I have heard many The Lion King fans are underwhelmed by the latest version.  This is because of how high the bar has been set.  Everyone should have proper expectations.  The updated version is what it is.  Young cub is born to be king.  Patriarch of the family is killed by an evil family member desiring the throne.  Young cub grows up in exile while the kingdom suffers under the evil king’s rule.  Young cub returns to take his rightful place and restore order.  Everyone lives happily ever after except the evil king who meets a horrific but just demise.  It is what it is.

There is one thing I want to say about this movie.  The CGI, cinematography, and sheer excellence which this film is made is simply mesmerizing.  I am continually blown away by the quality of Disney films.

If you are looking for a good family film to go see the week before school starts back for many people, go see The Lion King.  It is a good movie with a timeless story.

The following 20 Leadership Quotes And Lessons From The Lion King:

  1. Fair Ended In The Garden Of Eden – Scar said, “Life’s not fair is it my little friend?  While some are born to feast, others spend their lives in the dark begging for scraps.”
  2. All Leadership Is Temporary.  So Steward It Well While You Have It. – Mufasa said, “Everything the light touches is our kingdom.  But a king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun.  One day, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king.”
  3. Mufasa said, “While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give.”
  4. A young Simba said to Scar while trying to kill a beetle, “I know how to hunt.”  To which Scar replied, “Sure.  Let’s hope we never get attacked by a beetle.”
  5. Father Knows Best – King Mufasa told Simba to stay out of the elephant graveyards.  He knew hyenas lived there and danger existed.  However, Scar lied to Simba and made the location seemed attractive.  Like so many, Simba got out from under his father’s authority, advise and protection and put himself in grave danger.  He believed the lies.  This is similar to so many young people today.  Do not go where your father tells you not to go.
  6. The First Time We Truly Encounter God – When Simba saw his Mufasa destroy the hyenas and then put his paw in his father’s paw, he was in awe of Mufasa’s power.  Simba saw how small he was and how great his father was.
  7. Bravery Is Often Birthed Due To A Lack Of Choices – Mufasa said, “I’m only brave when I have to be (and) I don’t have another choice.”
  8. Leaders Can’t Put Others In Their Place Until They Have First Been In Their Place – Zazu advised Mufasa, “Don’t be too hard on him, sire.  I remember a cub.  A certain headstrong cub.  Who was always getting into scrapes and he achieved some prominence.  Did he not, sire?”
  9. Leaders Either Serve Others Or Serve Themselves – Scar told the hyenas, “When I am king, the mighty will be able to take whatever they want.”
  10. When There Is An Absence Of Leadership, The Void Can Be Filled By Anyone. – Scar said, “Mufasa and Simba are gone.  I am your king.”
  11. Smart Leaders Are Always Looking Forward – Timon said, “You can’t change the past.  You can change the future.”
  12. Great Leaders Are Optimistic Leaders – Timon added, “Turn the ‘what’ into ‘so what’.”
  13. Many Leaders Are Reluctant Leaders – After finding Simba and in hopes of having him come back home, Nala said, “Simba, you have to take your place as king.  We need you.  Come home.”
  14. Everything Rises And Falls On Leadership – Nala advised Simba, “Scar destroyed the pride lands.  There’s no food, no water.”
  15. Your Organization’s Most Appreciable Asset Is Its People – Timon said, “Everyone is a somebody, even a nobody.”
  16. All Leaders Need To Periodically Take A Look In The Mirror – Rafiki showed Simba a reflection of his face in the water and said, “Look closer.  You see, he (Mufasa) lives in you.”
  17. What Should Matter Most To Leaders Is Their Families – Mufasa said to Simba, “As king I was most proud of one thing – having you as my son.”
  18. A Successful Leader’s Greatest Asset Is Their Memory – Mufasa said, “Simba, you must remember who you are: the one true king.”
  19. Queen Sarafina said, “A true king’s power is his compassion.”
  20. The Evil Are Never Satisfied – Shenzi said, “A hyena’s belly is never full.”

Once again, the 2019 version of The Lion King is not bad.  Just keep a proper perspective.

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