This meme celebrates an awesome adaptation related to a weekly category. Any format of adaptation (television series, film, web series, etc.) is acceptable as long as it is based in some form on a book. This meme is hosted by Alisa Selene at PictureMeReading. Check out her site and join in on the fun!
An Awesome Modernization of a Classic Story
Title: The Lion King
Adapted from: Hamlet by William Shakespeare
While I think it's not been directly stated that The Lion King is a take on Hamlet, there are enough similarities between the story for me to think of it as one. And there's nothing wrong with that - they are both awesome stories. Both have a King murdered by the Uncle and a Son who has to avenge his father's death but where Hamlet is a little bit of a downer (just a tiny bit), The Lion King delivers a heartwarming, life affirming story of duty and destiny and when sad tales have a happy ending, I'm always much more inclined to adore the story.
There's not much I have to say about one of Disney's greatest films - I think it's pretty clear that this is practically a masterpiece in story, animation and music. And with the touching father/son relationship and the need to fulfill an important destiny at it's heart, this movie becomes so inspiring. While the setting of the story is modern compared to Shakespeare (and also fantastical) I think by setting it in Africa with animals as the characters adds a certain timelessness to the story that appeals. It's a story that everyone can identify with - not literally hopefully - but in needing that bigger scope to life, and in valuing your family and friends. It's lofty ambitions for an animated movie but the film pulls it off so well, with such a solid story and a main character with an important character arc. I love this film obviously, and while Hamlet is a powerful story and of course perfect in it's own way, I think The Lion King refocuses some of the themes through the positive influence of family and friends and makes the story both moving and delightful. Hakuna Matata guys!
There's not much I have to say about one of Disney's greatest films - I think it's pretty clear that this is practically a masterpiece in story, animation and music. And with the touching father/son relationship and the need to fulfill an important destiny at it's heart, this movie becomes so inspiring. While the setting of the story is modern compared to Shakespeare (and also fantastical) I think by setting it in Africa with animals as the characters adds a certain timelessness to the story that appeals. It's a story that everyone can identify with - not literally hopefully - but in needing that bigger scope to life, and in valuing your family and friends. It's lofty ambitions for an animated movie but the film pulls it off so well, with such a solid story and a main character with an important character arc. I love this film obviously, and while Hamlet is a powerful story and of course perfect in it's own way, I think The Lion King refocuses some of the themes through the positive influence of family and friends and makes the story both moving and delightful. Hakuna Matata guys!
visiting back and followed back.nice site.
ReplyDeletehttp://michbookblurb.blogspot.com
Thank you! :)
DeleteWooow :D I didn't know this. Great post! Love the movie too! And the music... can't get enough of it. Should see it again someday :D Problem is all my Disney Classics are on video and I can oly play DVD nowadays :p Maybe it's time to begin again with collecting them :D
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean! I love this movie and it has some of the best Disney songs! And a really great cast too! LOL, I have lots of video classics on DVD too from when I was young - it's kinda nice to have them even though I probably won't ever watch the tapes!
DeleteI think The Lion King is definitely based on Hamlet. Nice twist to the topic today! I did my post today on The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.
ReplyDeleteYes, who would have thought to make Hamlet happy? :D Ooh I love The Lizzie Bennet Diaries!
DeleteAhhh. I so love The Lion King, Charlene. But I didn't know that it was a Shakespeare adaptation. I am not a fan of any of his works. But Lion King is so tender that I can't help but cry. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow, I'm following you back. :D
Well Hamlet is pretty sad too (for different reasons) so it's good that The Lion King did deliver on that! I get teary eyed at Lion King too!
DeleteThank you for following back!