Jungle Emperor Leo

Director
Takao Takeuchi
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Film
Running time
109 mins
Year
1997

Jungle Emperor Leo

By Mark McPherson
19th May 04

It's become one of the biggest disputes old-school anime fans have had with Disney. The animation series that came over from Japan and was translated to Kimba The White Lion was broadcasted on American television in the late 60's. However, many who were fans of the show could clearly see that Disney had ripped off the story as it's lead character was entitlted Simba. Well, just to make sure no one forgets who the true king of the jungle is, a 1997 film adaption was made.

The original series was about Lune, a cup who grows up to become king of the jungle, but this film is a prequel to the series that revolves around his father, Leo. The story begins much like the Lion King in which two cubs named Lune and Lukino. Soon after they are both born, Lune discovers a music box made by humans. He then dreams of living in the world of the humans. While this is going on, a man by the name of Ham-Egg has discovered a diamond around the area known as Mt Moon. He is given the task of going on an expedition to Mt Moon to recover more of this diamond in order to help solve the world's energy crisis. Ham-Egg, however, is a very greedy man and wants to get the diamonds at any cost. This is when Dr. Mustache comes in to protest, but Ham-Egg has leading authority and begins killing off the wildlife in the area. When this happens, Lune is pushed out to sea where he is picked up and sold to the cirus to live with the humans. Soon after Lune's departure, animals begin dying in the jungle of Death Pox. However, Dr. Mustache arrives with the vaccine to cure all the animals except for Leo's wife. Leo is grateful to the human for helping him and decides to guide him and his assistant to Mt Moon, but Ham-Egg is right behind them on this bitter cold journey.

The animation for this particular film is nothing short of Disney quality, however, there are some parts where it seems the animators cut corners. For instance, the opening scene of the Zebras running looking a bit fake and when most of the animals were shot, it looks like they jumped up, rotated, then fell. Other those little complaints, there isn't much of a difference here between this and an average Disney film in terms of animation. The music is very compelling and elevates the mood of the show. Plus, there are no musicals, so Disney-haters need not worry.

Okay, it's based off of a kid's TV show, but is it still appropriate for kids? I would rate this film as a darker version of Bambi. There are a couple of scenes of animals getting shot and there are two tragic deaths, including a sorrowful ending. I recommend children watch it with an adult present. That still doesn't mean the show is dark. The opening scenes are some of the most beutiful sequences you'll ever see. It still reminds me a lot of Bambi as the opening sequence is pretty much silent for about 3 minutes. Tezuka's drawing style has also been used for this production, giving respect towards the original creator.

You might be a bit confused over my statement earlier as about the Lion King ordeal. Most people refuse to call it the Lion King and simply call it the Lying King. Almost every detail from Osamu Tezuka's original television series has been ripped, renamed and thrown together with musicals into Disney's little animated film. It seems a bit suspicious how Disney made the characters almost exactly the same as the original characters in the TV series. It's bad enough that Disney keeps rubbing it in our faces with Lion King 2 and Lion King 1 1\2 (which is just one stupid joke). What sucks about this is Disney gets away with since they did not use the same names or drawings from the TV series, but it is still something that Disney is going to have the live with the rest of their lives that the Lion King was not very original, if it is at all.

Overall, Jungle Emperor Leo is an extraordinary anime film that can be viewed and enjoyed by audiances young and old. Even if you are not a fan of the original show, it is still a great movie. Whether you call it Kimba or Lune, this is an excellent title. Highly recommended.

9/10

-- Mark McPherson 19th May 04

Jungle Emperor Leo Images