The Lion King, or The History of King Simba I - Summer of Shakespeare

Summer of Shakespeare concludes with the classic retelling of the tale of a troubled young prince. No, not that one. Or maybe it is?
All third party clips are used under Fair Use.
Follow me on Twitter: / kylekallgren
Tumblr: / actuallykylekallgren
Or see my archive on Chez Apocalypse: chezapocalypse.com/series/brow...
Support me on Patreon: / kkallgren
SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY
TONY GOLDMARK
As Some Jerk With a Camera
/ tonygoldmark
/ tonygoldmark
CHARLIE CALLAHAN
as Chorus Member/Rainforest Café Worshipper
/ rbgprods
/ rbgprods
HALEY BAKER CALLAHAN
as Chorus Member/Charlie Wrangler #1
/ tricksterbelle
/ tricksterbelle
NICHOLAS BOGROFF GANSSLE
as Chorus Member/Charlie Wrangler #2
/ thefalcon317
DAVID GANSSLE
as Chorus Member/Show Usurper
/ doggans
/ doggans
LUKE SIENKOWSKI
As Chorus Member/Fascinated by Keys
/ thegreatlukeski
/ thegreatlukeski
MORGAN FUNDER
as Face On Screen for 20 Frames
twitter/com/TheWire2
ASSET NOTES:
Virtutes Vocis, Minstrel Guild, Brandenburg Concerto No4-1 BWV1049 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source:
Virtutes Vocis: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Minstrel Guild: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Brandenburg Concerto: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
“West Africana” is composed by Hicham Chahidi and licensed in agreement with www.musicscreen.org/

[@CSHallo]

"Timoncrantz and Pumbastern are dead"... well done, sir! Well done!

[@robbiewalker2831]

Ah yes, who could forget the classic midquel: "the Lion King 1 1/2: Timoncrantz and Pumbastern are Dead"

[@jhonjacson798]

"Remember... who you are... you are MY son, and the one true king, and with our COMBINED strength, we can END this destructive confict, and bring order... to the galaxy!"

[@Erika-gn1tv]

Smooth...

[@Strawberry92fs]

cross dubbing Lion King and Star Wars is the best thing ever. Especially with the whole no lips giant mask thing of Vader.

[@dereknight861]

Disney; Nono James! You got your scripts blurred together….though that DOES give me an idea…let’s just wait out how George does with his “prequel” idea first…

[@pinoypizza]

This is why I personally can't get behind the accusation of "ripping off" something, because 99% of stories is influenced, inspired by, or otherwise examined by a multitude of things one way or another.

[@tsarmikislav938]

Im especially offended by the lion king kimba comparison

[@robbiewalker2831]

@@tsarmikislav938 There’s a video from YourMovieSucks that talks about Jungle Emperor Leo (original name in Japan) and why the controversy is the most stupidest thing in the fandom.

[@tsarmikislav938]

@@robbiewalker2831 yeah i know that That's why I'm offended that the lion king gets compared to something else that has almost nothing to do with it other then the fact that it's about lions in Africa

[@Tuckerscreator]

"Sorcerer-king" is the coolest title I've heard all year. Also adding that I appreciate how uncondescending this review is, and doesn't try to foist blame on the film by going "look how this Disney movie made Shakespeare all simple and kid-friendly".

[@mistertea603]

Like to see someone coup THAT SHIT, eh?

[@tscream80]

I'm mildly surprised you didn't mention the Osirian myths from Ancient Egypt (which is Africa, at least geographically). It has a similar plot line to the Lion King: an evil uncle (Seth) kills the good king (Osiris) force said king's family into exile, and the son (Horus) returns to avenge his father's death and reclaim the throne.

[@RockinRobin411]

The parallels I've seen with The Lion King are that with Ancient Egyptian mythology. Set kills Osiris. His son is Horus. After Osiris has been killed, his spirit trains Horus. Horus defeats Set. Others have seen that parallel as well.

[@Baalshazar]

Being a history fan, one of my favorite quotes is "uneasy lies the head that wears the crown." Glad to see it was mentioned.

[@katherinealvarez9216]

I wanna hear the soundtrack of the Hamlet/Lion King parody songs

[@JediJared-bs1wt]

Same

[@sanityisrelative]

I'm pretty sure I could listen to Kyle tell folk tales all day long.

[@sensibleGamer]

... That's an idea! KyleKallgrenBHH you ever consider this? New show, Story Time, with Kyle

[@JediJared-bs1wt]

Same

[@catherinescott5035]

If you are ever in danger of falling into the trap of bardolatry, just remember that half of Shakespeare's work was basically Ovidian fanfiction.

[@Abitheartist]

Half?

[@toolongforyoutoread6]

And the other half was Plutarch-inspired slashfic.

[@sam0318]

Wow, when you were describing Sundiata's Epic, I had major Ramayana flashbacks with the whole Queen's jealousy and exile and return of the wise son except he defeated "evil" during his exile. But it's amazing how so many old epic's often follow similar themes around the world. Then again, most of them are commentaries on the human condition, which hasn't really changed all that much as well as most of our basic morals.

[@TheSaltyLibrarian]

I was hoping someone else would finally bring up Sundiata! I read it in my intro Africana studies class back in college and everyone (including the professor) was like, "The Hamlet connection is weak. THIS is the real Lion King." By the way, one thing he didn't mention is that during the final battle, Sundiata and Soumoaro Kanté have something that can I only be described as history's first epic rap battle: -"Know that I am the wild yam of the rocks; nothing will make me leave!" -"Know that that I have in my camp seven smiths who shatter the rocks!" -"Know that am a mighty cinder that will burn your feet!" -"Know that I am the rain that extinguishes the cinder!"

[@rosebyanyname]

Kyle's singing voice is still great!

[@turkishvan2]

I read Sundiata for a collage class. I love the way epics are written

[@Whitetiger770]

+turkishvan2 I read it to.

[@ArmyPrint]

I love your "story time" segments - I keep rewatching this episode to hear the Sundiata bit. And also the one you did from Noh theatre. I would totally buy an audiobook of you telling folklore stories from different cultures

[@gublinchscrivener7891]

+ArmyPrint I like the animations, too.

[@Galvion1980]

I'd buy audiobooks narrated by Kyle. Just saying...

[@Greeklings]

I've been waiting for someone to compare Simba to Hal!

[@johnm.osborne5972]

The animation on the song for sundiyata's (sic) is brilliant. Great work there.

[@Charuchii]

While the format of your show might have changed a little bit since the start (especially this last year), I feel like they've been so much more interesting, and in a way a lot more satisfactory to watch (which doesn't mean your older work isn't great in itself). You're great at explaining pretty complex ideas and you're a good storyteller to booth. Honestly I didn't realize I was holding my breath watching this until the ending screen appeared. Man, I loved watching the Summer of Shakespeare and I can't wait to see what you'll be doing next.

[@maugos]

Another great episode, Kyle. Have to say, I never thought about the idea that The Lion King, let alone anything, is maybe more a combination of inspirations rather than just based on one work.

[@Greeklings]

You're a great storyteller!

[@TheNumnutRandomness]

I was going to wait to marathon your summer of Shakespeare, but the temptation was far too great. Lion King is to Hamlet as Frozen is to Snow Queen. Every review of Lion King I watched compared it to Kimba at one point, but this one is by far the most in depth. I had no idea that so many of our idioms come from Shakespeare. Beautiful review, Kyle.

