SILVER

By far the most popular release of the much-adored Disney Renaissance, THE LION KING remains a cultural touchstone due to its emotional, “Hamlet”-inspired coming-of-age storyline, memorable tunes by Tim Rice and Elton John, an Academy Award®-winning orchestral score by Hans Zimmer and lush hand-drawn animation that renders the vast Serengeti a colorful landscape dotted with charming critters. Plucky lion cub Simba just can’t wait to be king, much to the ire of jealous uncle Scar, who drives the princeling into exile after framing him for the death of monarch Mufasa in a coup orchestrated with the help of a trio of devious hyenas. Alone, afraid and far from home, Simba meets free-spirited duo Timon and Pumbaa, who teach him their motto, “Hakuna Matata” (it means no worries). This new, idyllic life, however, is short-lived, as destiny — or, more accurately, a red-faced baboon named Rafiki — reminds Simba that he must correct past wrongs and claim his place in the great “Circle of Life.” The film features a stellar voice cast that includes Rowan Atkinson, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane and James Earl Jones, whose booming baritone breathed life and regal majesty into the beloved King Mufasa. DIR Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff; SCR Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton; PROD Don Hahn. U.S., 1994, color, 88 min. RATED G

In Memoriam: James Earl Jones (1931–2024)