Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) Movie Review

When I was a kid, I would watch The Lion King weekly as a reward for going to school and doing a good job studying, lol. So when they announced Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), I knew I had to watch it. This movie dives into Mufasa’s past, showing how he went from being an orphaned cub to the king we all know. I went in expecting a deeper look at his story, and I left feeling like my childhood had been revisited in the best way.

The movie is framed through a story told by Rafiki, which connects the old and new generations of the Pride Lands. It follows Mufasa’s early years, his friendships, his struggles, and his relationship with Taka, who later becomes Scar. Seeing their dynamic unfold was one of the most interesting parts of the film. I always thought Mufasa and Taka were biological brothers, but this movie changed that. It turns out Mufasa was an outsider who was taken in by the pride.

Another surprise was Mufasa’s father. When I was younger, I always thought his dad was Ahadi, but this movie introduces Masego instead. That caught me off guard, but honestly, it doesn’t change anything for me. The core of the story remains the same—Mufasa’s rise and how he became the lion we all remember. It was also interesting to see how the relationships in the pride shaped him, especially how he earned the respect of those around him.

The visuals were impressive, bringing back the realistic style from the 2019 The Lion King. Every scene felt immersive, and the Pride Lands looked alive. Sometimes, though, the animation made it harder to connect with the characters emotionally. The original Lion King had expressive characters, but here, their faces are more like real animals, so it felt different. Still, it was great seeing these familiar places and characters again.

One thing that stood out was the relationship between Mufasa and Taka. This movie makes it clear that they were close at one point, and it shows how their paths started to diverge. Taka’s bitterness and jealousy build up over time, and by the end of the film, it’s easy to see why he later becomes Scar. Their story added more context to the conflict in the original Lion King, and it made Scar’s character feel even more tragic. The moment when Taka receives his scar is a big turning point, setting up his transformation into the villain we know.

The music was a mix of new and old. The soundtrack worked well with the film, though I didn’t find any particular song standing out as much as the classics. It did its job in setting the mood, but I still feel like the original Lion King music is on another level. Some of the new songs had good emotional weight, especially during Mufasa’s defining moments, but I don’t think they will have the same lasting impact as the older ones.

Watching this movie reminded me why I loved The Lion King so much growing up. The nostalgia hit hard, but at the same time, it offered something new. It answered questions I didn’t even realize I had about Mufasa’s past. Some things were different from what I expected, like Mufasa’s origins and his father’s name, but in the end, it didn’t matter. I enjoyed watching it anyway. My childhood is fulfilled once again.

Would I watch it again? Probably. It may not be as impactful as the original, but it’s a great addition to the story. If you grew up loving The Lion King, this movie is worth checking out. The story expands the world of the Pride Lands, giving depth to its most iconic leader.