[@cestmika6824]

Wow, Kyle. This is one of your greatest videos you've made. This Shakespeare 'month' was incredible and I loved how it was focused on culture. I can always count on you to research a topic as much as possible and it really shows. It's probably a lot of work and should you ever do a third Shakespeare 'month' I would be thrilled. But this episode could work as a perfect closure for all your Shakespeare videos.

[@al43811]

Rafiki is not the equivalent character of Poloius -- Zazu is. Rafiki would be Horatius if anyone

[@rusted_ursa]

+al43811 I would pay good money to see Zazu get mauled through a curtain.

[@lizawithazed]

I still get "It's a murder most fooooooooooul, his offence is raaaaaank" stuck in my head sometimes

[@Terraoblivion]

Hearing the Epic of Sundiata is pretty interesting. While it is not completely the same, which would be pretty disturbing given the cultural and geographic distance, it has a lot in common with the story of Prince Amleth, written down by Danish chronicler Saxo Grammaticus in his great work Gesta Danorum in the 13th century. This too is the story of a seemingly weak, crippled prince of limited mental faculties and questionable sanity tolerated by a court turned against him by a hostile relative who banished him when his true abilities became apparent. It is also the original basis for Hamlet like the name and Danish origin might suggest. This is not to suggest any direct relationship between Sundiata and Amleth or Hamlet, there almost isn't any, it instead goes back to the final point about stories. Dynastic struggle, banishment to get rid of competitors, outsiders conquering the throne, ideas of the world itself supporting the rightful ruler and banished people with a rightful claim finding support abroad are all stories that exist wherever there is monarchy and likely say something of the nature of monarchy itself by their universal nature. Hearing the Epic of Sundiata and its similarities to Northern European chronicles truly reminded me of that.

[@oscarstainton]

With the release of The Northman, Amleth's epic story is a respectable (if very esoteric and strange) film.

[@catherinehorowitz3930]

man this video is so good i can't even decide what my favorite part is

[@pompousproductions]

If I viewed Lion King as any Shakespeare play, it would be more Richard III. (Only with more scenes focusing on Edmund, who kills Richard at the end of the film.) Guy with hunched back and hideous facial features hates the king and everything good in the world, plots to kill said king in complicated plot, does so by aligning himself with people of a lower kind (probably not favored in the circle of life/monarchy), promising great rewards to them when he's king, manages to kill the king, dispose of the son, then have a political campaign to prove he's the legit heir, when he finally becomes king he squanders everything, whines a lot, fails to give what he promised, is haunted by those he killed, tries to seduce the wife of the hero to have a stronger lineage, then finally is killed by a stronger heir related to the man he's killed.

[@Whitetiger770]

I read Sundiata in college, I can't believe I forgot about it.

[@thegeekclub8810]

1:20 I know it will never happen because it's an incredibly time consuming and strenuous task, but I could honestly die happy if this were actually real.

[@dynaboyjl.4220]

I just read Henry IV Part 1 in my English class and this entire episode makes so much more sense. Thanks Kyle

[@ablemcman]

I enjoy the amount of Mali- references on this show. Its a really neat place in history and it being mentioned on this show (especially in the Yeelen episode) really got me invested in learning about its history.

[@JadeCryptOfWonders]

Osamu Tezuka probably would've been moved to tears had he lived to see The Lion King in cinemas, he worshipped at the altar of Walt Disney long before Epcot was even built.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Oh I bet he would!

[@KoopakidKK]

Well...the problem is is that the anime is so different from the lion king, because the tv show was over 300 episodes, and did a bunch of stuff in Africa and even France. The whole argument is really just from people who do not research..

[@MonsieurMaskedMan]

Jungle Emperor Summary: The story begins before Leo’s birth with Hamegg, selling his services to the Donga tribe as a great hunter. Hamegg has been tasked to kill Panja, the white lion who has been killing the tribe’s domesticated animals. The purpose behind Panja’s attacks have different explanations in the manga and the film, though for the most part we may understand them as an attempt to feed himself and other animals without killing wild animals. This issue is disguised in the US dub of Kimba. Through devious means, Hamegg is able to catch and kill Panja. In exchange he receives a jewel from the Dongo tribe which becomes a critical plot element later on in the story. Panja’s wife (pregnant with Leo) is shipped off to a zoo, and this is where Leo’s story begins. Leo is born on the ship, but does not tarry there for long. He is eschewed off by his mother because it is not his fate to be in a zoo (that, and while he can slip through the bars of the cage, his mother cannot.) She tells him to return to Africa and be strong like his father. Surprisingly, Leo is encouraged to leap directly from the porthole into the raging seas-which he does! Leo of course survives, but the ship does not (it is destroyed in a storm), and so Leo is an orphan. There are a few adventures here that I’m going to skip over (and are either deemphasized or omitted from the animated films), but eventually Leo meets up with a mouse named Jacques (floating on a plank of wood) and the two of them make their way to land. Unfortunately not Africa but Portugal. Here Leo befriends Kenichi and his uncle, Mr. Mustachio (Uncle Pompous in the US dub, properly Shunsaku Ban or Higeoyaji.) There are once again a string of adventures that can for the most part be omitted here; however when visiting a zoo, Leo is abhorred by the imprisonment of animals and begins to long for his homeland. He vows one day to return and free the animals, though this promise is never fulfilled. This is significant because it is the beginning of Leo’s vision of a world where humans and animals can live together. It is also the beginning of his recognition of an unjust world. Left out of Kimba is the moonlight stone given to Hamegg. Returning back to civilization with the jewel he is at first is discouraged to find it has no monetary value, but then is confronted by two scientists (Professors Plus and Minus) who say the stone is of the utmost importance to science. Written in 1950, Jungle Emperor predates the discovery and acceptance of Plate Tectonics though Tezuka does acknowledge Wegner’s popularly discredited theory of continental drift. Instead, the continents are proposed to have been moved by a great, explosive natural force, of which Professors Plus and Minus feel that the Moonlight stones are the key. The scientists offer Hamegg the opportunity to lead an expedition to find more Moonstones, with payment promised for each Moonstone found. Now what I haven’t mentioned is that Leo, Mustachio and Kenichi are living right next to Hamegg and that Kenichi and Mary (Hamegg’s daughter) are friends who regularly play together. As it just so happens, Mustachio is the only one with any money and he ends up footing the bill for the expedition, taking everyone (Hamegg, Plus, Minus, Kenichi, Mary and Leo) in tow. During the trip Leo is able to observe the behavior of wild animals and is confused by his own feelings. He does not like being thought of as a wild beast, but he can feel his instincts to prey on other animals. Their journey leads them back to the Dongo tribe where three significant things happen. First is the revelation that the chief of the Dongo tribe does not know where the Moonlight stone came from-but there are hints that it is connected with a mysterious mountain called the ‘mountain of dreams’ or ‘mt. moon’ Second is the appearance of Lamp who confronts Hamegg with the threat of exposing the crimes he committed during the war (we learn that Hamegg was a Nazi who worked the prison camps), and forces him to wrangle all the money he can out of poor Professor Plus and Minus. The two scientists are then abandoned in the jungle. The third significant event is Leo’s discovery of the pelt of his father. By stealing it, Leo angers the chief who orders the entire tribe to attack his guests. During this chaos, the expedition party is split up such that most of the characters are separated. At this point in the story we are led to believe that Mustachio, Plus and Minus somehow safely return to civilization. Lamp and Hamegg join up (much to Hamegg’s distress) though the story does not follow them. Rather, we follow our favorite characters, Leo, Kenichi and Mary. This is effectively where the Kimba series starts (with some of the previous story told through flashback.) Leo at last returns to the jungle, and through great difficulty is convinced to protect and become the leader of many of the animals living there. This does not include many of the strongest beasts (such as the elephants and lions)-though it does not necessarily exclude all of them either. Many ideas are started in this section of the graphic novel which are explored in much greater depth in Kimba. A farm and restaurant are conceived and implemented as well as a semi-functional mail service. All of these can be seen as ideas that Leo has brought with him from human civilization and which are hoped to alleviate the need for animals to eat one another. Following this period of building and invention, the animals (as well as Kenichi and Mary) are attacked by the Donga tribe. It is unclear to me why they are attacked, but the animals say this is a regular affair. Leo is able to show off his leadership skills here and save the animals, but Mary is taken by the tribesmen and we don’t know what happens to her. In Kimba, native tribes are replaced by a hunting establishment-whether or not this makes more sense is hard to say, but it aided in circumventing Tezuka’s depiction of Africans. Kenichi is obviously distraught about Mary’s apparent death, so in an attempt to cheer him up, Leo organizes a choir. I mention this because it is significant for the Kimba series, but also because in Jungle Emperor, the sound of the choir summons Lamp and Hamegg, who have decided to pick up some extra cash through poaching. Leo learns that Hamegg killed his father and knocks him about but decides to let him live. Nonetheless Hamegg is killed by a wild lion. Lamp escapes and we do not see him again until later in the story. Obviously of great significance is the appearance of Lyre (Leo’s future-wife) who is among the animals captured by Lamp and Hamegg. Despite the similarity of the above story to the Kimba episode ‘The Trappers’, the origin for Lyre is completely different. In Kimba we discover that Lyre is the member of another group of lions-which in turns leads to a whole new story line not present in the manga. In Jungle Emperor, Lyre is the servant of the lioness Luna (who is in fact Leo’s aunt.) In both story-lines we learn that Leo is the descendent of a long line of white lions first given great intelligence though an ancient Egyptian scientist for the purpose of saving his kingdom. That first lion however ultimately ended in the hands of a tribe of pygmies, and through the guiding wisdom of the lions, this tribe survives for some four thousand years into the present day. Panja however at last made his break with humanity, whether because he simply lusted for freedom or wanted to aid the lives of the other wild animals, not just people. Luna however did not leave and had sent Lyre to search for Panja-instead however she finds his son, Leo.-

