The Lion King Explained: Let the Darkness In

[@thetake]

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[@akshayjumnadas5893]

Please do a video on scar

[@madelinequinn5879]

Hey Ladies, I know it's not really your style, but I would LOVE it if you could do a breakdown of why "The Princess and The Frog" wasnt as successful from a story/filmmaking perspective as the other Disney films. I finally got around to watching it last night... i loved Tiana, I loved the New Orleans setting and theming, it was funny and visually stunning, but the villain wasn't engaging and it felt like something was missing the whole time, and I cant quite put my finger on what it is. I would love to hear your take on that.

[@veronicapiccinini7956]

Uh-Oh. Kingdom Hearts memes IN COMING!

[@joaopedrolourencoaffonso2168]

09:31 "widsom", not very wise, I might say

[@Mistfall254]

So many parallels to the walk with Yeshua In TLK

[@NakedSnake02]

I understand that many think Simba's time with Timon and Pumba was simply an escape from his responsibilities of being King, but man, I would argue that Simba's character development would have been completely damaged had he not met Timon and Pumba. Why? It's becuz Simba was too young to handle the trauma of his uncle viciously killing his father. He was too weak to devise a plan to stop Scar from taking the throne. He needed a relief from the trauma, and that is why Hakuna Matata was the perfect idea to help him out. He needed Timon and Pumba's philosophy of Hakuna Matata to heal until he entered an age where he was strong enough to confront Scar.

[@princesseuphemia1007]

Fuck yeah. I think this is why the Akuna Matata song is song in such a positive light at the time because for him it was in fact necessary. It's just like when you have PTSD and get triggered easily trying to "face it" right after doesn't always help and usually makes it worse. You need to take a break and get your mind off of it for a while until you're ready to confront it.

[@oliviagriffith3626]

Honestly I've been trying to write my response to this comment for ten minutes because I'm just now realizing how nuanced Simba's character development is when taken in relation to PTSD and trauma. "Sometimes bad things happen, and there's nothing you can do about it" to me echoes something you may try and reflect upon a child that is experiencing guilt for something they have no control over (like the death of a parent). As an adult, that mentality may temporarily hold Simba back, but a big part of that is the fear of having to reface the trauma again, *even if* you've had time to grow, mature, and begin healing beforehand. And like you said, Timon and Pumbaa were the ones that offered that to him, *raised* him after the accident, and to me it would be ridiculous to claim that the people who influenced you like that through your childhood/adolescence wouldn't have a lot to do with the sort of person (lion..?) you turn out to be as an adult. In this case, it helps give Simba the strength/healing to allow himself to see the nuances in the mentality of "things will be okay, why worry" to include "yet you can/should fix what you can when able" (ie. "remembering who you are", "living up to your legacy", etc.). TL;DR: Essentially I'd say that Timon and Pumbaa are partially responsible for allowing Simba to have the character type *to* go back in the first place, and I agree with you. (Also, I'm sorry that got so long, but your comment really got me thinking into the psychology of it!!)

[@NakedSnake02]

​@@oliviagriffith3626 Yes! Simba is an amalgamation of King Mufasa's authoritative/domineering demeanor, and Timon Pumba's carefree/easy-going nature. If anyone intends to argue that Simba can be a better King than his father ever was, you could probably justify that by saying Simba is more open and flexible to progressive ideas which can advance Pride Rock to greater heights than his father. Although, I would also say King Mufasa was an excellent King too.

[@NakedSnake02]

@@princesseuphemia1007 Agreed. Some life problems are so severe that your mind needs to step away from it first so that you can achieve a clear mindset to confront the issue head on.

[@randibrown2295]

I agree. If it weren't for those two, he would have raised himself, and if he even lived long enough, he would have grown up to be just as bitter, sardonic, and selfish as Scar. Bitterness and sarcasm are both really relatable traits to have in a character, which is why I think so many people like Scar, but like the Take said, Scar is ultimately an immature adult, putting his own needs before the needs of others. He has the same mindset towards kingship that Simba had as a cub. Without Timon and Pumbaa, Simba would have never gotten out of that mindset. They might have had a carefree lifestyle, but they were also "low status" animals as prey, and I think teaching Simba that had a hand in teaching him how to be a little more aware of the struggles of creatures that weren't on the top of the food chain, let alone royals. TOO BAD THAT ALL GOT FLUSHED AWAY IN THE SEQUEL!

[@DarrylBishopDJFlavaz]

In my opinion Scar would not have been as dark with out the amazing voice talent of Jeremy Irons. His voice gave the character that darkness and villainous weight that the new version fails miserably at doing.

[@taefiedcontents]

Darryl Bishop yup

[@cobraglatiator]

the problem with live action scar is they gave him the same lines with a different personality, LA is more moody and brooding, while the lines are more for a arrogant and theatrical scar. no wonder ya didn't like him.

