"The Lion King" was "interfered" with by Barry Jenkins: Masterpiece or disaster?

"The Lion King" returns with an emotional prequel about Mufasa. However, with stunning visuals and top-notch special effects, the script is still controversial. Is this a step back for Disney?

Released in 1991, the animated series The Lion King is widely regarded as one of the timeless works, inspiring many generations of audiences. Many international critics have described the story of lion Simba reclaiming the throne from his cruel uncle Scar as the "Hamlet of the animal world", continuing to attract the attention of a large audience. However, can "Mufasa" overcome the huge shadow of its predecessors?

The film tells the emotional journey of Mufasa, from a small orphaned lion to the legendary king. "Mufasa" depicts the character's growth and complex relationship with his brother Taka.

The film's setting is expanded beyond Pride Rock to other wild lands, creating a vast, colorful and dramatic world. Compared to the 2019 remake, "Mufasa" focuses more deeply on the origins and inner development of the characters, helping viewers better understand their motivations and connections.

One of the highlights of "Mufasa" lies in its stunning and realistic visuals, created by a seamless blend of real footage and cutting-edge CGI technology. Motion capture techniques are used effectively, allowing the lion characters to express their emotions in a subtle and vivid way. Unlike the 2019 remake that focused on realism, "Mufasa" places special emphasis on eye-catching battle scenes with close-up shots, enhancing the fierce and intense feeling of the battles.

The involvement of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who had success with music in "Moana" and "Hamilton", brought high expectations for the music of "Mufasa". However, although the soundtrack has grand and romantic melodies that fit the epic atmosphere of the film, it is still difficult to compare with classic songs like "The Circle of Life" or "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" from the 1994 original. Some songs lack highlights and lyrics are not deep enough to make a strong impression.

"Mufasa" is a story about growing up, about finding identity and taking responsibility. The main message of the film, "origin is not as important as character", is shown through Mufasa's journey. The relationship between Mufasa and Taka is not only a battle between good and evil, but also a confrontation between love and betrayal.

However, a major weakness lies in the way Taka's character is built. The sudden transformation from close brother to traitor is not convincing enough, due to the character's internal conflicts not being deeply exploited. The alternating between past and present is sometimes confusing, and the appearance of Timon and Pumbaa sometimes overwhelms the film with unnecessary humor.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Jeff Nathanson's script is still quite safe, following familiar Disney formulas. The idea of the "Circle of Life", with the lion at the top of the food chain, sometimes feels forced in the context of Jenkins's constant pursuit of equality and diversity.

Still, this doesn't detract from Mufasa's appeal. The film manages to strike a balance between entertainment and artistic depth, making it a memorable entry in Disney's series of remakes and prequels.

The involvement of Barry Jenkins, a talented director with artistic works such as "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk", has brought a unique mark to "Mufasa". Different from the usual Disney directors, Jenkins focuses on emotional depth and visual art, creating an artistic cinematic space where each scene is meticulously cared for.

The film's blend of art and commerce is commendable. Jenkins has created a grandiose world while maintaining humanity, making "Mufasa" a work of art as well as entertainment.

Overall, "Mufasa: The Lion King" is an ambitious film with stunning visuals, captivating music, and an emotional story. However, the film still cannot surpass the shadow of the 1994 original and sometimes falls into the rut of the product.

Taka's changing personality and the film's unsmooth flow are unfortunate minus points. However, under the hands of Barry Jenkins, "Mufasa" is still a work worth watching, especially for those who love Disney movies with epic and emotional depth. For audiences who love stories about brotherhood, maturity and loyalty, "Mufasa" will definitely bring memorable experiences.

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