[@MonsieurMaskedMan]

-It is significant at this point that the animals begin a ‘human school’ where they learn how to read and speak. By doing so, they learn about some of the events in the outside world and Kenichi finally has someone to talk to. The Dongo tribe once again re-emerges and is chased off, but we learn that the head of the tribe is now Queen Konga-who is in fact Mary. The manner of this transformation remains unconvincing in both Jungle Emperor and Kimba. The former suggests that Mary knows what she is doing and is acting out a fantasy of her own, where the TV series uses the all-too-familiar amnesia shtick. Queen Konga wishes to control the entire region, which makes Leo a threat so she begins devising ways to capture and or kill him. Through one of these adventures we learn about Mamamoth and Mt. Moon. Leo makes a powerful ally by befriending Mamamoth and she will play an important role in the remainder of the story. Of more consequence in Kimba than in Jungle Emperor is the conflict between Leo and Boubou (a one-eyed adult lion) who vies for the companionship of Lyre. Leo must put an end to this and puts Boubou’s other eye out. The event however leads to Leo and Lyre’s temporary separation (Lyre thinking Leo is dead, and Leo thinking Lyre has abandoned him.) Leo ultimately ends up visiting his aunt Luna and the village of pigmies from which Leo escaped. He contemplates for a short time staying there as leader of the pygmies, but is convinced by Lyre (who reappears) that he must return to the animals he is king to. Mustachio also returns to the story at this point, convinced that Kenichi is still alive in the jungle. In Kimba, the tribe seems to have gone extinct, but Luna is still there with all the pelts of Leo’s ancestors. It is now time for conclusion of one of the major story arcs as Queen Konga masses her people and domesticated animals for a final attack against Leo’s jungle (and Leo himself.) Mustachio and Kenichi are reunited but it is a short bit of happiness for them as Leo and friends seem soundly defeated by the Dongo tribe. They are at last forced to retreat to a small island, awaiting their demise-a scene intensified in Kimba by the animals sadly (yet proudly) singing one of the first songs that united them as a community. The day is saved however by the appearance of Mamamoth (who claims she just visited for more elephant grass.) Queen Konga is defeated and is able to return to her identity as Mary. Mustachio, Kenichi and Mary leave the story at this point, although we will see more of Mustachio later. This is effectively where the Kimba storyline ends, this being episode 45, “Much Sweet Sorrow”; the remaining episodes not contributing to any continuous storyline. The final story arc begins with Leo and Lyre having two cubs, Lune and Lukio. There quickly emerges a childhood rivalry between Lune and the young elephant Bijo. This rivalry is played out fully in Onward Leo! but still remains important in Jungle Emperor in convincing the elephants that not everything about humans is bad. After hearing many stories from Koko the parrot, Lune becomes convinced that his place isn’t in the jungle and he must visit the humans. Consequently, Lune embarks on a series of adventures similar to those Leo underwent in the earliest parts of the story, though with considerably harsher treatment from humans. The story from now on until the end switches between the narratives of Leo, Mustachio (until they converge) and Lune, and there is no proper sequence in which to relate them: Mustachio on his return trip from Africa falls into the hands of a spy ring which is involved with Nation A (or is it Nation B?) They now have control of the Moonlight Stone which they’ve forcibly taken from Lamp. Through a series of events I’m not going to detail, Mustachio ends up getting away from the spy ring and leading either Professor Plus (or is it Professor Minus) from Nation B (or is it A?) back on an expedition to Mt. Moon now that they are convinced this is where the Moonlight stones are from. It becomes apparent through the involvement of Nation A and Nation B that the moonlight stones are of interest primarily as a weapon, and the two professors (Plus and Minus) who were such good friends at the beginning of the story are now pitted against each other because of politics. Both lead an expedition to Africa attempting to be the first to reach Mt. Moon and retrieve more moonlight stones (or at least learn about their origins.) In the meantime, the spy ring which met up with Mustachio earlier now meets up with Lune (it is such a very small world!) It seems that their head man, Adam Dandy sees big money to be had in a talking Lion and apparently runs a circus on the side. Tricking Lune to cooperate at first, and then later by force, the little lion cub soon learns that humans and their world is not at all what he’d hoped it would be and begins to long for his homeland. Lamp returns for a final bout with Adam Dandy and sets the circus on fire. It is high time for Lune to escape but instead he realizes all of the captive animals will die if he doesn’t help them. With the cooperation of the other animals, Lune puts out the fire and is recognized as a leader by the other animals. Adam Dandy and Lamp are trampled by elephants and perish. Meanwhile in Africa, a castle is built in honor of Leo and Lyre; but its construction is opposed by the elephants. Upon completion, a contagious and fatal disease is contracted by the animals and many (including Lyre) die. It is at this point that Mustachio and his expedition team (in search of the moonstones) emerges and quickly conceive a remedy. Because the humans save Lukio and the other animals, Leo promises to accompany the exploration party-which of course becomes his undoing. In time, Nation A and Nation B’s team meet up as they attempt to overcome the many challenges of Mt. Moon, eventually even aided by Mamamoth, who encourages them to turn back. Politics are abandoned as they approach the summit. Many have died and Leo goes snow-blind. The source of the Moonstones are discovered and recorded by the scientists but all perish on the return trip. Eventually only Mustachio and Leo are left. Leo recognizes that with his hide and meat, Mustachio could make it down from the mountain so he sacrifices himself in a manner that Mustachio has no choice. Returning to the jungle, Mustachio meets Lune who has just returned from the human world and must now deal with both his father and mother’s death. The film version (Jungle Emperor Leo) ends here, but in the manga we are treated to an epilogue in which we learn of Lune and Lukio’s future success and wonder what their new kingdom will be like.