[@DarrylBishopDJFlavaz]

While I do see your point, and i tend to agree. My biggest issue is the lackluster performance the voice actor gave. It was flat, and lacked any kind of dimension. It was almost the same as watching a drunk uncle read Macbeth. Only with less talent

[@cobraglatiator]

@@DarrylBishopDJFlavaz hm, i see. TBH my comment is just what i heard one guy i like to watch for movie reviews say. i'm gonna be honest here, he said that. i haven't seen the movie. haven't been the theatres in a while, don't have netflix(not that it's out on that by now.) and just generally didn't feel like it was something i'd want to watch. live action remakes are almost always not as good as the OG. plus, i like seeing new things, new stories, there's something to be said about re-mastering a game, but movies, IMO are rather different.

[@pedrinho6]

I believe that this same critic about the voice from the vilain can also be applied to the new version of Jafar from Aladdin(2019).

[@jessicastrike5640]

I can't believe they took out the moment of Rafiki hitting Simba with the stick and the lesson about the past hurting but you can still learn from it

[@malena5026]

Jessica Strike is the Remake really worth watching? I’m scared that it isn’t as good (it isn’t anyway but still)

[@yourfavoritememory4223]

they did include it

[@lutube7897]

Same! Rafiki is my favorite Lion King character! I’m so mad at what the remake did to him!!!

[@megabyte01]

@@malena5026 I just saw it tonight. My take is this: sometimes you have to see a bad movie to appreciate a good one. The largest problem is that most of the dialogue requires emotive faces, and realistic animals can't emote. The second largest problem is that very few things that were added or changed enhance the core story. Finally, I don't think the folks who made the remake understood what made the original work. Also, if you hear me ranting about how they screwed up the blocking in the finale, the scene where Simba roars and becomes The Lion King, I apologize.

[@animefan77]

I think the first spoken words say everything about how the tone will be for the movie- whether through a character or narrator. Tangled has a witty Flynn being a humorous narrator while having a heartfelt tone at times- meaning it'll be funny yet touching, Kuzco has a completely irreverent tone in how he narrates the events leading up to his situation- demonstrating how the Emperor's New Groove will be a fourth wall breaking comedy, typical fairy tale movies like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty have calm and approachable narrators meaning the story is going to be pleasant, but will take itself more seriously. In Snow White, The Black Cauldron, Atlantis and The Lion King- has a declarative sentence of imminent danger, the narrator taking an ominous tone or the villain themselves are the first to speak. This all gives the indication that the narrative is going to a much darker and serious tone than its peers, regardless of the few comical beats it has to counterbalance it.

[@johnmartin4119]

Grimoire666 I think one of my personal favorite Disney opening dialogues is the opening in Peter Pan

[@blindOni]

Scar really did make a nice throw rug, see Hercules lol

[@tiffmonique7154]

What do you mean?

[@blindOni]

@@tiffmonique7154 there is the painting sitting scene in Hercules, that has a skin of scar Hercules uses as a pelt while posing.

[@samanthabose9755]

My thoughts exactly lol

[@joyamos29]

Is it wrong that I found this comment funny😂😂

[@c.d.dailey8013]

Yeah I noticed that too. I guess Scar is the Nemean Lion of Disney.

[@Sophia.Stark17]

I love The Lion King so much, it's a very "adult" cartoon (I mean, it has a clean murder between two brothers) and it familiarises kids with so many mature themes: death/mortality, loss, taking up your responsibilities and treasure your past because you can learn from it. Plus, it is probably the first contact with a Shakespearean work any kid will have. Disney had showed some serious balls with this movie, teaching us that kids can understand these themes just fine! Long Live the King🤘🦁

[@NinjaGidget]

In defense to Mufasa's parenting, he dies when Simba is still very young. It's quite likely that he intended to familiarize his son with the darker aspects of ruling the Pridelands once his cub grows up a bit. We do see that Mufasa is aware of the danger, given at one point he has to leave his son's daily lesson to deal with an incursion by hyenas in defense of the kingdom.

[@TedsCoasterChannel]

Can we just take a minute and appreciate the awesome soundtrack of the movie?

[@valedro]

I love how you pointed out the fear in Mufasa, how he pushed the darkness away and couldn’t face it. ❤️ Minor correction to another point, though. Even though we as adults intellectually understand that we were manipulated as children, it doesn’t change the pattern. A child’s world is feeling based, and mental understanding of what happened cannot change the emotional trauma. So even if Simba had realised that Scar had manipulated him (which Simba clearly didn’t realise by the way), he couldn’t have changed it without emotional processing.

[@oooh19]

so that's why adults are scarred by things that happened in their childhood? people say to get over it but it shapes you into the person you become.

