(Zuko is a clear but short-lived one for me; The Nutcracker from the Barbie movie will always have my heart. Like any reasonable gay I also crushed on Danny Phantom)
My first animated crush was Tarzan. But I also remember finding Basil from The Great Mouse Detective and the Disney Robin Hood very charming, although I think it was mainly because I was enamored with their British accents. Oh and also Beast in his Prince form. 😊
I like how well Simba's PTSD was represented. The nightmares, the triggers ("or am I to be blamed for a crime I didn't commit?"), and the whole avoidance and hypervigilance/overprotectiveness gives "the mean dad" role purpose.
Yeah, and that's why I REALLY wish there was a _cure_ for people who have PTSD but I feel like trying to cure them from it is extremely *impossible* don't you think???
Same. Legit I’m so happy the sequel didn’t just ignore Simba’s childhood trauma, rather it played a pretty big role in how he almost became an antagonist because he stubbornly refused to believe the outsiders deserved a better life than the termite fields. I always enjoyed how Simba was trying too hard to be exactly like Mufasa without understanding what made Mufasa a great king, in comparison to when Scar took over and caused near irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
And the fact that they got all of the original cast members back 😭 and treated the old characters justice while adding amazing new characters. Star Wars could never. 🤧
Just wanted to say Nuka's death seriously makes me cry. I know that Zira was bad, and Nuka's death wasn't heroic, but when he was passing they we're both so grounded and fragile. I'm actually tearing up just thinking about it.
What makes this even sadder is that if you consider the fact that Nuka may have been Scar’s child with Zira and she rejected him because of his appearance and Kovu becoming the center of her attention.
@@fataleflare That was always my impression growing up - that Nuka was the *actual* son of Scar. And he was rejected by both father and mother. Crying over his death is... yeah... understandable. He was a victim of abuse, and he died because he was SO desperate to prove himself to someone who never even gave him so much as the time of day... even though she was his mother. It took him dying for Zira to remember that he was her son, and that she was supposed to love him. But her self-centered nature prevented her from realizing her own fault. There was always someone else at fault. And so, she blamed Kovu.
If you guys watch some of the deleted scenes there is one about Nukas death and it really should have been kept in. Just one little line and it is so sad.
@@micaelah3222 the deleted scene where it shows that Zira would rather fall and die then to be helped by Kiara is something I wish would have been in the movie but I guess they thought it would be too dark.
@@fataleflare i like that scene too. I can definitely see that it would be too dark for kids. It gives off such a different vibe compared to the one they left in. The one they chose to keep in has some of the stills from the shot that stayed in. That's why when Zira falls and screaming, it almost looks like she is smiling.
The hot emo lion is basically the first time I ever saw a tortured "you wouldn't get it _flips hair_ " boy done right. I was so used to it being a bad character archetype that seeing an example of it working was just... aaaa I love this movie so much
Him and Zuko are the rare example of this character done right because they're very non toxic and emotionally healthy despite everything they've been through.
@@bobraekevelt7953 oh wait, i read "zuko's" as "zuko is rip-off todoroki" instead of as a possessive pronoun. Sorry about that. Agree tho. Even the scar on his eye
Damn, as a kid I used to prefer this one over the original because... I'd assume it was just more relatable/familiar and small scale to 8-year-old me? And because I doubt I could tell the difference in the animation quality. I used to really prefer small scale adventures over bigger ones. And yeah, who doesn't have a thing for guys who talk big, but are ultimately soft, good boys? Either way, for some reason, the song where the animals chase Kovu out really stuck with me. I remember that later as a young teenager in my Hetalia-phase, I found a version of it with the lyrics being taken from different language versions and filled with Hetalia fanart to varying degrees of quality. I don't have much to do with either anymore, but I'll always fondly remember this AMV that was right there inbetween childhood and adolescence :')
Same! As a kid I didn't like the original Lion King cause I was so traumatized by Mufasa's death scene LOL. The sequel had its solemn plot beats (like when Simba walks Kovu through the ashes left from the fire and talks about new life growing, and also when Kovu was chased out), but didn't have anything close to the trauma of Simba finding Mufasa's body. Also it had a spunky female lead and an emo bad boy and in retrospect that should have made me realize I'm bi.
