In December I took a few of the younger generation for a film that they wanted to watch on IMAX in 3 D, a Walt Disney Production ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’. It was some real like experience for sure and when I walked out of the theatre with the young ones I knew that their core values about animals around them had changed so did their perspective in life. They were simply awestruck and could not stop talking about the film experience or the characters they watched. The reality of Circle of Life was so very clear to them. They could even identify the dream of a eco-friendly world where like Milele there is a paradise that exists out there.
Story telling narratives using animals as human like characters is not a very new phenomenon for us. Some of us are so used to Panchatantra which dates back to times when the book was first written in Sanskrit and has been translated into several languages all over the world. The stories told us so much more than just a story with deep meanings embedded in each story teaching us values and building wisdom. Most important it made us love birds and animals as we started to identify them as human characters making them just like us talking laughing planning, some good some evil.
Jungle book took to our hearts too as we loved the way the human child grows up in the jungle alone and is supported by friendly animals with lots of adventure. These stories bring us close to nature and to the beauty around us. Adding dance music and animation to it brings them all to life and the reality blends with fiction. The end result always is that we grow fond of animals and nature and feel a bonding with them. The love friendship and hatred all that exists in humans is also found in the designed animal characters. This brings the two worlds together.
When we watch the song in Mufasa: The Lion King “Imagine a kingdom. The water flows. The grass is high. It’s not a dream. Someday we’ll go. Milele” it is a message that we so we’ll connect with no matter what age group. At the subconscious level we understand the importance of a green world shared but plants, animals and us. We who watched the Lion King which was the first released are so used to Simba and his bravery. This sequel which is a flashback tells the story of a lone orphaned cub who is taken by a family where the lone cub finds a brother and a tribe. The feeling of alienation and bonding outside the tribe carries a message to all watching the film.
At the same time the story never gives a fairy tale picture of life. In subtle ways it teaches about good and evil and also those under circumstances might turn evil and harmful. The vices seen in humans are replicated within the animal world that becomes embedded over and over again. The strength to survive and true leadership qualities are at all times highlighted. We are drawn into the film as they seem so real and our two worlds meet constantly as we watch right through the end enjoying every minute of the musical our eyes never leaving the screen. It is a very distinct experience. We who have seen Lion King and are familiar with Simba know that Mufasa his father is a symbol of wisdom and great strength who played a big role in Simba turning into a great king. The message of father and son drives home quietly as all young and old eyes and minds are engrossed into watching the film.
As a result of this film experience we can never forget the characters Mufasa, Scar, Simba, Rafiki, Nala, Kiros, Pumbaa, Timon, Zazu, Sarabi, Eshe, Obasi and many others. The animal world opens up before as more young inquisitive minds go ahead to explore the kind of animals they see and more about each one of them. Like Mufasa is a male half African and Asiatic lion. Similarly Rafiki is a Mandrill who adds spirituality to the film and also as wise adviser to the king. We are also introduced to Zazu who is a red-billed hornbill and plays a very important character in the film. Most loved of all is Pumbaa and Timon. Pumbaa is actually a male warthog and Timon is a wisecracking meerkat. Together Pumbaa and Timon won the hearts of all young and old and their song ‘Hakuna Matata’ is an all time heart winner.
It is no wonder that efforts of the film maker has been well received because the films tells more than just what meets the eye. Children over years will grow up on the stories of the Lion King and Mufasa: The Lion King. As they watch the films over and over again the love for animals, birds and nature grows. We associate ourselves with the world around us. It grows a more holistic viewpoint of life. The deep bonds remain with us even as we grow up and move on in life but the stories and emotions stay with us building us and shapung our perspectives in subtle ways.
Walt Disney died in 1966 but his obsession with animals and conservatism carries on to this day. He liked to say that it all began with a mouse, but his love extended to animals in general. The affection he had for animals brought out such beautiful films with wide global audience. Under his banner several animated films, nature documentaries and animal-filled theme parks emerged, His obsession with the natural world spread to audiences far and wide spreading love for animals and making a place for them in the hearts of generations to come. Mufasa: The Lion King is marks the continuance of the story that began so many tears ago. The technology changes over the period of time so does the storytelling pattern but they all reach into the deep recesses of the heart making a place for nature, birds and animals around us to build a more compassionate world.