[@marko6489]

@@oooh19 not quite. It's not that child's mental conception of the world is feeling based, it's so in adults as well, just that children are more impressionable, because their understanding and experience is so small that they are encountering even the most basic ideas in the world for the very first time.. as an adult, you already have mental conception of most experiences, so it's almost impossible to find the completely new experience that adult doesn't have understanding of.

[@WhelmedButReady]

Can we please get a deconstruction of Disney's Tarzan? I feel like no one gives that movie any credit these days. Vastly underrated

[@johnmartin4119]

I blame the lack of an interesting/charismatic/theatrical villain

[@sij748]

Tarzan was dull compared to Lion King, Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast for its lack of interesting characters, particularly the villains

[@johnmartin4119]

Simon Jones I think Tarzan, Jane, Prof. Porter, Kamma, and Kerchack were all interesting characters. Just Clayton was really the weak link

[@HAL-vm3wn]

The only interesting character in that movie was Phil Collins

[@Nooooooooooooooooooooo7913]

HAL 9000 Phil really carried the whole film tbh lol

[@lindseybailes2706]

The Lion King will still make me cry like nobody's business. It's been 25 years you guys.

[@natalie651]

Same. I cried while watching this.

[@DTownNash]

It hits different when you've lost a parent at a young age like I did.

[@corsicanlulu]

i still cant watch mufasa's death w/out tearing up, i usually skip it

[@danielborza4399]

Thank you! Really, thank you for this video, especially the last part. I'm so sick of everyone pissing on this movie for "propagating fascism" and that "lions are just dictators exploiting the wildlife of the savannah". You might be the first channel that actually has the brain AND HEART to look beyond the metaphor, and what the film is really about. Lion King is, and probably remains my favourite animated movie ever. In its limited runtime it teaches so much, has so great insights, simple but deep wisdoms and has one of the most beatiful OSTs ever. While the remake didn't add anything new, at least didn't take away either.

[@welcometothemetaverse2523]

Darkness has always been a thing in Disney but it was always used to reflect the harshness of reality that would make the happier moments, especially at the end, all the more satisfying. This usually trying to inspire hope and optimism. The Lion King took the groundbreaking step of teaching of how to deal with the darkness by learning from it.

[@ucNguyen-io2zf]

Hanz Zimmer's work with the background music brings me to tears everytime

[@user-fq1od6sc5i]

Could you please do a video on Claude Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

[@farbodpirouz9458]

Scar is what Samba would’ve turned into had he not had those experiences.

[@evanlaney5806]

*Simba

[@MrJakeypakey]

The Lion King is probably my favorite movie of any category, but my appreciation of it grew immensely once I realized that young Simba and Scar are in fact the same person, or rather that Scar represents who Simba risks becoming should he hold on to the attitudes he voices in his childhood. "I Just Can't Wait to be King" and "Be Prepared" are essentially two iterations of the same song, but they seem entirely different because one is sung by a naive child (which makes it fun and adorable) while the other is sung by a resentful and immature adult who should know better (making it toxic, foreboding and hellish).

[@katthegypsyprincess]

To go further into the point of comparison between Scar and Macbeth, there is the song “The Madness of King Scar” that was intended for the movie (it was storyboarded and recorded) and appears in the stage musical. The song depicts Scar becoming increasingly paranoid and making sexual advances towards Nala (most likely the reason it got from the movie).

[@ZhangtheGreat]

Having seen the 2019 version now, I must say that one of the best additions it made was giving Scar a backstory and making him a totalitarian king. Scar in the 1994 version had one scene showing his reign as king, and in it, he comes across as little more than an incompetent clown. In the 2019 update, Scar is absolutely not a clown; the added scenes really give us the feeling of him ruling with fear, watching every lion's movement at all times.

[@drmether9150]

Something about this movie just makes me want to let go of everything I’m holding in and bawl my eyes out. Sometimes you just miss who you used to be ❤️

[@sherrys3285]

14:59 When this lion starts living like a herbivore *shows simba eating a bug*

[@c.d.dailey8013]

I noticed that mistake too. The proper term is insectivore. Timon and Pumba talked about it, when they first meet in Lion King 1 1/2.

[@ProJatior]

C. D. Dailey Though 1 1/2 has its flaws consistency wise with the 94 film: What’s going on here? Who’s the monkey?

[@c.d.dailey8013]

@@ProJatior Okay. I like how Pumbaa will throw in a nice witty line. He is smarter than he looks. That does make sense though. Pigs are actually the smartest domesticated animals. I wouldn't be surprised if their wild relatives were smart too.

[@ProJatior]

C. D. Dailey :Oh yeah, Pumbaa is insanely intelligent and Timon’s take credit for his ideas.

[@isaiahadams1996]

“Entitled brat!” “Tyrant in waiting!” Simba couldn’t help that he was a cub then. And when he grew up he learned from his mistakes. Beside when we’re kids there’s certain things we don’t really think about till we get older.