I always loved LK2 more! Obviously from a more artistic perspective, the first is way better but… I don’t know I feel like from an entertainment perspective I thought TLK2 was more engaging.
Getting all the meme-ness aside about Kovu being a sexual awakening/emo lion boi, he was just super relatable. A lot of people can relate to love being conditional from bad parents, and I would credit the movie as being one to actually say that found families can be as important and positive, maybe even more so, as blood family. I think the fact that Kovu also had a moral compass that was shown to always be in opposition with his mother's wishes made him a lot more likeable too - he demonstrates a very intuitive degree of emotional intelligence that just needed some support and guidance, which he gets from Kiara. Kiara's biggest strength is her ability to empathise with others that royalty would consider 'beneath' them. She never let her prejudices get in the way of her perception of someone; sure, her father was overbearing because of his trauma but she comes away from it understanding him because of that. Same with Kovu; she draws upon her own understanding of him versus how the rest of the pride sees him, and decides to befriend him anyway. In the face of pressure from family, that takes a lot of spirit to do so. She obviously saw the best in him. I watch it as a kid and was like, "Cool animated lions" but now as an adult I think about it and go, "Damn, we analysing the ways good and bad parenting can affect our kids"
YAASSS I mean As a fellow bisesexual, I have a crush in both of them, but people always talked so much about Kovu that I came to appreciated Kiara so much more!
@@clarafaria6613 Right there with ya; though as a lesbian, I appreciated Kovu aesthetically (and kinda wanted to be like him personality-wise tbh) while going absolutely gaga over Kiara and Vitani. ^^
@@ic8560 Hmmm I wish they went that route tbh. think Kovu's dilemma makes more sense if he's his son because he'd be scared of the idea of his potential genetic determinism, which HE has to prove wrong. I guess they replaced it with societal expectations. But that part where he himself has this inner conflict with his own genetic identity and body doesn't work.
When I was a kid I would specifically rewatch the Kovus banishment song "he is not one of us" . I felt sad for him, was connected to the 2nd movie characters more than in the 1st film
Simba made an unfair, ignorant, stupid, stubborn, and selfish decision by banishing and innocent lion who wasn't involved with a new plan all made up by Zira! 😡😡😡😡
@@RedPandaGirl002 he actually was..he was manipulated by the idea of killing Simba to give pride to his home and mother, which he was going to until he fell in love with Kiara, it was Zira who told the truth in front of Simba that lead him to banish Kovu to prevent danger after the accident with Scar.
@@nicoleflores2054 No it wasn't! It was *100000%* NOT part of Kovu's idea! Didn't you hear what Kovu said? He told Simba with a very confused and shocked look, "I haven't ANYTHING to do with this!!!" So
@@nicoleflores2054 Also, when the animals said in their song, "Someone once lied to us. Now we're not so blind." Well, I have news for both YOU, Simba, and all the animals: *You're all wrong! YOU ALL are DEFINITELY blind! You all are SO **_consumed_** by your **_hatred_** for the Outsiders, you see **_only_** what you **_want_** to see!!!* 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
it's not just darker circles on their eyes, the outlanders are also skinnier and just overall more sickly looking. and, ah yes, kovu is still one of the hottest disney characters >w
They did do a midquel; Lion King 1 and a 1/2. It's more of a comedy movie based on Timon and Pumba shenanigans, with teenage Simba sprinkled in there a little bit. I remember getting that after loving the first one so much as a kid
Interesting note. While Lion King 1 is based on Hamlet and Lion King 2 is based on Romeo and Juliet (both being Shakespeare plays), Lion King 1/2 are based on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. That play wasn't written by Shakespeare and follows Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from Hamlet, having their own adventures during the events of Hamlet. Just like Lion King 1/2,
@@meece5970 It is. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead is also a comedy. Well, a tragicomedy. Just like with Timon and Pumbaa, they're completely unaware and uninvolved with the main plot and both stories are highly comedic, far more than the source material. Also, you mentioned is being a midquel. Fun Fact: The Toy Box world from KH3 is canon to the Toy Story series, taking place between Toy Story 2 and 3.
