My second son had an existential crisis when he was a precocious 2 1/2 years old. Some of the questions that plagued him at bedtime for weeks included: when will i die? Mom, when will you die? When will daddy die? What would I do if you died while I was still a child?
Why did his little idea take such a dark turn at such a young age?
The Lion King is uniquely relatable and incisive in its countercultural argument that it is personal responsibility and self-sacrifice, rather than freedom from care or pleasure-seeking, that makes life worth living. , is a poignant work.
He recently watched Disney's “The Lion King,'' a children's adaptation of Shakespeare's “Hamlet,'' which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
In one of the film's most iconic scenes, Mufasa, the king of Pride Rock, is murdered by his brother Scar. Mufasa is then found dead by his young son Simba, who blames himself for his father's death as he did not see his uncle's betrayal. This scene is harrowing and unforgiving. It can be tear-jerking for adults, especially parents. Of course, for a contemplative preschooler, it's also more than just a tear-jerker.
So how did my husband and I help our son overcome the nightly Disney-induced death spiral?
endless love
It turns out that the problem is also the solution. As Pride Rock's spiritual leader Rafiki admonishes a grieving Simba, “The Lion King” can concretely demonstrate to children a belief in eternal life if they “look harder.” When Simba loses his faith and despairs of his worth and destiny, Mufasa appears before his son in answer to what can best be called a prayer. It turns out that the soul of the dead king is still here. he “lives in” [Simba]”
Thirty years ago, when The Lion King was released, I was six years old and worried that my parents were going to die. My father said that because God spans both earth and heaven, whether I can see it or not, he and mother will always be in my heart.
This mentally supple comfort is expressed through animation. “The Lion King” gives voice to God’s eternal love.
So Disney is hoping to imbibe values in The Lion King before the decadent, backward-looking victimhood that has animated the company's recent works, from Moana to Encanto to Wishes. revealed some truths.
And it's not just about death. And, perhaps more importantly, about life.
Reject “Hakuna Matata”
The Lion King is a uniquely accessible, incisive and poignant voice in the countercultural argument that it is personal responsibility and self-sacrifice, rather than freedom from care and the pursuit of pleasure, that makes life worth living. It is a great work.
In the film, a catchy song explains that “Hakuna Matata” is a “philosophy of no problems” and “means 'no need to worry' for the rest of your days.” This nihilistic, pleasure-seeking attitude towards life is embodied and supported by the two friends who take in Simba after Scar orders him to leave Pride Rock.
Of course, “Hakuna Matata” is a great encapsulation of our temperament. Mainstream culture since the 1960s For young (and not so young) people. With each passing decade, we begin to treat the commitments of adult life, such as marriage, parenthood, career, and religious community, as take-it-or-leave-it lifestyle choices of no moral significance.
Naturally, given that Simba is a young man who has been exposed to the “Hakuna Matata” way of life for a long time without parental guidance, this philosophy remained captivating even for the future king for some time. It will be.
However, the movie doesn't support that.
seek something better
“The Lion King” is best understood as an argument in favor of burdening oneself for the benefit of others. After a double guilt trip (first from his future lover and then from the spirit of his deceased father), Simba returns to Pride Rock to wrest control from his evil uncle and restore the kingdom to its former glory. be forced to do so.
This fundamentally conservative call for restoration and responsibility employs the old trope of men coming of age by seeking the attention of worthy women. current fatigue Any signs will be destroyed at your peril.
Nala, Simba's childhood best friend and eventual love interest, is no slouch either. She takes responsibility by example, and encounters Simba in her lonely quest for help. Finding the rightful king in the “Hakuna Matata” stage, she harshly criticizes him and demands improvements. Because of her, he is able to deliver. Simba and Nala work together to protect their home and restore its order and beauty.
The film thus ends just as it began, with the birth of a future king, the cycle of life coming full circle, and a call to responsible stewardship of a future yet to be written.
In other words, it means completely rejecting “Hakuna Matata''.
If you want to know how Disney can become great again (not just commercially successful, but counterculturally and positively contributing to the nation's children, etc.), the company is definitely looking beyond its best animated productions. There is no need to look at it.
Thanks to “The Lion King,” and no thanks to the company's recent efforts, my husband and I became familiar with rudimentary versions of some important life lessons.
And accompanied by great music. Nevertheless, “Hakuna Matata” is more than just a melody; it's catchy.