[@oooh19]

true but some adults are so fucking worse. even teens. when you're like 5 or 6 years old you're supposed to think differently as a 13 or 14 year old, or someone in their 20s/30s/40s etc

[@jamjox9922]

Very balanced and thorough exploration of the film. Nice! Quickly becoming one of my favorite analysis channels.

[@lucylousie8512]

I have a strong connection to lion king because I didn't know death was even a thing before it . I still remember seeing mufasas death for the first time. After the film I ran to my parents and broke down cause I realized they would die someday. I mean damn this movie is powerful

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

“Who after he is an adult should be able to process the manipulation Scar put him through” - the thing about childhood trauma is that is repetitively imprisons you as a helpless child because it happened to you as a child, ill-equipped and ill-prepared to deal, unless it is properly dealt with. The movie is genius in portraying the king’s healing and acceptance of responsibility of himself and his pride of lions.

[@bobpolo2964]

Scar: Simba, Simba, I'm only looking out for the well-being of my favorite nephew. Simba: How many nephews do you have?

[@discountplaguedoctor88]

Doesn't that imply that Nala was originally supposed to be Simba's half-brother in the original drafts?

[@danielledewitt1]

Levi Herendeen Howcould Nala be a brother when she’s a female.

[@r.i.t.i.k.a]

@@danielledewitt1 he meant half sister.. and yes.. in actually wildlife that would be the case

[@r.i.t.i.k.a]

@Kaleela Edwards yes .. but pointing out the fact doesn't hurt

[@animefan77]

10:19- I think a shot of Scar looking scared shitless as Simba goes from pinning Simba smugly to the latter rising up was needed. From this, I'm seeing Scar had backed away pissy and is now angry that he's going to be pinned down.

[@Fallingslowly09]

I gotta say that this channel never ceases to amaze me with their often positive and against the grain their perspectives are on any topic they tackle. They do a fantastic at breaking down the many incredible stories created throughout our time and find the meaning to it & what it represents rather than relying on popular criticisms. So many channels resort to complaining or just plain negativity regarding a popular movie or show. I get it, the Lion King seems very similar to Kimba the Lion. It's understandable its inaccurate depiction of Africa is a bit problematic. But the story itself is beautiful and has a lot of teaching moments for kids. It was my favorite move as a kid and I hope future kids can have that same wonder that I had as a kid watching this movie.

[@msmilesftw]

Perfection AS ALWAYS. I 100% use The Take as the standard to which I compare other video essay channels.

[@Yayoi4]

Omg I'm so impressed with this analysis. The Lion King is by far my forever favorite movie ♡

[@EN-Fitz]

Uh, isn't it technically Black Panther bearing a "striking resemblance" to Lion King? Not the other way around?

[@bobpolo2964]

tomatoe/tomato

[@corngreaterthanwheat]

2019 ripped off TWO movies.

[@anarchist_parable]

It's just Hamlet

[@Kobeat21]

Actually lion king is a striking resemblance of hamlet

[@Dumpknoedel]

@@renegadepuppy only the visuals tho, kimba is quite different

[@animefan77]

1:01- Plus it precedes Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire in subverting the expectations that the hero will live. We're made to believe like in previous Disney movies that Scar's scheme like most Disney villains will not succeed and when it does- it subverts the expectations- thrusting us into a harsh realization of how the brutal the world can actually be and introduces a new status quo where the villains can succeed precisely because they manipulate the heroes into a losing scenario. And the hero is now an underdog in a much dangerous world until they get the skills to adapt to this new status quo to get what they want. And it's not a shocking swerve- the set up was there from the beginning- Mufasa has a somewhat condescending tone with Scar in spite of ultimately loving him as a brother and his son would later constantly gloat about his superior claim to the throne- breeding the resentment that Scar would fuel his desire to kill both to take power for himself. In addition, he remarks that Mufasa shouldn't turn his back on him and remarks on his lack of brute strength in proportion to his getting the lion share of brains- foreshadowing the resolution of his conflict won't be through direct means. The set up is there much like how Rob's constant blunders through being honorable than being pragmatic ultimately kills him, Mufasa's own mistreatment of Scar ultimately leads to his demise as well.

[@annabunovsky5628]

Your Disney videos are honestly one of the best things the internet has ever given us. Think you'd ever do a video on The Hunchback of Notre Dame?

[@KittySnicker]

That Mufasa death scene always makes me tear up

[@wtx64940]

another good example would be The Land Before Time (1988) these animations still make me feel a lot even though I'm almost 30

[@raziyatheseeker]

To be honest, when I first watched this video I wasn't expecting as deep of ideas presented. I was wrong. The presentation of themes for The Lion King were handled soundly and deftly. Good work!