Vitani is literally the name of a Lion King OC I made years ago after watching this movie. They aren't the same Vitani, but I totlaly used the OG pic form my RPG forum profile pic.
Kiara was one of my favourite Disney princesses as a kid and it made me sad when people said she was annoying 💀 I liked how kind and playful she was compared to the more serious characters. And obviously Kovu is Kovu. Overall I think it was just a really good take on the Romeo and Juliet dynamic. Also, "Not One of Us" had _absolutely no right_ to be as much of a banger as it was.
2:35 I agree that it's weird the movie didn't address this, but look at it this way: Scar was King for a LOOONG time. It makes sense that he'd start to grow an influence in the pride. When he was dethroned (i.e. murdered), it, again, makes sense that not everyone would be okay with that.
I personally loved Zira's song better than Scar's because the lyrics in Zira's song were far darker and she seemed so much more intense, but I will admit, that Nuka's constant interruptions in the song for comedic purposes in order to lighten an already dark song does bring the overall quality of the song down. But I still really like that song :)
myMelody4life, I like Be Prepared and Lullaby equally, but I love Upendi more than Can You Feel the Love Tonight as well as I liking We are One more than Circle of Life.
Man, I LOVE singing that song, but definitely not in public because you're right, it's so much more insidious than Scar's. It's such a dark and villainous song.
Be Prepared is probably my favorite villain song ever aside Hellfire, but That’s My Lullaby is pretty underrated imo. I think the thing that really gets me everytime in Be Prepared is the Nazi Rally reference when the hyenas are saluting Scar as their savior and leader, believing he will make all their lives better. I’m still honestly surprised Disney was allowed to use a Nazi reference, considering how sensitive the topics of World War II and the Holocaust are to this day.
Yeah, I'm 25 and I still have a crush on Kovu... I cherish the first movie because of how epic it. I love the second one because of how relatable it is. And I adore the midquel for how hilarious it is.
Kovu was specifically why I loved the movie. I am not a furry(no judgment) but I seriously wrote a fan fiction as a kid, because I wanted to know Kovu’s life after the end of this movie. I love Kovu!
Honestly I prefer the second movie then the original, I'm sorry but the second movie has way more.. idk, like-- the characters feel more like characters, something to grow attached to and feel relatable and real. First movie characters felt more like cookie cutter characters just doing what they do cause they're that character and not like a real personality to know and love.
Can relate. I could identifie myselfe way more with Kiara and Kovu than I ever could with Simba. I think that the first movie stretches over a big passage of time didn't help with that. We don't really SEE the characters develope in the first movie. We only get there basic introduction, the rest is just things happen to them, than a time skip, and the end result. I personaly think the first movie would have been better as a series. Seeing Simba grow up, actually dealing with the trauma of loosing his dad and having to find a place to call home with Timon and Pumbe would have been so much more interesting than just...skipping over all that stuff, Oh now Nala is back! Well gues we have to go back home fight our evil unkle or whatever! Sure, in Lion King 2 there is a time skip as well. But after that we get what Lion King 1 was lacking: on screen character development!