[@MonsieurMaskedMan]

The Lion King Summary: The Lion King takes place in the Pride Lands of Africa, where a lion rules over the other animals as king. As dawn breaks, all the animals of the Pride Lands are summoned to Pride Rock, the home of the pride of lions. Rafiki a mandrill, walks through the herd and climbs the face of Pride Rock to greet his friend, King Mufasa. Mufasa leads Rafiki to his mate Sarabi who is holding their newborn cub. Rafiki anoints the cub with fruit juices before presenting him to the gathered animals. The animals cheer and then bow to the new future king. Meanwhile, Scar, the younger brother of Mufasa, is sulking by himself behind Pride Rock. He is envious of his brother's position as king and is disgruntled at the fact that he will never be king now that Mufasa has an heir. Mufasa and his majordomo, a hornbill named Zazu, confront Scar on why he wasn't present at the ceremony that morning. Scar shrugs it off, claiming he had forgotten, and scoffs his new responsibility to show respect to the future king before wandering off. As monsoon storms drench the Pride Lands, Rafiki is seen in his tree home, a large baobab, adding details to his newest piece of wall art. He chuckles lightly as he finishes, reciting the new cub's name, Simba. Now a budding youth, Simba rises early one morning and pesters his father to get up and show him the lands he's destined to rule over. Mufasa illustrates from the top of Pride Rock that everything the light touches is their kingdom, except for a place on the horizon that is covered in shadow. Mufasa tells Simba he's forbidden from ever going there. Out in the plains, Mufasa tells Simba that there is a balance to all life which eventually comes full circle; the Circle of Life. When Zazu appears with a morning report, Mufasa takes the opportunity to give Simba a pouncing lesson which goes successfully, much to Zazu's dismay. As Simba gets ready to try again, Zazu suddenly exclaims that a group of hyenas has been seen in the Pride Lands. Mufasa rushes off to deal with it while Zazu takes Simba home. Simba returns to Pride Rock where his Uncle Scar is lurking about. Simba brags about his fate to be king to which Scar reacts without the slightest bit of enthusiasm. Casually, and goading Simba's excitement, Scar asks if Mufasa showed him the shadow place on their morning walk. When Simba replies no, Scar adds that it is a dangerous place where only the bravest lions venture. Simba perks up, saying he's brave, and begs his uncle to tell him what's there. Scar feigns an accidental slip of the tongue by revealing that it's an elephant graveyard but praises Simba's cleverness. He asks that Simba never explore the place, but as Simba reassures him and leaves, Scar smiles to himself knowing full well that Simba's curiosity will get the better of him. Simba meets up with his friend Nala who is being bathed by her mother, Sarafina. He tells her about a cool place he has found, lying to Sarabi that its around the water hole. Sarabi gives them permission to go as long as Zazu accompanies them. Along the way, Simba and Nala devise a plan together to get rid of Zazu, which works. They then run off, Nala showing off her skills as an expert pinner, before finding themselves in the elephant graveyard. Suddenly, Zazu reappears and demands that they leave. Simba shows off his bravery by laughing in front of a large skull. Laughter echoes from within and three hyenas emerge, surrounding the cubs. Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed deliberate what's to be done with the cubs, more specifically, how to eat them. The cubs and Zazu escape for a moment, but Zazu is pulled back and stuffed into a boiler which shoots him into the air. The hyenas eventually corner the cubs in an alcove and Simba tries to roar. The hyenas laugh and tell him to try again. A real roar is let out as Mufasa appears and attacks the hyenas before they run off. Zazu reappears by Mufasa's side and Simba tries to say something but Mufasa furiously reprimands him for being deliberately disobedient and leads them towards home. Back in the Pride Lands, Mufasa tells Zazu to take Nala home while he teaches Simba a lesson. Fearful and meek, Simba walks up to his father, noticing that his father's paw print is much bigger than his own. He apologizes for disobeying but says he only wanted to be brave like Mufasa. Mufasa tells Simba he's only brave when he has to be. As they reconcile, Mufasa tells Simba that all the stars in the night sky are the spirits of kings past and that they will always be there to guide him, as will he. Back in the graveyard, the hyenas lick their wounds and quarrel with each other. Their fights are broken up by Scar who is greeted as a friend. Irritated that the hyenas couldn't dispose of the cubs, he proposes a plan that would eliminate both Simba and Mufasa from the throne. The next day, Scar escorts Simba through a gorge and puts him near a rock shaded by a sapling, telling him that Mufasa is planning a surprise for him. Scar instructs Simba to stay put while he fetches Mufasa and suggests that he practice his roar while he's away. Just above the gorge, the three hyenas lie in wait in front of a massive herd of wildebeest. Scar appears above them, signaling them. As Simba waits, scowling over his little roar, a chameleon climbs down from the tree. Simba practices roaring at it, finally letting off one loud enough to scare the chameleon and echo off all sides of the gorge. But the ground starts shaking and Simba looks up to see the herd of wildebeest charging down the gorge straight for him. He runs away, the wildebeest gaining, while Scar warns Mufasa nearby that there is a stampede in the gorge and Simba is down there. Simba manages to grab hold of a broken tree, elevating himself above the wildebeests' horns while Mufasa climbs down and runs alongside the animals. He manages to grab Simba in his mouth and carries him to safety, but is pulled back by the charging animals. After a tense moment, Simba watches his father leap onto the side of the gorge, digging his claws into the dirt and struggling up the hillside. As Mufasa nears the top, he sees Scar standing over him. He pleads for help, but Scar digs his claws into his paws and mocks him before pushing him off. Simba watches helplessly as Mufasa falls onto the stampeding herd. As the dust settles, Simba runs down to look for his father. He discovers him beneath a broken tree, dead. As he mourns his loss, Scar appears and blames Simba for what happened. Simba, thinking he had started the stampede that killed his father, follows his uncles advice when Scar tells him to run away and never return. Simba runs off as Scar instructs his hyenas to kill him. The three hyenas chase Simba to the edge of an incline where he tumbles into a sea of brambles. Small enough to avoid the sharp spikes, Simba runs through them as the hyenas barely manage to stop near the base. Unlucky Banzai is shoved into the brambles and emerges howling, stuck with thorns. The hyenas watch as Simba runs into the distant desert and decide that he will most likely die, shouting to him that if he ever comes back they will kill him. Scar returns to Pride Rock to announce that both Simba and Mufasa have perished in the stampede and assumes the role as king. The lionesses look on in fear as a horde of hyenas arrives to live alongside Scar at Pride Rock. Rafiki watches sullenly from a distance and smears the image he had once created of Simba. In the desert, Simba has collapsed under the heat and a group of vultures descends on him. Suddenly, a meerkat and a warthog charge into them, bucking and kicking them away as part of their favorite game; bowling for buzzards. The warthog, Pumbaa, then discovers Simba and brings him to the attention of his meerkat companion, Timon. Timon is initially afraid of the young lion but Pumbaa asserts that he's still little and will grow up to be on their side instead of eating them.