[@-Epiphany]

Thank you for this.... nostalgia at it's finest....I was 14 when this came out

[@oooh19]

i was 6 and sometimes nowadays i feel like it's underrated bc it's not a princess or action movie but has animals as the stars! big animal lover here and it's amazing seeing our animal friends telling such an amazing emotional story! it's not just some silly little kiddie movie. it has a lot of feeling!

[@gabiri]

This video really made me cry at the end. I love it! Thank you so much!

[@oliviagriffith3626]

The frame accompanying "widsom" at 9:31 made me chuckle. Sincerely though, great video! Very though provoking and well researched.... love it!

[@abrahemsamander3967]

I don’t like the lion king but this was a very well thought out analysis. I liked the analogy of us moving towards independence while are parents move towards death, it’s very realistic if a shame. I also liked the analogy of moving away so that we truly become a different individual. Especially the romance part, it really makes me think about the point of the subplot deeper. I heard about the psychology of “childhood sweetheart” were at first two kids feel a sibling bond, after they are separated and reach puberty the reunion still has a bond but they can still be attracted to each other as they don’t grow up with the original sibling mentality giving the new found feelings of attraction people get at this age a chance to bloom. Keep up the good work.

[@oooh19]

yea if you grew up with this person you might not see them in that way.

[@jamppamaattori]

Such great story telling with actual substance.

[@RodTejada502]

So thought-provoking and well researched!

[@robchuk4136]

These are a lot of great reads on my favorite cartoon of all time. Bonus points for using the "Joseph" mini series (which I also love)! 5-Star essay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@laurasalado2429]

Once again you guys hit it out of the park! Thank you for the work that you do!

[@tickedoffnow]

The Lion King is one of my all time favorite movies, as an adult I realize just how genius it truly is. Alot like a Bible Story. Oh and screw the horrible 2019 reboot.

[@jessicagomes4043]

This movie is a masterpiece

[@art.ztravel3802]

Love the Fraiser reference!! 👍 I've heard many theories on what this movie's message is or can be interpreted and this video tops them all. Philosophical and engaging to the audience without tedious deconstruction for significance. 😍

[@AceX47]

Great Take video, and thank you for highlighting Black Panther homage to The Lion King i was waiting for while for someone to point it out.

[@ariasscreen4334]

Great video! Awesome to see new takes on the classics. Your analysis' are always so thoughtful and goes past surface level. Keep up the good work!

[@farbodpirouz9458]

Something about this movie always takes me back to my childhood.

[@Thenorthsace]

Maybe because you was a child when it came out could be the reason why that happens to you...

[@KrisH-zo6vx]

I would love to see you guys analyze Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

[@StudioGhibliFan494]

Anyone else ever shout "he didn't do anything, you did" through tears when watching 1994 The Lion King?

[@BrainNeedsFood]

The Lion King is a masterful piece of storytelling and I'd go as far as to say that the Death of Mufasa sequence is one of the finest pieces of cinema I've ever seen. Brilliantly brutal. Probably my only criticism of The Lion King is that Mufasa's failings are never really addressed: Sure, Scar commits a major slight against him by refusing to attend Simba's presentation to the Pride Lands, but the subsequent interaction between Mufasa and Scar gives the impression (when watching it as an adult) that Mufasa is typically domineering, highly critical and unkind to his brother - perhaps not without good reason, but watching it now causes me to suspect that maybe Scar is a monster of Mufasa's creating, at least in part, and although Mufasa does impart a lot of wisdom to Young Simba, he also encourages Young Simba's worst arrogant, entitled and narcissistic tendencies. But overall - holy crap - what an absolutely incredible, damn near perfect film for kids and adults...!

[@sophonfilm]

this explains why I have loved and have felt so connected the lion king my whole life

[@blvdcharms]

Wow, this is so philosophical.

[@Thenorthsace]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rickblaine9670]

I always found interesting to compare The Lion King and Star Wars. Especially given that the father is played by the same actor in both stories. I mean, they basically TELL the same story, with the difference that SW is told from the perspective of both the father and the son. It's not only the son that has to learn from the father, but also the father who has to learn from the son.

[@Leto85]

That's a good analysis. It's been a while since I last saw The Lion King, but this made me look at it from a whole different point.

[@DJchilcott]

The big difference between Killmonger and Scar is that Killmonger is a true believer in his cause (to the point of fanaticism), whereas Scar only cares for Scar. Everything and everyone else is just a tool to be used for his own ends.

