CASTRO, Billy B.

The “Lion King” movie seems to be portraying of what a kingdom should be ruled over and of
the qualities of a king with his subjects. The movie gives me the impression of looking and
making the kingdom be place of peace, solitude, life, connectedness among creatures and the
unity of each other towards a more consoling and serene society.
Relating it to the Kingdom of God, of here and not yet, we could see the strong connection of
each other. From the movie it was termed as the ‘circle of life’. A phrase that encapsulates
almost everything, of what it really is a kingdom and of the relationship of creatures. A life that
makes everybody conformable of each other. Thus, the values that could be seen in the positive
side of a kingdom is the love that builds on a family and the community to the society at large.
Love is seen in the movie not just of the care but grounded on trust and strong conviction. This is
seen on the part of Simba, Mufasa and Sarabi. From this small family which connects them to
the big family of the pride of lions with Nala and others. This love brought determination as
portrayed by Simba. As a cub, he has a strong belief in his self. This is his will of becoming the
next king. His determination to be the next king after his father, Mufasa, makes him brave
enough to face danger and make their life be in nonviolent connection. Furthermore, towards the
latter part of the movie, one of the qualities a rightful king should have and must possess would
be compassion. A compassion that summarizes being loving and determined. It would be
illogical to perceive a king, of high honor and much respect, being too rigid and inflexible
towards his subjects. Compassion is something that makes mercy. This quality entails kind-
heartedness and concern for everybody. How good it is if all of the above-mentioned are present
in a king and the society.

On the otherhand, the antagonist in the movie, Scar, shows a nasty attitude as he assumes the
throne. Primarily, he was uneasy and bitter when his son’s brother was born who will soon take
the sit rather than Scar. Scar being an ambitious creature, obeys his brother ungenerously.
Moreover, he causes every disaster in the life of the king and of the kingdom. Disgustingly, he
includes his brother’s son, Simba, in danger. This attitude kills Scar’s being good to his brother
Mufasa, also his relationship that makes him appear not good to the kingdom. Scar’s bitter life
brought him to despair. His ambitiousness brought him to pride. At last, goodness will always
triumph over evil. Simba avenges his father’s death and has taken the land, the kingdom which
he is left to rule and be good to his subjects.

Now, the movie tells not only of being good and avoiding doing bad. It rather gives us the
message of promoting the common good of the people, of the constituents around us. if we want
change, then we start it from ourselves, the conversion of our hearts, of ourselves and of our
being persons. Having this in mind, we can extend to go for other people, our family and the
community in a larger perspective.