I disagree on the latter part; I don't think you noticed how a lot of people _did_ love the personalities of those in the first movie and they did a great job with establishing the personality and the emotion. The second one just had a lot more personal conflict that most people relate to, that being Kovu growing up with unloving parents and Kiara growing up with parents who loved her too much, while Simba himself had to deal with the trauma of losing his father and retreating to suicide because he blamed himself so much. A lot of people also missed out on the minor characters and how important they were for Simba. Timone and Pumba's characters - They actually gave Simba another chance to live and were willing (Timone denying at first but eventually warmed up) to raise him as their buddy. It's just sweet to see the progression and how these two characters were necessary to aid Simba's trauma, two simple and chill travelers who just mean well. Nala - Even though she was a side character, she's still her very own person (or lion) in the film. The producers even wanted to add one scene of Scar proposing to marry her, while she, even though knows this lion could kill point-black, reserves self-respect and doesn't take that bullshit. And that personality is consistent, how she found Simba was because she wanted to scavange for her pride even though she's never gone this far or that she's alone, and she still places her priority in the pride over Simba, the childhood friend and loved one. She may seem like an average but she was a reasonable character. Zazu - Dude, I can't even argue, he's my favorite character lmfao. He's pretty much the punching bag for slapstick and jokes, hell even Mufasa made fun of him at some point, but he's still an entertaining character even without the slapstick humor. Those years of supervising Simba built up a subtle sass and sarcasm that couldn't even go away when facing Scar. Yet, he also adds to the shift of contrast to the movie. Back then, he was allowed to be sarcastic and sassy, but how he immediately shuts up in fear as he knows his life is on the line, just really gives into the dystopian atmosphere. Those are just a few, but what really takes the cake is obviously Simba. You can't tell me he doesn't have a personality or identity after watching Mufasa's death. Fuck, I still cry each time the scene comes.
@@aniflowers1998 Again, disagree. I don't think you realise when this animated film was released, that it was considered special and wondrous during the time since hand-drawn animation was _hard._ And I again disagree on the series part because Nala's appearance completely reveals Simba's progression from his trauma - A coping mechanism with the use of 'Hakuna matata' and leaving his past behind! So when Nala came into the picture, he practically can't ignore his past and has to face the repressed trauma he's been hiding. She's a necessary catalyst for Simba and a reflection of what happened to the pride since he left, and if she didn't decide to hunt beyond the protected perimeter, Simba wouldn't be able to face his past properly and keep living in this fantastical world. I also have to note - Is that during this time, Simba thought _he_ killed his dad, and _he's_ the outcast. And we've seen his initial reaction, the kid ran and ran until he almost accepted death. Which is also why you should realise that the 'Actually dealing with the trauma' - Doesn't work here, since by this point Simba _doesn't want to._ That's why he's running away from the pride and accepting death, he rather accept this than deal with the emotional pain that transpired. So the fast pace of seeing him not worrying or looking back at the trauma? Is accurate. Because during this time instead of accepting death, he can just accept repression and be happy. Another important thing is that he was a _child._ He'll only adapt what the environment lets him so, and be conditioned to whatever he's taught, which was 'continue on and be happy'. He was never actually taught how to deal with his trauma only until Nala showed up, and even Timone and Pumba argued with him when he wanted to face his trauma, because _they_ don't understand that. They never thought of teaching him life lessons other than the ones they knows because they just don't know. Which is what makes the depiction of the fast progression more useful and accurate to his character and storyline than what you suggested - Because _for Simba,_ that's how it felt like. Time does fly faster when you're having fun, and he was having fun. He didn't look back because he _doesn't want to._ Which is why Nala is such an important character, and why I'm upset that people don't think she is. He also did 'Deal with the trauma', by finding his place as king after arguing with his friends about it, finding a random and conveniently wise monkey who actually knows how to teach overcoming the trauma, and reflecting on himself and finding courage to set back to the land he always thought he was unwelcomed for. That's exactly it, and it's yes, a good way to overcome his trauma. The movie ironically did depict a realistic compensation over trauma and coping mechanisms.
I love how the title is about both the group of lions as the collective noun is a pride, but it's also about how Simba is pround and can't see beyond the idea of protecting his daughter when he could have started trying to heal the breach between the two factions earlier. Though that would be difficult with Zira alive.