[@TheNiNjawesome]

Finally. Something that actually explains things. I tend to always land on videos about explaining but it turns out to be just telling me what happened in the movie. 😑

[@daniellemusella1594]

1] Scar's adherence to Simba's immature ideals from the beginning of the movie hints that, as the second-born, he wasn't given the same philosophical lessons on leadership as Mufasa. His given name is actually Taka, which, from what I've been told, means "dirt" or "garbage", suggesting that his relationship with their father was often a neglectful, rocky one. Whether he was deliberately excluded from these teachings by adults, or he chose to distance himself, because of his anger and jealousy towards his brother, and fear of their dad, we don't know. 2] A theme in the movie you touched on briefly is how love for a person can blind us to the flaws in their personalities. Both Mufasa and Simba's love for Scar keeps them from seeing how evil he truly is. They think his sarcastic humor is just that, not believing that a blood family member could mean their words, and actually be that cruel. He uses this naivete against them, and the lionesses fall into the same trap. Scar's own blindness keeps him from having a better relationship with his nephew. Simba clearly adored him, thinking that their similar personality traits made them kindred spirits, but dwelling in resentment made it impossible for Scar to accept that love. Even Nala deals with blindness, when she reunites with her old friend. She believed that Simba was still going to be the eager, idealistic, fun-loving king-in-waiting that he was when they were kids, not accounting for how his dad's sudden death might've altered his psyche. 3] I think Simba's trauma influenced him, far beyond the movie's happy ending. In the second film, he's extremely overprotective of his daughter, Kiara, even secretly sending out babysitters to protect her on her first hunt. What he sees as just keeping her safe, both she and the audience see as his refusal to let her grow up. When she runs into Kovu, Simba refuses to ever let her hunt again. He didn't seem to realize that, if he'd been able to put that threat into action, he would've crippled Kiara's abilities as Future Queen. How could she have led the lionesses, if she didn't know how to hunt properly? Simba's mindset is, "I couldn't protect my father. My absence left the rest of my family and our homeland unprotected, as well. I will not let my daughter go through what I did", but he goes about this in the absolute wrong way. Though we know he shared a bit of Scar's story with her, we're left unsure as to whether or not he told her that Scar was her great-uncle. He's so determined to be what he believes is the perfect king, in order to make up for his perceived abandonment of his family, and Kiara's shouting of, "You will never be Mufasa" throws that back in his face. (4/27/2023)

[@coffeefrog]

I think you're reading a little too much into it at times, but damn, this has gotta be the best video analysis of TLK out there. This made me feel like I'm looking at the story for the first time again and captured exactly why it moved me as much as it did.

[@armandtonga4501]

16:39 Joseph didn’t have a carefree life, he was sold as a slave and worked he’s way up through hard work.

[@johnmartin4119]

Armand Tonga before that he did have a carefree life living as his Father’s Favorite

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

The childhood was carefree. His slavery is comparable to Simba’s exile and trauma after he father’s death.

[@rachie2456]

I watched the live-action version of The Lion King yesterday and honestly, it did miss several major factors that the older version had. One of the things that hit me the most is that they didn't even show the flashback on where Scar got his Scar!

[@Someone-hl5gr]

The original didn't show any backstory of scar either though?

[@rachie2456]

@@Someone-hl5gr Wow really? It's been long since I've watched the original.

[@Someone-hl5gr]

@@rachie2456 yeah ,I think the spin off comics delved into his backstory

[@iceluvndiva21]

This is probably the most honest movie from my childhood

[@SharpDesign]

So that's why he pushed the "bad" away in the sequel. Still never learned.

[@4dultw1thj0b]

And Kiara is what helps him to finally get that closure and bring their pride back together.

[@camelopardalis84]

"When this lion starts living like a herbivore far down on the food chain" - shows scene of Simba eating an animal.

[@celinak5062]

Kimba

[@camelopardalis84]

@@celinak5062 You could have meant a couple of things with this comment. That you posted a month ago. And that I was notified of today. I don't know what else to say.

[@c.d.dailey8013]

I noticed that mistake too. As an animal person, I found the mistake obvious. The proper word for an animal with this diet is insectavore. Pumbaa is a lot smarter than he looks, just like pigs in real life. He uses this bit of animal jargon when introducing himself in Lion King 1 1/2.

[@memicoot]

You guys do THE BEST video analysis

[@franug]

This movie will forever be my favorite one. I was 6 when it came out, and watched it so many times on VHS that the tape broke lol, and this analysis only cemented it. I almost cried watching this! The themes this movie has are so powerful and universal, no wonder it has stood the test of time (and that remake looks awful, I'm not going to indulge Disney's desire to exploit my generation's nostalgia!!)

[@piratesvsninjas492]

OMG thank you for analyzing one of my favorite Disney movies. Great analysis like always.

[@VincoMalus]

Elegantly beautiful analysis/&dissection🎞👏🏿

[@Soma_Chronicles]

Okay, now you HAVE to do the other classic Disney movies

[@johnmartin4119]

Erick P. They’re working on it. They’ve done Snow White, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Lady and the Tramp, Cinderella, and Mulan

[@tristanpetty7173]

Pinocchio. They should do Pinocchio.