[@TheOnlyGM]

I've been watching your show from the very beginning - and I have to say it is so great to see that you're not only still producing, but also that you're evolving. You've got one of the few truly "edutaining" shows out there and I hope you get to create more of it.

[@Altar360]

-sobs- “Why did I play those two back to back!?” Gets me every time

[@slashandbones13]

fiction has never lived in a vacuum and when someone is a ironic as Shakespeare, that will inspire a lot of people to very different degrees. but if you look deep enough, that could be said about a lot of things.

[@rbck8826]

I think you mean iconic. Not ironic.

[@FalconPain]

...does this qualify as a subplot where somebody wants to sing but can't?

[@Bluecho4]

+FalconPain Oddly fortuitous, since Kyle himself had a role in To Boldly Flee, where he had a subplot as somebody who wanted to sing but couldn't.

[@FalconPain]

Well, yes. He had the same trait in the NC Moulin Rouge! review. And it was acknowledged in the NC Les Miserables review. And most importantly, the last time he reviewed Disney with some jerk, he specifically told Ven that he wasn't going to do that gag again because "it is literally the only character trait that Doug has ever written for me!"

[@whitherwhence]

This isn't a musical episode, so it doesn't count

[@googamp32]

Okay, I NEED to hear the rest of Tony's Lion King parodies!

[@autobotproductions1244]

googamp32 we all do

[@catherineelmore2004]

That was fabulous, Kyle. And you know, I had never thought about the Hal comparison before, but it makes so much more sense than Hamlet, murderous, usurping uncle or not! Seriously, awesomely detailed analysis. And I especially loved that you brought up the Bard of Avon not being the only great writer - and I say that as a total Shakespeare fanatic. Excellent conclusion to the summer of Shakespeare.

[@RoonMian]

Daaamn, that retelling of the Malinesian story gave me goosebumps.

[@Shakespeare563]

can I just say that I freaking love every last one of your videos. Yours is some of the most intelligent commentary on the internet

[@christopherknetzer9982]

Damn fine summer, thank you!

[@minespatch]

+Christopher Knetzer Darn fine pie. Darn fine pie.

[@LibbyStephenson]

The Hyenas are Laertes. They initially side with Scar/Claudius and are kind of his puppets, but they turn on him in the end.

[@MoonSpiritChannel]

I bow to you Kyle. Ever since I saw your debut on TGWTG, I've been a huge fan as you don't just make it funny, but also add in actual thought, and make these reviews like a class session to learn from. Bravo, and I can't wait to see what you're coming up with.

[@misseli1]

I can't believe I only just started watching your videos today, I absolutely LOVED this video!

[@corhydron111]

BTW here's my favorite poem about Hamlet and kingship by a Polish poet named Zbigniew Herbert: "Lament of Fortinbras Now that we're alone we can talk prince man to man though you lie on the stairs and see no more than a dead ant nothing but black sun with broken rays I could never think of your hands without smiling and now that they lie on the stone like fallen nests they are as defenseless as before The end is exactly this The hands lie apart The sword lies apart The head apart and the knight's feet in soft slippers You will have a soldier's funeral without having been a soldier the only ritual I am acquainted with a little There will be no candles no singing only cannon-fuses and bursts crepe dragged on the pavement helmets boots artillery horses drums drums I know nothing exquisite those will be my maneuvers before I start to rule one has to take the city by the neck and shake it a bit Anyhow you had to perish Hamlet you were not for life you believed in crystal notions not in human clay always twitching as if asleep you hunted chimeras wolfishly you crunched the air only to vomit you knew no human thing you did not even know how to breathe Now you have peace Hamlet you accomplished what you hat to and you have peace The rest is not silence but belongs to me you chose the easier part an elegant thrust but what is heroic death compared with eternal watching with a cold apple in one's hand on a narrow chair with a view of the ant-hill and the clock's dial Adieu prince I have tasks a sewer project and a decree on prostitutes and beggars I must also elaborate a better system of prisons since as you justly said Denmark is a prison I go to my affairs This night is born a star named hamlet We shall never meet what I shall leave will not be worth a tragedy It is not for us to greet each other or bid farewell we live on archipelagos and that water these words what can they do what can they do prince "

[@sarahnadespeaks5047]

I love the storytelling segment. :)

[@WillScarlet16]

About the whole 'Kimba' plagiarism thing - most people don't realize, Osamu Tezuka created Kimba as a direct response to Disney's 'Bambi.'

[@rebeccatrishel]

William Craig eWhoa, mine blown

[@RenaissanceM]

William Craig Yeah Osamu Tezuka loved western animation. Don’t quote me on this, but I’m pretty sure he created Astro Boy with Influences from classic Mickey Mouse and Superman Cartoons.

[@Alia-bc3rc]

Aaaand SO? Tezuka-sensei still didn't make Kimba a doe, did he?

[@Kraigon42]

And in response, Disney made The Lion King, denied Kimba even existed, refused to call Tezuka back after he left like, a thousand messages on their answering machine, and then went to flirting with other countries saying things like, "What? Kimba? Never heard of 'em."

[@faolan1686]

Really?

[@EwMatias]

Have YOU seen Kimba the white lion? It's about a lion who can speak with humans, and becomes a vegetarian and teaches all the other animals of the jungle to become vegetarians too. They work a communal farm and then later trap a plague of locusts on a cave and eat the insects too. It has NOTHING to do with the lion king.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

It's more like the story of Babar, King of the Elephants!

[@jedimarhwini948]

Ah, going on all the bunny trails and turning them into a celtic knot of theoretical art! Kyle, you are a beautiful human being.

[@corhydron111]

My mind was blown about 5 times during this episode. BTW Kyle, could you make an episode about memes? (I mean Richard Dawkins' memes, not Internet memes). You touched on it a little today, but I would liketo hear you explore them as a philosophical concept.

[@wayfaringspacepoet]

+corhydron111 ... I have a mighty need for this

[@voltairinekropotkin5581]

Memetics is just a poor man's version of semiotics created by someone who never heard of semiotic theory. Seriously, semiotics have been part of aesthetic and cultural criticism for over half a century - being a key part of both structuralist and post-structuralist critique - and yet Richard Dawkins comes up with a watered down version of the same ideas and his followers think he's a genius. He just reinvented the wheel.

[@corhydron111]

+Eoin O'Connor Still, I would like Kyle to talk about both semiotics and memetics so that I can get to those conclusions myself, you know what I mean?

[@kylemorello4787]

I love it when you compare art house movies with mainstream films.

[@sinclairethomas8197]

"And then he roars and makes the plants grow back." Sounds pretty scientific to me!

[@thereliablesource7938]

The Kimba thing didn't age well...

[@hennyzhi2261]

This is really well done . I'm glad I found your channel.

[@yltraviole]

Now I really want to read the sundiata epic! Thanks for introducing me to it!

[@Painocus]

The thing is though that the probability of the Lion King crew knowing about Kimba can be established. Roger Allers worked in animation in Tokyo for two years in the late 80's. Him not hearing about the third or second most popular character of Japan's most influential animator while he was there is rather dubious. And the show did reach America you know, and it was apparently fairly popular, at-least enough for Matthew Broderick to initially be under the impression that they were making a Kimba remake. And (it should be noted that I'm more familiar with the manga than the anime, but) Kimba is still far closer to the Lion King than anything else you mentioned. Apart from the exact family-relationship between the Kimba and the usurper not being stated and the usurper and the exiler/king-killer being different characters (both with their own bucket fulls of similarities with Scar btw) every single similarity The Lion King has with anything else you mentioned it also have with Kimba (at-least the manga). As a side note; the Epic of Sundiata seem to have a few similarities with Kimba that the Lion King don't have. Considering that Tezuka took inspirations from all over the place it might be possible that Kimba was loosely based on the Epic.

