilled, the numerous winks for adults are perfect (a special mention is required for the jokes in which men bear the brunt).

Visually, Mufasa: the lion king is a triumph of color and magnificence, Barry Jenkins having decided to move away from the photorealism which made the Lion King of 2019 too “serious” and which drew attention to technology… and its faults of the time. This “animated” bias makes the special effects “invisible” and the film much more fun.

Perfect family film for this holiday season, Mufasa: the lion king stands out as a must-see which, fingers crossed, will deserve more at the Oscars than a simple nomination in the special effects category. Parents and grandparents will be delighted, children will come away enchanted and everyone will be lastingly dazzled.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Mufasa: the lion king lights up screens and hearts from December 20.