Pride and Perspective: Deconstructing The Lion King

The Lion King, 1994

Directors: Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers

Link to Trailer


Simba, the son of Mufasa, the king of the Pride Lands, and his queen, Sarabi, are introduced at the start of the movie. In a formal ceremony led by the wise Rafiki, the animals of the Pride Lands assemble in honor of the birth of Simba. Scar, the jealous sibling of Mufasa, feels uneasy at Simba's birth since it places him lower down the line of succession. Simba is given a tour of the Pride Lands by Mufasa while learning about the "circle of life," which preserves the harmony of the environment. In addition, he cautions Simba against visiting the forbidden elephant burial because of its dangers. In spite of Mufasa's orders, Simba and Nala enter the elephant cemetery as they tour the Pride Lands. Hyenas are after them, but Mufasa saves them. Scar comes up with a scheme to kill Mufasa and Simba so he can claim the throne. Scar tricks Simba by going into a canyon, which starts a wildebeest stampede. Simba is saved by Mufasa, but Scar betrays him and tosses him into the crowd. After Mufasa is dead, Scar persuades Simba that he is to blame for his father's death and that he must flee. After leaving the Pride Lands, Simba passes out in the desert. Timon, a meerkat, and Pumbaa save him.

"Hakuna Matata" is the term they use to describe their carefree way of living. As the years go by, Simba develops into a carefree adult. Back in the Pride Lands, Scar's poor leadership has caused the kingdom to fall apart. Simba is discovered by Nala, who had left the Pride Lands in search of support. She encourages him to come back and assume the throne to which he belongs. At first, Simba is hesitant because of his guilt over his father's passing. He learns from Rafiki that Mufasa's spirit is still present in him. Simba makes the decision to go back and retake the throne with an increased sense of purpose. Scar, who is in charge with the hyenas and has destroyed the Pride Lands, is confronted by Simba. Scar tricks the other lions into thinking Simba is to blame for the issues facing the kingdom. But Timon, Pumbaa, Nala, and Rafiki tell the lionesses the truth. The scene builds to a dramatic showdown in which Simba faces Scar. Scar seeks to place the blame on the hyenas after having admitted to killing Mufasa. Scar is defeated by Simba and banned from the Pride Lands. After Scar's rule is overthrown, Simba climbs the Pride Rock to regain his rightful throne.

In "The Lion King," there isn't a traditional Plot Device as commonly defined. One can argue that the idea of the "Circle of Life" and the need to keep the Pride Lands in balance could be interpreted as a plot driver. Simba's mission to take back his kingdom and repair the Pride Lands could be seen as an effort to protect and restore this balance, with the Circle of Life standing in for the delicate environment and harmony that the characters must maintain.

The film follows the traditional 3-act structure, starting with the Pride Lands being introduced in the first act as well as the idea of the "Circle of Life." It establishes Simba's friendship with Mufasa, Scar, and Mufasa, as well as Simba's joyful childhood. Key moments include Simba's introduction to the animal world, his relationship with Nala, and his leadership and responsibility training from Mufasa. With Mufasa's passing and Simba's subsequent departure from the Pride Lands, the act comes to a sad end.

Simba's banishment is where he meets Timon and Pumbaa and adopts their Hakuna Matata way of living. The main subject of this act is Simba's development as an adult who pushes to get past his past. The relationships Simba has with Timon and Pumbaa, his interactions with Nala after she learns about him, and Rafiki's involvement in revealing Simba's true identity are among the major plot points.

Simba faces his past in the third act and assumes responsibility for the Pride Lands. Simba chooses to go back and overthrow Scar's authority after learning the truth about the villain's betrayal and his own part in the kingdom's decline. The key battle between Simba's army and Scar's supporters defines this act. Simba's character journey ends when he defeats Scar, balances the Pride Lands, and rises to the throne.

The main character change in the film was in the main character, Simba. Simba begins life as a joyful baby cub. He looks up to his father, Mufasa, and wants to lead the country one day just like him. Simba experiences sadness and shame upon the death of Mufasa due to his involvement in the death of his father. Along with Timon and Pumbaa, he flees the Pride Lands and adopts a carefree attitude. Realizing his responsibilities as the rightful monarch has been a defining aspect of Simba's development. In order to overthrow Scar's rule, he returns to the Pride Lands after facing his history and accepting who he is. He develops into a wise, responsible, and brave leader along this journey.

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