[@psalm1162]

you are probably the most intelligent reviewer on the internet📚 📖📔I love the way you analyze movies

[@oldcanadiangamer130]

That.... Was EPIC! I love all your videos Kyle, but I think this is your best one I've seen so far. As you no doubt planned, I recited the last 30 seconds with you. I like this place - your videos - and could willingly waste my time in it. :) And if I may say - what a lovely place the Comments section is. Imagine: Respect, combined with smart and thoughtful dialogue! What a concept on the Internet! :)

[@CobaltT9]

What a great way to end this year's Shakespeare Month! I await what you talk about next time Kyle. Continue the great work.

[@mrhotpocket]

"What, you don't know the words?" Based on your pronunciation, you don't either. ;-)

[@ThingsWeSaidToday]

kyle thank you so much for a truly wonderful summer, full of meaningful discussion and wonderful film choices!!!! can't wait to see what comes next!

[@Crowley9]

Yeah, Shakespeare isn't everywhere. Erasmus of Rotterdam is! (And even he just compiled earlier proverbs.) In fact, "break the ice" appeared in his Adagia before the birth of Shakespeare. Hm, this makes me seriously question how many of these classic phrases we attribute to Shakespeare are stuff he came across elsewhere. That would help explain his lukewarm contemporary reception.

[@Warpwaffel]

Soooo, Shakespear was like one of those writers of terrible sitcoms who sprinkle in pop culture references expecting a laugh? :D

[@falloutghoul1]

@@Warpwaffel Some things never change.

[@JoshuaFagan]

Every story is made of a thousand pieces, whether the authors realize it or not. This is one reason I always say that what a story is about is far less important than how the artist decides to tell it.

[@NaiaPhykit1]

I love that you included Dilvale Dulhania Le jenge, because it was one the first Indian film I watched when I started to get interested in Indian cinema and when friends made fun of me me for it I told them that most of the things they were ridiculising they could find in shakespeare, from the star crossed lover promised to others to the arcgetyped of good and evil. well, maybe not the dance and song

[@DylanFergusC]

Rewatching like all of your old videos. I'm going to cry about art for the rest of the month, thanks

[@SailorSpiral]

I'd love to see vids of you just reading obscure/not-that-known stories or myths because you're a great story-teller for such! Sorry for the weird phrasing I am not a native english speaker...

[@kevinrosero9723]

The lifting of Simba in the air at his presentation always reminded me of that scene from the 1977 miniseries "Roots" in which a father lifts his newborn son toward the night sky and intones, "Kunta Kinte, behold the only thing greater than yourself."

[@sonicjr53]

aaaaahhhhhhh I love your videos so much!

[@TheCommonGentry]

THANK YOU for This!

[@Ganychan]

Great content! Henri IV part 1 is my favorite historical play!

[@Wawagirl17]

Is there anything Kyle DOESN'T know?

[@KyleKallgrenBHH]

+Wawagirl17 Oh, how to speak French, how to run a Twitter account, how to properly translate Russian, how to keep bridges unburnt, how to dance, the reasons why Mr Nobody is actually brilliant, many, many things. I just try to put in a loooooooot of research when I do these things.

[@Wawagirl17]

KyleKallgrenBHH How did I know you'd reply with some humbling, yet witty response? Cheers. :D

[@Sacr3dJoe]

+KyleKallgrenBHH About russians, as your russian viewer i was excited when you were talking about Kino Oki and as Tarantino once said " Crazy russians start fucking around with camera " You should know that you have russian talking people that watch your work and enjoy it. Or should i say " Наслаждаюсь просмотром и полезной, грамотно поданной, информацией от такого человека, как Кайл Коллгрен." :)

[@tatehildyard5332]

I think it's brilliant because it embodies it's own idea of hiding flaws and identity behind persona and ideas. The impersonators hide behind their acts because they find themselves flawed and empty but those don't exist when hidden behind the iconography/idea of the celebrities themselves. You can say the same about the plot of the movie itself. It's deeply flawed and often unfocused but it hides behind such a cool concept, the flaws don't matter. Am I aware that explanation was ridiculous and pretentious? Yes. Am I going to apologize for it? No. Do I like this movie mainly for the fact that it's so unapologetically strange? Yes. Have I used way too many rhetorical questions just because I like rhetorical questions? Yes.

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

Unlikely.

[@Taran200]

Pshaw, I've read Sundiata and never read/seen Hamlet. But I haven't seen the Lion King since I was a kid, so it never would've occurred to me to draw a comparison between the two.

[@gregorymelissinos6109]

Disney does have a scene where samba tells timon and pumba to screw off Can you feel the love tonight is about Nala and Simba's relationship on the surface but the subtext is that the trio's friendship as they know it is over

[@benderB9]

Your best opening yet :D

[@boxorak]

11:36 Ah, I was wondering when that damn White Lion would show up...though I'm glad the discussion of "OMG DISNEY RIPPED OFF ANIME!" was decidedly short. Also, Frozen doesn't have psychic sadness created for the sole purpose of killing off all joy that ever existed, so I have to disagree with the contention that Frozen is Melancholia. Yes, I know it was a joke. :p

[@MonsieurMaskedMan]

