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While it's interesting to dive into a piece of work often compared favorably to the lion king in its own respective, it's still required viewing for those who want to explore the world of anime from past to now.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/31/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Jungle Emperor Leo is a triumph of a film. Here's a more in-depth review categorized into sections.
Visuals (8.5/10) - Most of the movie looks great. Most of it is purely hand-drawn. There was one digital part in the beginning, Where Leo is dashing across the cliff. It would've looked much nicer if it was hand-animated... but this location of a scene of the film isn't significant, as Pride Rock or some other location symbolizing a film is. Some scenes could have been animated a little better, but honestly this film can still be compared to some of the most decent DRAWN animated films.
Character Design/Fluency (9/10) - Now REMEMBER! This film is based upon a revered and popular 60s animation series, 'Kimba the White Lion,' so I'm not going to be as harsh on character design, since they're basing it off of previous characters. Honestly, I think Kitty looks more like an over-sized house cat than a regular lioness. Leo's mane doesn't have as much detail as it needs. However, the designs, though unrealistic, add imagination, creativity, and a childish (in a good way) touch to the film. As for fluency, the characters move very well and the animation isn't choppy, and if there's one thing I HATE... it's when animated films get choppy. Brilliant job on avoiding that.
Character Names (8/10) - *I do not count this as part of the final grade unless the names are abominable or excellent.* Leo is actually Kimba, they just never replaced 'Leo' with his American name. So, let's see, Leo... again, these names are based upon old characters, so I'm going to be lenient. Leo is a good name. I like Kimba much better though. Raiya is pretty cool. Lukio and Lune? Cool matching names for twins, but Lune always reminded me of Lunatic (Lune is pronounced Loon-Aye). Lukio! Now that's a cool name! I really like that one! As for the human characters... they're names are pompous. Dr. Lemonade, Plus, Minus, Ham Egg, what the hell?!
Background (10/10) - Ho. Ly. Craputlee. Amazing. The scenes of a lush jungle and grassy savanna? Beautiful! It looks stagnant in a good way... as if frozen in time, untouched by man. The mountain scenes are purely gorgeous. The city and circus scenes look fitting. And Leo's temple is a creative touch! For anyone aiming to be a background artist, watch this film and gain fabulous ideas.
Subtle Character/Background Movements (7.5/10) - These include the tiny details like squinting, sniffing, moving or swaying slightly, the tiny details that make a film more realistic. Leo may not be legendary in this aspect, like it is in others, but it was still pretty good and the character's motions still looked believable. Background movements (grass swaying, trees moving in wind, etc)? Not a lot. But this is better as it makes the jungle look frozen in time.
Music (8.5/10) - AGAIN, the music must bear similarity to its predecessor. It's actually quite good. It resembles the original male/female 'Ahhh' singing choir with trumpets and other kingly instruments playing. It doesn't fit jungle theme perfectly (fits well, but not perfectly), but it fits the prestigious, royal, kingly tone of the movie. Although not renowned
Voice acting (9/10) - Man, they should've picked a less predictable actor than Dan Greene. He's in every anime movie, dammit! I guess his voice acting is good, but it's so... common. A more unique choice would've been suitable. All other's displayed obvious talent, especially Pauly (Coco) and Ham Egg.
Plot (9.5) - If you remember and watch the old Kimba series, this film will tug at your heartstrings like no other film. It shows absolute prestige on Leo's part, including greatly the original Kimba theme: The relationship between man and animal. Although this is somewhat cliche at times, other times there are twists that save it from being the regular 'man is bad' film. However! One rather disappointing factor of the film is that they never tie in Leo's story with his son, Lune's. The two have their own separate adventures, but they never really correlate... or maybe they do. Maybe YOU decide what happens after Lune gets back...
Originality: Based upon an original show. No scenes were borrowed from the Lion King, only scenes from the original show that The Lion King borrowed from Kimba.
Overall (9/10) A beautiful film for nostalgia seekers and new viewers alike. If you don't love this film... well, that's your opinion :P But most will love this underrated treasure and it's hard to forget.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/15/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped to mainly because I hate watching humans being cruel to animals and that is pretty much a major focus here. Very poignant but sad and depressing. This wasn't an enjoyable film for me.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
01/24/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I really enjoyed this movie. IT was touching and good. IT has touching story, and again I enjoy these kinds of films.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/05/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Le dessin animé qui a inspiré Le roi Lion de Disney. Mais ici, il s'agit de l'histoire de Leo en tant que père et de sa progéniture et de leur relation avec les hommes ... pas toujours simple. Un bon moment pour le nostalgique que je suis.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/02/23
Full Review
Audience Member
The movie from the series that Disney ripped off to make The Lion King. The ending always gets me choked up and the characters will never be forgotten. Not for little kids though. 12 and up...maybe.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/30/23
Full Review
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