[@mikeymorrison272]

Loved the video. These analyzed videos whether that's on Mad Men, Lion King, etc. All make me appreciate the shows and movies more. Also some movies I like to see analyzed are Apocalypse Now and Taxi Driver.

[@bobpolo2964]

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

[@nyreegraham7894]

This low key gave me an idea for a Tarzan/Lion King video

[@bobpolo2964]

@@nyreegraham7894 Go on...

[@chiomangozinwafor7154]

Amen

[@paigemurphy7770]

cartoon quote: I didn't realize you have just as much junk to deal with as I do. That creepy place isn't called the Shadowlands, just the Elephant Graveyard. I believe it is where Mufasa banishes gluttonous predators to.

[@ManubibiWalsh]

I agreed with every point (although I was a bit dubious about the second interpretation, the "representation of getting into adulthood" metaphor, mostly because it seems a bit forced) until you said Scar and Killmonger are specular characters in their motivations. Which is simply not true. Scar does want power because he is biologically less privileged than Mufasa, but he has no intention to share resources and pull his own weigh (as exemplified by the fact he refuses to do any of the hunting while everyone's starving), and also he has no long-term plan as to how to rule besides "doing what I want". As for Killmonger, his prime motivation is gaining power to share help and resources with black people all around the world, and that's the crucial difference here. And also it's clear he intends to gain power in order to share those resources and change Wakanda's non-existent international policy. In other words, Scar used the argument of being under-privileged (although, as brother of the king, it doesn't have to be that way because he has every chance to live a life of comfort and abundance but he just chooses not to unless he can be on top), but has no real intention to bring a positive change to the state of things (and indeed, under his rule everyone suffers, including the hyenas), but Killmonger literally rose through military ranks from the literal bottom and got his chance at power because he saw the suffering of black people outside of Wakanda and wanted to help them. And also he legitimately had a very good point when he criticized Wakanda's policy of not caring about what happens outside of it, whereas Scar's motivations were... entirely selfish. Also, let me point this out: Scar uses psychological manipulation to get his way and then *immediately* switches to an apparently subservient, harmless image when he knows he's at a disadvantage, so he's the perfect image of a coward and he dies a coward. Killmonger is confident and straightforward at all times, and even his death is honorable. It makes him gain respect from the audience. It's sad because deep down his intentions were good, but his methods were misguided and violent. Scar did not have any good intention, only bitterness and resentment. So no, they aren't really comparable. I'd actually say they're polar opposites, to the point where Scar is undoubtably not just an antagonist but an actual villain (which is not a negative judgment - I love villains and especially flamboyant, vicious, sassy Disney villains), whereas Killmonger is a misguided anti-hero. The only thing they have in common for me is that I love them both lol. I definitely agree with comparing T'Challa and Simba, though. Their arc is actually quite specular, except we don't see T'Challa's childhood but we can still infer it was quite happy and privileged. About the rest of the video though, yes. Actually you pointed out a lot of things I never caught up on, and The Lion King is my absolute favorite Disney movie, I've watched it hundreds of times throughout all my life and the theme of trauma had only vaguely popped up into my mind, but considering I'm still in therapy after trauma (albeit a different kind of trauma) it's quite appropriate and ironic that the Disney movie I've been loving the most since I was a child is probably the Disney movie I need to take to heart the most right now. Great video, great breakdown. My minor disagreement doesn't really influence the fact that this essay made me appreciate my fave Disney movie even more than I already did. So thank you.

[@princesseuphemia1007]

I feel the same. Thanks for writing this. I actually don't think it is ironic or coincidence that the movie and/or movies/media you find appealing happen to have themes common with things you are dealing with or have always dealt with in real life. What I have found is that I have always loved things that had themes of stuff I always dealt with and that's why I connected with it from an early age, because even if I couldn't explain it I could feel it subconsciously. I think all people are like that. If you really get to know them their reasons for liking the things they do are because it resonates with their experience. They just might not always be able to explain why at first, because how we experience art is largely subconscious.

[@ManubibiWalsh]

@@princesseuphemia1007 I do think it's a coincidence though, because I saw this and fell in love with it as a child, and trauma didn't come until much later! Surely my love for it grew as traumatic things happened and found out the movie had a relevant message in that sense, but what are the odds? The movie I fell in love with as a child was exactly the movie I grew up to need in my adulthood. It's kinda like magic lol

[@princesseuphemia1007]

@@ManubibiWalsh Oh okay I see what you mean. It sounds like for you it was a mix of coincidence and fate so to speak. I guess what I was saying is that in general people like things that speak to what they've already been through. I'm glad that the movie helps. :)

[@alideep9656]

Your contrnt is love, your content is life

[@keienn7259]

About Scar being right, I suddenly remember the version they put in the "Twisted" musical by Starkid. Basically, Scar wanted to end segregation between Hyena's and the rest of the animals. But then Mufasa ate his heirs and forcibly took the throne. So when he saw an opportunity to right the wrong, he pounced.