I found a good summary of it Jungle Emperor Summary: The story begins before Leo’s birth with Hamegg, selling his services to the Donga tribe as a great hunter. Hamegg has been tasked to kill Panja, the white lion who has been killing the tribe’s domesticated animals. The purpose behind Panja’s attacks have different explanations in the manga and the film, though for the most part we may understand them as an attempt to feed himself and other animals without killing wild animals. This issue is disguised in the US dub of Kimba. Through devious means, Hamegg is able to catch and kill Panja. In exchange he receives a jewel from the Dongo tribe which becomes a critical plot element later on in the story. Panja’s wife (pregnant with Leo) is shipped off to a zoo, and this is where Leo’s story begins. Leo is born on the ship, but does not tarry there for long. He is eschewed off by his mother because it is not his fate to be in a zoo (that, and while he can slip through the bars of the cage, his mother cannot.) She tells him to return to Africa and be strong like his father. Surprisingly, Leo is encouraged to leap directly from the porthole into the raging seas-which he does! Leo of course survives, but the ship does not (it is destroyed in a storm), and so Leo is an orphan. There are a few adventures here that I’m going to skip over (and are either deemphasized or omitted from the animated films), but eventually Leo meets up with a mouse named Jacques (floating on a plank of wood) and the two of them make their way to land. Unfortunately not Africa but Portugal. Here Leo befriends Kenichi and his uncle, Mr. Mustachio (Uncle Pompous in the US dub, properly Shunsaku Ban or Higeoyaji.) There are once again a string of adventures that can for the most part be omitted here; however when visiting a zoo, Leo is abhorred by the imprisonment of animals and begins to long for his homeland. He vows one day to return and free the animals, though this promise is never fulfilled. This is significant because it is the beginning of Leo’s vision of a world where humans and animals can live together. It is also the beginning of his recognition of an unjust world. Left out of Kimba is the moonlight stone given to Hamegg. Returning back to civilization with the jewel he is at first is discouraged to find it has no monetary value, but then is confronted by two scientists (Professors Plus and Minus) who say the stone is of the utmost importance to science. Written in 1950, Jungle Emperor predates the discovery and acceptance of Plate Tectonics though Tezuka does acknowledge Wegner’s popularly discredited theory of continental drift. Instead, the continents are proposed to have been moved by a great, explosive natural force, of which Professors Plus and Minus feel that the Moonlight stones are the key. The scientists offer Hamegg the opportunity to lead an expedition to find more Moonstones, with payment promised for each Moonstone found. Now what I haven’t mentioned is that Leo, Mustachio and Kenichi are living right next to Hamegg and that Kenichi and Mary (Hamegg’s daughter) are friends who regularly play together. As it just so happens, Mustachio is the only one with any money and he ends up footing the bill for the expedition, taking everyone (Hamegg, Plus, Minus, Kenichi, Mary and Leo) in tow. During the trip Leo is able to observe the behavior of wild animals and is confused by his own feelings. He does not like being thought of as a wild beast, but he can feel his instincts to prey on other animals. Their journey leads them back to the Dongo tribe where three significant things happen. First is the revelation that the chief of the Dongo tribe does not know where the Moonlight stone came from-but there are hints that it is connected with a mysterious mountain called the ‘mountain of dreams’ or ‘mt. moon’ Second is the appearance of Lamp who confronts Hamegg with the threat of exposing the crimes he committed during the war (we learn that Hamegg was a Nazi who worked the prison camps), and forces him to wrangle all the money he can out of poor Professor Plus and Minus. The two scientists are then abandoned in the jungle. The third significant event is Leo’s discovery of the pelt of his father. By stealing it, Leo angers the chief who orders the entire tribe to attack his guests. During this chaos, the expedition party is split up such that most of the characters are separated. At this point in the story we are led to believe that Mustachio, Plus and Minus somehow safely return to civilization. Lamp and Hamegg join up (much to Hamegg’s distress) though the story does not follow them. Rather, we follow our favorite characters, Leo, Kenichi and Mary. This is effectively where the Kimba series starts (with some of the previous story told through flashback.) Leo at last returns to the jungle, and through great difficulty is convinced to protect and become the leader of many of the animals living there. This does not include many of the strongest beasts (such as the elephants and lions)-though it does not necessarily exclude all of them either. Many ideas are started in this section of the graphic novel which are explored in much greater depth in Kimba. A farm and restaurant are conceived and implemented as well as a semi-functional mail service. All of these can be seen as ideas that Leo has brought with him from human civilization and which are hoped to alleviate the need for animals to eat one another. Following this period of building and invention, the animals (as well as Kenichi and Mary) are attacked by the Donga tribe. It is unclear to me why they are attacked, but the animals say this is a regular affair. Leo is able to show off his leadership skills here and save the animals, but Mary is taken by the tribesmen and we don’t know what happens to her. In Kimba, native tribes are replaced by a hunting establishment-whether or not this makes more sense is hard to say, but it aided in circumventing Tezuka’s depiction of Africans. Kenichi is obviously distraught about Mary’s apparent death, so in an attempt to cheer him up, Leo organizes a choir. I mention this because it is significant for the Kimba series, but also because in Jungle Emperor, the sound of the choir summons Lamp and Hamegg, who have decided to pick up some extra cash through poaching. Leo learns that Hamegg killed his father and knocks him about but decides to let him live. Nonetheless Hamegg is killed by a wild lion. Lamp escapes and we do not see him again until later in the story. Obviously of great significance is the appearance of Lyre (Leo’s future-wife) who is among the animals captured by Lamp and Hamegg. Despite the similarity of the above story to the Kimba episode ‘The Trappers’, the origin for Lyre is completely different. In Kimba we discover that Lyre is the member of another group of lions-which in turns leads to a whole new story line not present in the manga. In Jungle Emperor, Lyre is the servant of the lioness Luna (who is in fact Leo’s aunt.) In both story-lines we learn that Leo is the descendent of a long line of white lions first given great intelligence though an ancient Egyptian scientist for the purpose of saving his kingdom. That first lion however ultimately ended in the hands of a tribe of pygmies, and through the guiding wisdom of the lions, this tribe survives for some four thousand years into the present day. Panja however at last made his break with humanity, whether because he simply lusted for freedom or wanted to aid the lives of the other wild animals, not just people. Luna however did not leave and had sent Lyre to search for Panja-instead however she finds his son, Leo.-

[@MonsieurMaskedMan]

-It is significant at this point that the animals begin a ‘human school’ where they learn how to read and speak. By doing so, they learn about some of the events in the outside world and Kenichi finally has someone to talk to. The Dongo tribe once again re-emerges and is chased off, but we learn that the head of the tribe is now Queen Konga-who is in fact Mary. The manner of this transformation remains unconvincing in both Jungle Emperor and Kimba. The former suggests that Mary knows what she is doing and is acting out a fantasy of her own, where the TV series uses the all-too-familiar amnesia shtick. Queen Konga wishes to control the entire region, which makes Leo a threat so she begins devising ways to capture and or kill him. Through one of these adventures we learn about Mamamoth and Mt. Moon. Leo makes a powerful ally by befriending Mamamoth and she will play an important role in the remainder of the story. Of more consequence in Kimba than in Jungle Emperor is the conflict between Leo and Boubou (a one-eyed adult lion) who vies for the companionship of Lyre. Leo must put an end to this and puts Boubou’s other eye out. The event however leads to Leo and Lyre’s temporary separation (Lyre thinking Leo is dead, and Leo thinking Lyre has abandoned him.) Leo ultimately ends up visiting his aunt Luna and the village of pigmies from which Leo escaped. He contemplates for a short time staying there as leader of the pygmies, but is convinced by Lyre (who reappears) that he must return to the animals he is king to. Mustachio also returns to the story at this point, convinced that Kenichi is still alive in the jungle. In Kimba, the tribe seems to have gone extinct, but Luna is still there with all the pelts of Leo’s ancestors. It is now time for conclusion of one of the major story arcs as Queen Konga masses her people and domesticated animals for a final attack against Leo’s jungle (and Leo himself.) Mustachio and Kenichi are reunited but it is a short bit of happiness for them as Leo and friends seem soundly defeated by the Dongo tribe. They are at last forced to retreat to a small island, awaiting their demise-a scene intensified in Kimba by the animals sadly (yet proudly) singing one of the first songs that united them as a community. The day is saved however by the appearance of Mamamoth (who claims she just visited for more elephant grass.) Queen Konga is defeated and is able to return to her identity as Mary. Mustachio, Kenichi and Mary leave the story at this point, although we will see more of Mustachio later. This is effectively where the Kimba storyline ends, this being episode 45, “Much Sweet Sorrow”; the remaining episodes not contributing to any continuous storyline. The final story arc begins with Leo and Lyre having two cubs, Lune and Lukio. There quickly emerges a childhood rivalry between Lune and the young elephant Bijo. This rivalry is played out fully in Onward Leo! but still remains important in Jungle Emperor in convincing the elephants that not everything about humans is bad. After hearing many stories from Koko the parrot, Lune becomes convinced that his place isn’t in the jungle and he must visit the humans. Consequently, Lune embarks on a series of adventures similar to those Leo underwent in the earliest parts of the story, though with considerably harsher treatment from humans. The story from now on until the end switches between the narratives of Leo, Mustachio (until they converge) and Lune, and there is no proper sequence in which to relate them: Mustachio on his return trip from Africa falls into the hands of a spy ring which is involved with Nation A (or is it Nation B?) They now have control of the Moonlight Stone which they’ve forcibly taken from Lamp. Through a series of events I’m not going to detail, Mustachio ends up getting away from the spy ring and leading either Professor Plus (or is it Professor Minus) from Nation B (or is it A?) back on an expedition to Mt. Moon now that they are convinced this is where the Moonlight stones are from. It becomes apparent through the involvement of Nation A and Nation B that the moonlight stones are of interest primarily as a weapon, and the two professors (Plus and Minus) who were such good friends at the beginning of the story are now pitted against each other because of politics. Both lead an expedition to Africa attempting to be the first to reach Mt. Moon and retrieve more moonlight stones (or at least learn about their origins.) In the meantime, the spy ring which met up with Mustachio earlier now meets up with Lune (it is such a very small world!) It seems that their head man, Adam Dandy sees big money to be had in a talking Lion and apparently runs a circus on the side. Tricking Lune to cooperate at first, and then later by force, the little lion cub soon learns that humans and their world is not at all what he’d hoped it would be and begins to long for his homeland. Lamp returns for a final bout with Adam Dandy and sets the circus on fire. It is high time for Lune to escape but instead he realizes all of the captive animals will die if he doesn’t help them. With the cooperation of the other animals, Lune puts out the fire and is recognized as a leader by the other animals. Adam Dandy and Lamp are trampled by elephants and perish. Meanwhile in Africa, a castle is built in honor of Leo and Lyre; but its construction is opposed by the elephants. Upon completion, a contagious and fatal disease is contracted by the animals and many (including Lyre) die. It is at this point that Mustachio and his expedition team (in search of the moonstones) emerges and quickly conceive a remedy. Because the humans save Lukio and the other animals, Leo promises to accompany the exploration party-which of course becomes his undoing. In time, Nation A and Nation B’s team meet up as they attempt to overcome the many challenges of Mt. Moon, eventually even aided by Mamamoth, who encourages them to turn back. Politics are abandoned as they approach the summit. Many have died and Leo goes snow-blind. The source of the Moonstones are discovered and recorded by the scientists but all perish on the return trip. Eventually only Mustachio and Leo are left. Leo recognizes that with his hide and meat, Mustachio could make it down from the mountain so he sacrifices himself in a manner that Mustachio has no choice. Returning to the jungle, Mustachio meets Lune who has just returned from the human world and must now deal with both his father and mother’s death. The film version (Jungle Emperor Leo) ends here, but in the manga we are treated to an epilogue in which we learn of Lune and Lukio’s future success and wonder what their new kingdom will be like.

