Part 9/12:
Central themes like the circle of life, redemption, and identity are communicated through visual and narrative symbolism in the original film. Mufasa’s ghost appearing in the clouds, urging Simba to accept his responsibilities, is a majestic, emotionally resonant moment driven by celestial visuals and Hans Zimmer’s evocative score.
In the live-action remake, this scene loses its mystical aura, becoming a bland celestial image lacking emotional weight. Similarly, symbolic elements—such as the Pride Lands’ lush or barren states—are shown but lack the storytelling force they had in animation. The adaptation’s focus on realism curtails the ability to visually explore these themes with the same depth, often reducing profound moments to mere visual placeholders.