Favorite moments of cinema: The Lion King

It's curious that, having master classics that perfectly define "Disney magic", this is precisely the highest grossing and, alongside Bambi, my absolute favorite. Because The Lion King is unchecked, it doesn't follow the same formula nor have that "fantasy and fun" approach that is awarded to the company. The fact is that with this film, Disney seems to use all the tools perfected over the years and movies to do something much bigger, more serious, dramatic and transcendental. Something that could have remained in mere ambition, but that nevertheless triumphs in every way. The Lion King was no longer just an animated gem. It managed to be that epic and great movie that comes up every so often and that EVERYONE is going to see the cinema. But the reasons that make it an icon of popular culture and the highest grossing animated film in history (adjusting inflation and not counting the addition of 3D that others have) are not so much due to an extraordinary marketing campaign. It challenged the public and it responded. And it's illustrated simply by attending to how the main character is built. Simba is the only Disney character that not only evolves, but grows, matures, his feelings and psychology change throughout the film. They introduce us to a kitty cat with strong motivations and a profile, and then destroy him. And when he grows up with a serious problem of self-esteem and no longer wants what he wanted, he's afraid of the responsibility that entails, a responsibility that would force him to deal with a painful trauma. Simba is the only Disney character that is... fucked up. Really screwed. He really needs a psychologist. And his moral lesson goes beyond a moral of the story: Children, shit happens. Bad things are going to happen to you. But the pain of the past can't prevent you from being what you are or doing your duty. Be brave and throw away. And even when our hero learns this and makes the right decision, the rest is not a path of roses.

And they tell us all that without simplifying it or taking us for fools, and in a sophisticated way, with an excellent narrative and making every dialogue or brief moment count. Take as an example the scene in which Mufasa quarrels with Simba. It's not just a lesson for the protagonist under very specific circumstances. "Being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble" and "I guess even kings get scared" has a huge impact when Simba is an adult. The treatment of courage, sacrifice and responsibility makes Simba my favorite Disney hero, outlined with an unprecedented humanity and realism that extends to the rest of the characters. The wonderful and mythical Mufasa defines attention in a single shot and whose death is undoubtedly the most spectacular, intense and cruel sequences that Disney has made. Scar, endowed with a fascinating duality that makes him a terrifying evil character, of the few villains who halfway through the movie manage to win, and at the same time in someone who once won the victory reveals himself as a pathetic cowardly, insecure and miserable being. And yet it retains a crushing power: The ability to manipulate Simba. It seems brilliant to me that the terrible lie he tells to him is only known by him, is precisely the only one who can reveal the truth and thus unleash the final battle and give Simba the strength he needed at a critical moment.

I must also mention more supporting characters. Rafiki is one of those who appear little and yet capture all the attention. We simply assimilate his wisdom so deeply that when he cries or laughs we know that we are facing an important moment of truth, for better or worse.

Nala also interests me a lot. More than anything because this time the romantic subplot is that, a subplot, not the core of the film. This is used to create a relationship we haven't seen so far, not so focused on how Simba and Nala fall in love, if not why they do it and what does that mean for both of them. Two childhood friends who are miraculously reunited years later at a time when they both have very serious problems, who begin to see each other after the reunion and who discover in each other an oasis of peace and happiness. And this is just a subplot! Timon and Pumbaa are more conventional, but a risky movement is made with them: They don't appear until halfway through the movie, which can cause them not to fit completely into. On the other hand, they are totally necessary for Simba's character and for what the movie wants to tell. They symbolize the carefree and runaway life to which Simba clings. When Simba overcomes his identity crisis and returns home willing to regain his throne, I also see symbolic that Timon and Pumbaa accompany him, as if to say that to be king Simba doesn't have to give up Hakuna Matata, because it's also part of him.

I'm going to finish, but I want to mention the SCALE of the movie. This is one of the features of Disney that I like the most and this is one of the greatest exponents. Looks at the shots! Look at the scenarios! Look at those colors! Look at the camera movements! Listen to that Music! The direction leaves me speechless. Everything is done in style.

Well, I can't say more about this Masterpiece. It only remains to lament this is the last Masterpiece Disney has given to us. The truth is, although there are some from the coming years that I like, they are less fascinating to watch and analyze than the more classic ones and Masterpiece, what is said Masterpiece... well, we're not going to see another one anymore.