Whether it's the unforgettable music, the heroic tale of an underdog, or the compelling characters, The Lion King is simply the greatest movie of all time. On the surface you might think, "Hey, this is just a kid's movie," but on closer inspection, you'll discover an elaborate metaphor for life. Themes like authority, power, and sustainability dwell beneath the surface, jumping out at crucial twists. Mufasa lays it all out for Simba in the beginning.
"Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As King, you need to understand a balance and respect for all creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope."
"But Dad, don't we eat the antelope?"
"Yes, but when we die, we become the grass and the antelope eat the grass."
Mufasa's philosophy on life gives him authority. Despite being the most powerful creature, he understands his place in the world. His wisdom embodies him as a force for good. As Mufasa says, "There's more to being King than doing everything you want." The character of Scar, on the other hand, has power in name only. Although Scar gains the title of King, his blindness to the "delicate balance" of life causes the destruction of himself and others. He is a character that personifies the damage of selfishness, jealousy, and lust for power. This is hinted at early on.
"What about that shadowy place?" Simba asks Mufasa.
"You must never go there."
Simba goes anyways, foreshadowing the next part of his spiritual journey. Contained within Mufasa's philosophy on life is room for the darker side of the self. The Hyena's and the graveyard symbolize the constant struggle between good and evil, one that young Simba must come to terms with. Once in the shadowy place, Simba is at the mercy of the chaos there. When Mufasa saves him from Hyenas, it highlights the mercy of Mufasa's goodness over Simba's careless selfishness. Scar too is selfish and it affects his reputation. When Scar startles the Hyena's in the shadowy place, they sigh in relief saying,
"Oh it's just you Scar. We thought it was someone important."
"Like Mufasa."
"Now that's power."
"I just hear that name and I shudder."
The name of Mufasa alone recalls his authority and power, reinforced by the virtues of his philosophy on life. Mufasa remains a symbol for the "delicate balance" even after his death, demonstrating the influence he has. This is unlike Scar who must bribe the Hyenas with food for their obedience. Scar's motivations for power directly oppose Mufasa's. His song illustrates his self worship:
"My words are a matter of pride," showing selfish desires.
"A shining new era is tiptoeing nearer," distancing himself from the stable, sustainable rule of Mufasa to something radical and self serving.
"You won't get a sniff without me!" again pointing to self centered goals.
Scar usurps Mufasa, not as a benevolent King, but as a tyrannical dictator.
Cue Timon, Pumba, and "Hakuna matata," AKA the "problem free philosophy." Mufasa's death is a metaphoric upset to the balance of power before Simba runs away and descends into a world of complacency. This is a turning point in the movie where the audience is asked to put aside the dynamic between good and evil and consider a carefree alternative. Maybe the opposition between Scar and Mufasa is simply a part of life that doesn't signify anything. If the virtue of Mufasa led him to death and betrayal, then was he ever all that powerful? Life's a beach and then you die, hakuna matata, right?
Simba is somewhere different with Timon and Pumba. It's not the shadowy place or the bright plains, it's the blurry line between. As Timon says, "When the world turns its' back on you, you turn your back on the world." Simba grows up feeding on grubs and denying responsibility, until he is propositioned to come back. He refuses, saying, "Nobody has to know." This reveals the darker side of, "Hakuna Matata," that less worries equals less accountability. When Timon's questions, "You're the King and you never told us?" it shows that "Hakuna Matata" only works for the little things. Even Timon and Pumba understand the importance of being King, supporting everything that Mufasa stands for. Simba says, "Look, I'm still the same guy," and Timon responds, "But with power!" In Simba's ambivalence, he is not ready for the role. As Mufasa has shown, his authority and power comes from an appreciation for life, a value Simba is too indifferent to know.
"Sometimes bad things happen and there's nothing you can do about it. So why worry?" Simba says.
"Because it's your responsibility," Nala responds.
"You're beginning to sound like my Father."
"Good, at least one of us is."
Simba's transition into a King begins with valuing himself, but "Hakuna Matata" impedes his progress. The scene of him staring into the water and dismissing it as a reflection signifies that he dismisses himself too easily. Unlike the selfish vices of Scar, Simba's flaw is born out of denial and inaction. Despite Mufasa teaching him how a King is supposed to act, Simba is too disconnected from himself to put it together. Only after Mufasa appears, reminding Simba of the "delicate balance" of life, is Simba ready to retake his role as the rightful King.
"You have forgotten me."
"No, how could I?" Simba cries.
"You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life."
How is this not the greatest movie of all time? It speaks to so many deeper issues while telling a great story. Do you think this is just a superficial reading of the movie? Are you all for the "Hakuna Matata" lifestyle? Or are you someone important speaking with conviction and power? Remember who you are and take your place in the circle of life. Cheers.
