The Lion King

Roger Allers (1994)

84min

U Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Tom Hutchinson

This crowd-pleasing cartoon musical from Walt Disney had enormous box-office appeal, and proved so popular that it was adapted as a spectacular stage show. For the children there's the story of how a lion cub, exiled by his wicked uncle, achieves his destiny (Disney loves orphans); for grown-ups there's a visual feast of exciting animation work, plus themes from Hamlet, Elton John and Tim Rice's great songs (Can You Feel the Love Tonight earned the duo an Oscar). Voices range from Whoopi Goldberg to Rowan Atkinson, with Jeremy Irons a vocal standout as the evil uncle Scar. Two straight-to-video sequels followed: The Lion King: Simba's Pride in 1998, and the Timon and Pumbaa spin-off Hakuna Matata in 2004.

Summary

A lion prince blames himself for his father's death and flees into the wilderness, leaving his wicked uncle to take over. As the cub grows to adulthood, he receives a vision of the dead king, who inspires him to seek revenge and reclaim his rightful throne. Disney animated musical, featuring the voices of Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg and James Earl Jones.

Cast & Crew

Young Simba Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Adult Simba Matthew Broderick

Mufasa James Earl Jones

Scar Jeremy Irons

Adult Nala Moira Kelly

Young Nala Niketa Calame

Pumbaa Ernie Sabella

Timon Nathan Lane

Rafiki Robert Guillaume

Zazu Rowan Atkinson

Sarabi Madge Sinclair

Shenzi the Hyena Whoopi Goldberg

Banzai the Hyena Richard "Cheech" Marin

Ed the Hyena Jim Cummings

Director Roger Allers

Director Rob Minkoff

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: Buena VistaAvailable on: video, DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 7 Oct 2011

Drama Children's Music

Full Episode Guide

Roger Allers (1994)

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

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