The released in 1994, was the highest grossing movie in 1994, making nearly a billion dollars in box office. It is a classic musical, which kids of all ages relish. An immense part of what makes Disney films memorable are the catchy songs, excellent characterization, and the comprehensible and excellent plot. The Lion King is no exception, and its execution of all of these aspects truly makes it an exemplary movie. However, what is this movie really trying to convey? The cinematic film began its development in 1988, during the midst of the Cold War, in which the fear of Communism was ubiquitous on the planet, especially in the first-world nations. During that time period, Marxist believed in creating a proletarian revolution, where the lower-class would overthrow the upper-class and create equality. The theory instructed to create a social and economic progression from Capitalism to Communism. Thus, throughout film’s plot, especially the scenes about Scar’s rebellion with the hyenas to obtain the throne, it can be seen that the movie has a colossal theme relating to Marxist social class disputes. Ultimately, the film’s plot serves to demonstrate the effect of the Marxist social classes and revolution, and imply that Capitalism is better than Communism.
The social class dispute is one of the biggest themes of the animated film. This is demonstrated near the beginning of the film, in which Gopher remarks, “Sir, news from the underground”, to which Zazu replies back, “Sire! Hyenas! In the Pride Lands!”. During the following scenes, Mufasa and his son, Simba, go on their morning stroll. Mufasa receives pressing news from the Gopher, who was essentially the middleman for Zazu and Mufasa. Subsequently, Mufasa begins to chase the hyenas away without limitations. The scene displays a quintessential Marxist dispute between the higher social class against the lower social class, which is the hyenas in the movie. The scene shows how the upper-class have the power and ability to attack and disparage the hyenas without any significant repercussions, while the hyenas are encumbered due to the social norms. Marxist philosophy points out the power contrasts between the lower class and upper class in society. And the imbalance of power between the lions and hyenas, shown during their disputes, exemplifies the philosophy flawlessly.
The significance of the prevalent class separation in the film is that it immensely contributes to the development of the plot of the story. In fact, it is one of the key factors of the entire film. For instance, the hyenas are typically ostracized and disparaged by the lions and other tribes of animals. Scar, a vindictive lion, exploits the Hyenas to create a social change. He promises that if they gain the power over “The Pride Land”, they will all live better and never face starvation again. Knowing that he can persuade more hyenas with his promise, Scar eventually becomes the leader of his tribe, which led to the creation of a revolution.
The end result of this rebellion is that Scar’s rule becomes dictator-like and society becomes classless. which exemplifies a social Marxist revolution. In real life, the philosophy of Marxist proletarian revolution states that there would be a natural advancement from capitalism to temporary socialism and then to Communism. The proles, known as the lower-class, would attempt to overthrow the bourgeoisie, the upper-class. Eventually, Communism would be established, and everyone would theoretically have equal rights and responsibilities. Scar’s rebellion of overthrowing Mufasa, and transforming society into a communist state, perfectly epitomizes a Marxist, proletarian revolution. Overall, the intended social class separation developed a Marxist revolution, which led to exilement of Simba. The exilement allowed the plot to progress to rising action, and contributed vastly to the ending of the plot, in which Simba restores and ameliorates his tribe. Ultimately, the social class separation was a key factor for the natural progress of the story.
Lastly, certain scenes during the movie implies Capitalism is better than Communism. For instance, when Scar frequented the Elephant Graveyard to persuade the hyenas to start the revolution, the animation displays many significant artistic details. For instance, when Scar persuades them and they begin to sing the song, “Be Prepared”, the hyenas’ ears become devil horns. It is inferred the films suggests the impending communist revolution by Scar is malign. Moreover, at the end, when Simba realizes the truth about his father’s death, he attacks and overthrows Scar, and replaces him as the new king. Looking at this with a political standpoint, it would be as if a system of Communism took over during a proletariat rebellion, and the flaws Capitalism naturally returned. Ultimately, numerous scenes in the movie substantiate that Capitalism is better than Communism. Although this is a hidden theme, it seems plausible, especially due to the time period of the development of the film.
Ultimately, while many of us simply watch movies such as, The Lion king, simply for entertainment, there is a specific theme and message the film is conveying. Throughout the plot, it is conspicuous that the movie has a theme relating to strife with Marxist social classes. This is corroborated by the scenes of Mufasa attack the hyenas, and Scar exploiting them to become the ruler. Ultimately, the film demonstrates the impact of the Marxist social classes, revolutions, and vehemently indicates that Capitalism is better than Communism.
