Mufasa (the movie) explores how Mufasa (the lion cub who almost drowned in a flood) was separated from his parents and went on to become king of the jungle. His story is told by shaman mandrill Rafiki to another young lion cub, Mufasa’s granddaughter, Kiara (the daughter of Simba and Nala). Lending a mischievous hand to the story telling – let’s face it, interjecting to insert themselves into the conversation – are scallywags Timon and Pumbaa. The yarn spinning takes place during a wild storm, while Nala is off giving birth to her second cub (who will be Kiara’s brother). Kiara is scared and the story is a welcome distraction.
Mufasa’s road to salvation starts when he is rescued from the jaws of hungry reptiles by Taka – the heir to another Royal bloodline. Taka has always wanted a “brother”, but his father Obasi rejects “strays” and that’s how he views Mufasa. Obasi’s wife, smart matriarch Eshe, must teach Mufasa to hunt and tune into his senses. It’s clear early on that Mufasa is destined for greatness and that Taka doesn’t have the traits Obasi would like him to have to assume the mantle of king. The ultimate test comes when Mufasa is pursued by a pride of large lions, led by formidable dictator Kiros, whose edict is to take all he wants. Mufasa then also encounters young, brave lioness Surabi, who recognises Mufasa’s instinctive qualities.
Although Mufasa tries to push Taka’s romantic interest in Surabi, he too is unmistakably drawn to her. That leads to major friction and a shocking turn of events with Taka, who feels hard done by.
The screenplay is by Jeff Nathanson (The Lion King), with direction from Barry Jenkins (Moonlight). They have tackled a broad, cross generational story with heart and humour. Mufasa blends live action with computer generated imagery, as a spirited adventure. Music is a key ingredient, with original songs composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Based around the concept of family and the Circle of Life, Mufasa is another rich and colourful offering from Disney. I appreciated the representation of Mufasa as humble; as well as the interplay he has with Taka and Surabi. I was less sold on the comic relief provided by Timon and Pumbaa, who irritated me. Slightly more palatable was the very chatty hornbill Zazu, who is introduced as Surabi’s scout.
The rich array of voice talent includes Aaron Pierre as Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Junior as Taka and Tiffany Boone as Sarabi. Mads Mikkelsen takes on the role of the evil Kiros, while Seth Rogen is Pumbaa and Billy Eichner is Timon, and Preston Nyman tackles Zazu. Thandie Newton is the wise Eshe, Lennie James the hardheaded Obasi, Donald Glover is Simba and Beyonce Knowles-Carter is Nala.
To finish with a pun, Mufasa takes pride of place alongside The Lion King (2019).
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
