The wait is finally over for all historical fans, children and otherwise, of The Lion Kingwhich after three animated films and two live-action films continues to appeal to the public Disney with new ideas.
In Italian cinemas from 19 December, Mufasa – The Lion King is the prequel that delves into the past of two great pillars of the saga, rival brothers par excellence but who could unexpectedly hide the story of a great affection: Mufasa and Scar. Perhaps someone had wondered at least once about the origins of their hostility, especially on the part of Scar, who has always maintained the reputation of an antagonist between the two; but who would have imagined an entire chapter dedicated to them?
It is true, Mufasa is yet another live-action cartoon Disney, as we see many now, but the film has all the potential to change the minds of even the most prejudiced.
Mufasa and Taka: inseparable brothers
In the Land where the small Mufasa he lives together with his parents and the other animals of the savannah, it hasn't rained for years. The mother often tells her son about a place called “Forever” where all the animals live in harmony, where nature is lush and the water of the rivers and waterfalls flows abundantly. It is there, says the lioness, that they have always been headed: to that place that is a paradise and that they never stop dreaming of.
When one day, finally, the drought comes to an end, the rain returns to fill the lakes and rivers that had long been dry. However, in a short time the storm turns into a violent flood that inundates and drags everything with it, including Mufasa and his family who, in an attempt to save themselves, are separated by the fury of the waters.
Mufasa wakes up on the banks of a river, in a land he doesn't know but where he immediately meets a little lion named Take. The latter will take him and will do everything to make his pack accept him too.
Mufasa no longer has a family, Taka confesses that he has always wanted a brother: the two become inseparable and best friends. His father, however, the King of the pack, warns him: Taka must not trust Mufasa, because one day he will betray him.
En route to Milele
The so-called “Outcasts” soon arrive to threaten the balance of the pride, lions of a different species from theirs who intend to take all the power. The royal lineage, including Taka, is therefore in danger: pushed by their family, the two brothers are forced to travel to a safer place. But along the way they will not be alone, because they will meet three special companions that we all already know: Sarabia lioness also left without a pride, youa cute bird, and A frienda wise monkey. Together they will decide to head to Milele, that paradise that everyone talks about and which for many exists only in the imagination.
Thus begins the adventure of the new pack who will soon discover that they are still in the sights of the “Outcasts”, who seek revenge after Mufasa, to defend Taka's mother, killed one of them. Will the five friends be able to arrive safely in Milele? And above all, was Taka's father right to warn him about a possible betrayal?
Between images and music: an immersive experience
Watch Mufasa it's a 360-degree immersive experience. The settings, the natural elements as well as the animals are so realistic that they envelop you in their dimension, also thanks to the film's soundtrack.
The music, in the wake of the previous live-action, recalls the charm of the African savannah and wild nature, it smells of freedom and adventure, in addition to the inevitable Disney songs that always work.
It is a film of friendship, of love, of revelations, of great wisdom, with the never banal teachings of Rafiki, who, like a missing piece, fits perfectly into the great puzzle of the saga of which we thought we knew everything and which, instead, had still something in store.
The revelation: is Scar really the villain of the story?
The film's trailer immediately hinted that our beliefs about who the villain of the story was up to that point were perhaps wrong. They show us a Scar in another guise and with another name, Mufasa's best friend but, above all, good. This premise was enough to collapse the idea of one of the greatest cinema villains, among the most hated of all time, and to raise curiosity.
What happened between Scar and Mufasa? Will the motivation, whatever it is, be valid enough to justify Scar's evil and question the myth of Mufasa? We all have the last word.