[@xzn1989]

That Italian quote is mistranslated anyway: it is "When I saw you I fell in love, and you SMILE because you KNOW".

[@calvinkinnoo8253]

this video was amazing!

[@honeyham6788]

THANK YOU! I have always been telling my friends and family that Lion King wasn't an adaptation of Hamlet

[@caseyj5637]

THAT ANIMATION

[@Megapolitano]

I never had seen the parallels between Infinite Jest and Hamlet. I'm mind-blown.

[@Imaginarie]

Brilliant analysis!

[@nikiigreen]

Kyle did the Tenth Doctor's "wow this is awkward" face rub and avoidance of eye contact.

[@dereknight861]

2:58 - 3:33 That would’ve been an AMAZING rendition to the live action remake if they really delved into the Hamlet angle… What? Certainly would’ve been better than just a word for word retelling with more static computer effects

[@smurphy8881]

Excellent and very informative

[@idrils]

POW POW POW that was just amazing on amazing on amazing. With only one of the points you make it'd have been a great video but then you kept on giving. I can't begin to imagine how much work it must have been, between the research, the animation.... I'm proud to be a patron. When you brought up the tale of sundiata, it made me think of joseph campbell's remarks on the hero's journey. I guess it's one of those prime examples he based his theory on, as it follows to the T the cycle he described - the hero being forced out of his village, in exile, having to find new strengths and understandings, coming back and defeating the big evil. I'd love it if you did an episode on structure in film - the influence of the fairy tale structure, the classic theatric acts, but also how many directors broke that structure, defied it, questioned linearity, causal links, the necessity for a conclusion.

[@Condottier]

Man would make an awesome Griot, your narration of Sundiata's legend gave me shivers.

[@silentjoe]

I love this review!

[@Demolitiondude]

Frozen is a rendition of my Mage the Ascension game. The only difference is instead of Time its Forces; Ice that isn't in check.

[@victoriamartines5030]

*Another Literature and History class conducted masterly by Professor Kallgren. Thank you, Sir.*

[@babs3241]

Excellent! Love the vids. (Looks like the next Disney may be more related to Homeric tropes than Shakespearean ones.)

[@RexBlazer1]

About that "Kimba the White Lion" thing, I've checked and the main guy behind The Lion King's production has gone on record and said that he'd never even heard of the anime before being accused about it. So, has anyone ever stopped to think that maybe the similarities between Kimba the White Lion and The Lion King are just extreme coincidences, and maybe the people behind both productions just happened to think alike? This isn't the first time that sort of thing happened. One guy accused the production team of Disney's Gargoyles of stealing his character designs, only for said team to reveal that they never had access to his designs. Even J.K. Rowling got accused of this when someone accused her of stealing ideas from a book she said she'd never even heard of.

[@muticere]

+RexBlazer1 The idea that The Lion King is taken from Kimba the White Lion is something I've seen debunked multiple times. As far as anyone who's actually seen the anime can tell, there are some similar story elements and visuals, but nothing more. I wouldn't even call it a coincidence as much as a bandwagon people jump on without really thinking it through or having actually compared the two movies. People like discovering they may have one over on someone in power, especially a company like Disney. The possibility that Disney's most successful film ever may have been completely ripped off from another, older film fill certain people with abject glee. But no. Similar to how Pixar movies are not occurring in a shared universe, its a idea unsupported by the facts.

[@RexBlazer1]

Brian Cole Glad to see someone's using their brain on this.

[@gublinchscrivener7891]

+Brian Cole I think the Joy of the closet monster who terrorizes Andy would disagree with you.

[@ronyncato7206]

______

[@RexBlazer1]

Логан Кейн Actually, I can, as to me it just feels dirty, and it feels like people are trying to shame me for liking something I enjoyed as a kid and can still find fun in today. And you said the words "reportedly" and "allegedly," correct? So that means those things you mentioned are debatable. Just saying.

[@GrubStLodger]

That was brilliant.

[@violenceislife1987]

This is really good

[@TackyRackyComixNEO]

Y'know, in between all of the larger points that were made in this video, I just realized, Simba's big song in the beginning can basically translate out to, "Oh, I just can't wait for my dad to die!"

[@rbck8826]

Jerks musicparody reminded me SO much of spex. Especially how in the last one i saw, the phantom of the opera, they had mesketten as the mystery gang beatboxing songs.

[@NinjaGamr64]

Neat, Infinite Jest. I saw that book while I was browsing the book section at Hastings.

[@fengy5629]

yes, a new video!!!! i fucking love you, man, you make it so easy to learn. have you ever thought of doing videos for khan academy?

[@gunslingerspartan]

I for one would love this album

[@jessicam8243]

That ending made me cry.

[@CourtneyCoulson]

Yet another impressive episode, I hesitated to watch it because I thought what else can be said about the Lion King? Turns out, a lot.