[@telmut247]

In Shona, simba means strength and lion is shumba...

[@vyha8326]

I was about to go bed when I saw this, and then now I have to rewatch all of your videos again :)))))

[@shellbacksclub]

creators like this, is what makes KZbin awesome!

[@kie6873]

Maybe you could do a breakdown of Disney’s Hercules? I think that would be interesting.

[@paam1971]

You did an amazing job!!

[@Paulagonia]

This was... Depressing lol

[@sixunder2007]

word

[@mohamedashian604]

SuperNoone89 exactly my friend I wish tv shows and movies would just tell kids straight forward no bullshit that life Will sometimes be a piece of shit to them and knock them on their ass and tell them that they can choose to stay down or get back up instead of nowadays child friendly crap

[@mohamedashian604]

SuperNoone89 at first when was a kid I always thought that life is about having fun not worrying about anything but as I grew older I’m gonna be 19 I started to grow more wiser and thank god that I did

[@whathell6t]

Mohamed Ashian You’re going to have challenges and, for better or worse, you’ll never be same once you go through it.

[@TIGER-xk4gk]

Thanks for finally doing the Lion King and giving a deep analysis of the film

[@harlequinade2709]

9:31 Ah yes, "widsom." All joking aside, great video! Really enjoyed it

[@Tyler_W]

Excellent reading of the film. Personally, I would also include that Scar's perspective, actions and the results thereof basically mirror that of communism as well as the more obvious fascistic elements (as symbolized by the red hues and blood red moon in the shape of a cycle in multiple scenes).

[@Thenorthsace]

Okayyyyy.

[@toneriggz]

One of the few notifications that don't annoy me. Another great video.

[@corngreaterthanwheat]

DISNEY, make the Scar/Killmonger movie we deserve, COWARDS!

[@emmanuelmakoba6085]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@michaelcaballes4955]

I LOVE YOUR TAKE ON THIS MOVIE

[@randibrown2295]

I feel like the sequel to this movie undermines a lot of the things talked about in this video. When the sequel opens, Simba has basically become his dad and is repeating the exact same mistakes; brushing the 'bad things' under the rug, rather than facing them and openly discussing them. There's (no pun intended) an elephant in the room everyone's aware of, but nobody is acknowledging. His daughter is ultimately the one that goes out into the proverbial 'darkness' (the Outlands) and hears from its inhabitants' POV what's really going on. And what's really going on is some serious classism nobody wants to talk about, God forbid. 'It is what it is and you should just deal with it,' that kind of shit. She does the logical thing and brings the shadow kingdom and the light kingdom together. It seems so obvious, after the fact, that it needed done. Like how could nobody see that when the animals are all the same, and they're sharing the same planet regardless of social status, that the next logical conclusion would be to open the kingdom up by combining yours and "the enemy's" together? She's literally erasing the social order and replacing it with a newer, more progressive one. So everything Simba does in the first movie seems kinda pointless, because he's just going to go back to repeating his father's mistakes, only for his child to fix it all later.

[@randibrown2295]

The Lion King tldr... First Movie Mufasa: Simba, you have forgotten me. Second Movie Mufasa: You're remembering me too much, STOP!

[@Gabe_Cross]

I just saw a video called "Film Theory: Why Scar is the RIGHTFUL King! (Disney Lion King) " by the channel The Film Theory. Interesting stuff.

[@c.d.dailey8013]

I saw that too. It makes a lot of sense to me. I am fascinated by lions. So I have learned a lot how they are like in real life, and that includes social structure.

[@ProJatior]

Yeah but this was better. Film Theory completely ignored the fact that these are anthropomorphized animals behaving like a human would especially as far as kingdoms are concerned and our sense of morality. He only considered how a actual Lions act which is cool but a flawed perspective to his argument like having no expressions the 2019 version of the film to try to differentiate it rather than add a few things to the story to legitimize it’s existence. Play up the Macbeth aspect of Scars role perhaps?

[@kaiamthe1667]

Best breakdown I've seen so far.

[@NattieAngel]

The live action did Scar NO justice

[@linaporcelijn124]

14:48 eating insects and worms makes you actually still a carnivore :)

[@NinaNiterose86]

Behind all the bright plastic stuff, the 90s were full of dark places.

[@rokuwhitefox]

I love your videos....they are so insightful!

[@Bengymin]

Do a video essay on Generation Kill and the deconstruction of the war genre along with how war has changed and it's nature

[@Mican945]

I can't believe they didn't say a word about how people's, I mean lions', greed is destroying the world and the only way to fix it is going back to the old way of life. For me that was the main message of this movie.

[@seraph7216]

i came out here to procrastinate my work and honestly, i feel so attacked right now