THEthe world of The Lion King go back to the cinema with Mufasa – The Lion Kinga prequel directed by Barry Jenkinsa director already known by filmgoers for having directed the Oscar-winning film Moonlight (2016) e If the street could talk (2018). How did “the circle of life” begin? The film tells the untold story of the origins of Mufasa, one of the most iconic characters in the Disney universe. The voice of Rafikimandrill and “shaman” of the Branco Lands, takes the viewer into the past and the origins of the future king: those of a young orphan lion, lost and alone, whose childhood was characterized by difficulties and traumas. Raised as a nobody’s child struggling to find his place in the world, Mufasa faces challenges that lead him to build the values of loyalty, justice and sacrifice that will define him as ruler.
Disney’s operation aims to unite different generations of spectators. On the one hand, those nostalgic for the animated masterpiece of the nineties, through the music poignant by Hans Zimmer and the songs of Lin-Manuel Miranda which recall the unforgettable ones of the original film, but also rediscover the mythological ones Timon and Pumbaa of the unforgettable song Hakuna Matata as the comic engine of the film. On the other hand, today’s children and young peoplewho perhaps are virgins of the vision of the original, and already accustomed to the photorealistic CGI of The Lion King by Jon Favreau, they will become passionate about the daring adventures of “grandfather” Mufasa.
Mufasa – The Lion Kingthe plot of the Disney 2024 film
In the Pride Lands of Tanzania, Rafiki tells the origin story of Mufasa and Taka to Kiara, Simba and Nala’s daughter. Following a flood, the cub Mufasa is separated from his parents and dragged by the water into an unknown territory run by a pride of lions, where he befriends Prince Takaa young lion who following the events of the film will take the name of Scar.
Mufasa is then welcomed by his family. From a new pack that adopts him. He and Taka are inseparable like brothers. Now teenagers, the two help the young lioness Sarabi to face and defeat the evil Kiros, leader of a pride of white lions called “the outcasts”. The relationship between the two “brotherly” friends, however, gradually becomes more complicated in a crescendo of rivalry and tensionwhich set the stage for the events of the original Disney film.
“Mufasa – The Lion King”. From left to right: Afia (voiced in Italian by Domitilla D’Amico), the young Mufasa (Mattia Moresco) and Masego (Eugenio Marinelli). (Disney)
Mufasa – The Lion Kingthe review
All those who as children were enchanted by the animation that gave life to the mysterious and wild universe of The Lion King. Cinema, after almost thirty years, is very different. No more hand drawings, because that magic has now been completely replaced by the photorealistic mold of the live action setting.
Nothing wrong: times change, but no one should be offended. The intensity of emotions is sacrificed, to highlight the verisimilitude and accuracy of the technical aspects. Sure, the African landscapes are breathtaking and Jenkins’ direction adds an innovative perspective. Every scene, from the vast savannas to the dramatic storms, is visually stunning and beautifully detailed.
From left to right: Rafiki (Edoardo Stoppacciaro) and Kiara (Emma Cecile Rigonat). (Disney)
However, technical excellence also entails a widespread feeling of “coldness”, because iComputer-generated photorealism sacrifices the emotional expressiveness typical of traditional animation. However, the pedagogical value of the topics addressed remains: resilience, the search for belonging, the importance of personal choices, but also the inevitability of fate.
Mufasa is by no means a perfect protagonist, but a young lion full of doubts, insecurities, and who carries with him the weight of a difficult past. All elements that on an empathetic level bring him closer to the sensitivity of the public.
The original and Italian voices of the film
In the original version of Mufasa – The Lion King lending voices are – among others – Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Mads Mikkelsen, Thandie Newton, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover and Beyoncé with daughter Blue Ivy. And even in the Italian one we find a real list of cinema and music stars.
Luca Marinelli is the voice of Mufasa as an adult, Alberto Boubakar Malanchino (Doc – In your hands) plays Taka, Elodie voices Sarabi, Simba’s future mother. We also find Edoardo Stoppacciaro who voices Rafiki and Riccardo Suarez Puertas who voices Zazu, the royal butler hornbill. And also pay attention to Marco Mengoni (Simba), Elisa (Nala), Edoardo Leo (Timon) and Stefano Fresi (Pumbaa).
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