Perhaps for most modern people, The Lion King is synonymous with Hamlet

During the decade from 1989 to 1999, known as Disney's "Renaissance" period, Disney not only emerged from previous box office struggles but more importantly redefined its understanding of animated feature films. It emphasized that animated movies were not just for children but should also be suitable for adult audiences. The 1994 release of The Lion King is often considered Disney's most profound work. Stripped of its lighthearted comedic elements and the vivacious façade of a musical, The Lion King has a core that revolves around an ancient and severe storyline.

Although The Lion King is often touted as Disney's first original screenplay, its borrowings from Hamlet are evident. The creative team openly acknowledged that Simba's life journey draws inspiration from Shakespearean drama, ancient Greek mythology, and biblical stories. The three main characters in the film, Mufasa, Simba, and Scar, are direct counterparts of characters in 'Hamlet.' Simba and Hamlet both delay their quests for revenge.

Regarding why Hamlet hesitates in seeking revenge, Western scholars have offered various interpretations over the centuries, drawing from literature, philosophy, psychology, and more. Particularly in the 20th century, influenced by Freudian psychology, there was a significant emphasis on understanding the psychological motivations behind actions, profoundly impacting literature and film. In Shakespeare's time, drama focused more on character behavior than character development. However, Shakespeare's genius lay in his ability to use extensive soliloquies in his plays, allowing the audience to glimpse the characters' actions, psychological processes, and motivations. This aligns well with modern filmmaking principles. In addressing the "delay of revenge" issue from Hamlet, The Lion King offers a straightforward yet highly reasonable psychological interpretation of Simba's behavior: Scar's machinations lead Simba to mistakenly believe that he was responsible for his father's death, resulting in self-imposed exile and personal growth due to guilt. This adaptation makes the story of The Lion King more rational and coherent than Shakespeare's original.

In the Disney animated film Bambi from 1942, the scene where Bambi's mother is killed by a hunter was once considered one of the saddest moments in American cinema. In The Lion King, Mufasa's death at the hands of Scar becomes a "childhood trauma" for a new generation of Americans. While the film later weakens the tragic effect of death by presenting Mufasa as a "ghost" (a straightforward adaptation of the ghost in Hamlet), it still maintains an unexpectedly severe tone. The film handles complex adult concepts like "regicide," "death," and "deception" in a primarily innocuous way. The writers skillfully weave Disney's typically clear-cut views of good and evil into the complex narrative of human nature. Simba's story centers not on "revenge" but on "responsibility" and "growth." In the end, although Simba defeats Scar and reclaims the throne, he doesn't follow in Hamlet's footsteps and kills his usurping uncle, as it would have made Simba a murderer. Instead, Scar meets his end at the hands of his own hyena followers due to his unjust actions.

Unlike stories like Snow White and Cinderella, which are destined to end in positively, the level of The Lion King still revolves around the weighty and ancient theme of "revenge." Even though Simba ultimately triumphs over Scar and reclaims the throne, it can't overshadow the harsh reality of family conflicts. The resurgence of Pride Rock is based on a foundation of bloodshed and retaliation. This sets the film's ending apart from the typical Disney happily-ever-after endings. In the film's closing moments, with a heavy heart, Simba ascends Pride Rock in the pouring rain, inheriting a nation scarred by violence. This conclusion reflects this bittersweet sense of fulfillment.

Beneath this ancient Greek tragic theme, the film interweaves various subtle themes. The philosophical concept of the circle of life, introduced by the opening song "Circle of Life," is conveyed through the wisdom imparted by Mufasa to young Simba and the audience. The Lion King is no more than just a title; it can refer to Mufasa, Simba, or even Scar. They are all former kings of the African savannah, and history progresses through the generations, just as generations reinterpret Hamlet. In fact, 'The Lion King's' retelling of the Hamlet story embodies the life cycle.

Classics become classics because they often align with human history and human nature. Moreover, through countless retellings, adaptions, exaggerations, and imaginative interpretations, these classics shape people's psychological expectations. People have grown accustomed to the idea that justice prevails over evil; princesses meet their princes, and princes regain their thrones at the end of stories. History evolves through the constant reinterpretation and adaptation of classics, evident in the repeated retellings of Hamlet and its reinterpretations. When we look at the history of cinema, the most beloved films are often based on these universally recognized classic story templates.

The Lion King is a monumental work in Western animation history due to its perfect yet authentic animation style, emotionally rich music, and Broadway-style grand musical numbers, the balance of severe themes with lighthearted moments, and, most importantly, its epic quality and its exploration of timeless human themes. It stands as a monument in Western animation history.