I'm sorry to contradict the review of Inkwolf here, but if this theatrical version of Kimba stands up over the already dated series, that's because it's everything except "kiddie". Not only that, but also the so-called "rip-off" to the Lion King (the obvious debate between fans of the series and Disney for so many years) ends pretty much in the end credits. In about one hour and half the movie deals with a lot of extreme issues, such as animal abuse, destruction of the environment, the relationship between humans and animals, and of course, death.
The movie cover the last part of Tezuka's manga, so in a way this is the conclusion to the epic saga, the one about death and life, nature and undestanding that originally Tezuka wanted to animate and that ultimately lead to the Lion King concept by Disney. And now that I'm talking about Disney, the movie is certainly shocking in the way it depicts a certain "delicate" subject (death, the theme that Disney avoids whenever is possible). Is surprising how the movie presents about a dozens of deaths including the ones of some major characters. But what could be gritty and excessive is deal with in a very artistic and realistic fashion.
Obviously for a 1997 movie, is kind of dated and in terms of animation quality it can't be compared to The Lion King, but is noticeable the amount of detail that animators give to the entire feature. if you're a fan of the series (or the manga) or even a Tezuka fan, is a must-see, the movie is gorgeous and the last quarter of the movie will surprise a lot of viewers for his unexpected twists and above all, that despite being a children movie, this one is never condescending to show real and valuable themes about humanity and nature.
/ 2 reviews)
Reviews for Jungle Emperor Leo