Unfortunately right up till the climax of the movie, EVERYTHING that happened only proved Simba was RIGHT to distrust Zira and her Pride. Every time he allows Kiara freedom or trusts Kovu, either he or she nearly DIES. I cannot feel Simba was wrong at any point since EVERY time he took a chance and went against his better judgement it blew up in his face.
This is such a great exploration of the movie and its characters. Even though TLK 2 is pretty well received among the Disney sequels, I don't usually see much praise specifically for its characters and storyline specifically. I really liked how they explored Simba's trauma and how that impacted his behavior both as a father and leader of his pride. Simba saving Kira at the end always felt so touching. While it doesn't erase his trauma from losing his father, being able to save his daughter in what I assume is in the same place where Mufasa died probably helped him more through his grief and trauma. He couldn't save Mufuasa back then, but now he was able to save Kira. I also really liked your analysis of Kira and Kovu's relationship. Their interactions throughout the movie made their eventual romance feel genuine, but seeing how they both help each other make their relationship even more effective.
Yk, imagine it, what if Simba continuedand still *refused* to listen to his daughter and only did his way of being king and "loving" father to Kiara?? Because for me, Simba in the sequel, NEVER listened to anyone and only wanted to listen to _himself_
I remember we had the Lion King 2 as a DVD in our car, and whenever we were on road trips, this movie was on LOOP. I think I’ve watched it 37.5 times. Sometimes I can just say the lines because it’s imbedded in my brain.
I love how the second movie actually expanded on the first Lion King movie. It told us more about Scar’s reign and his affect on the other lions, plus the story was really good and the characters are so loveable
I don't think I had a crush on Kovu...But I for sure as hell was in love with his and Kiaras relationship! Still like this movie more than the original Lion King.
Ngl, I actually liked this movie better than the first one as a kid, and it was my favorite Disney movie overall. Even my favorite movie ever at one point. I would watch it over and over again, I definitely watched this one more than the original. The third book in the series I'm writing actually borrows from this movie haha I even have "My Lullaby" and "One of Us" on my writing playlist for it.
I absolutely loved this movie when I was a kid, it has some of the best character developments in the industry. Every single character has a whole personality and they all interact in a way that makes so much sense. Also... Kovu.
Am I the only one that assumed all the outcast lions were just Scar's ex mates and daughters that had it far better than the others so that's why they were kicked out when Simba became king? After all how do you explain the size of the pride if they just had one mate and 2-3 cubs at best? I mean lions are not really pro monogamy, we can say Simba and his father were just "special" like that 😂.
I was introduced to both movies at same time in my tweens. Back then I definetly prefered the second one and would rewatch it every few days for a while. I liked Kovu, but he wasn't my crush. I'm not a liar, just gay. Vitani, though...
I think that it is interesting that after the movie Vitani becomes the new leader of the Lion Guard when Kion was away and remained so when Kion forfeited a contest.
You should look up the soundtrack, Return to Priderock! In it, there's a track called Song For the Children by Lebo M. Lebo grew up during Apartheid in South Africa and his experiences influenced his work, both on this film and when he collaborated with Hans Zimmer while composing the score of the first film. :) Fun fact, Lebo M. also opened the first movie, too. The full version of He Lives in You is beautiful.
As a HUGE fan of the original Lion King, I loved this movie as well. I never owned it, but I got it from the library whenever possible. Great analysis! I love how you can dive deeply into childhood classics without "ruining the magic", so to speak. ... now I want to watch it again Edit: I went and watched it again. (yay for disney plus!) Yep, still good. :)
Thank you! I always see people hate on this movie and say it sucks, when in fact I preferred it to the original as a kid. Still do, actually. It's a good sequel!
This movie had such an impact on me as a kid. For some reason, I completely ignored the first one and just watched this one on repeat. To this day, my sister and I can’t hear the word ‘deception’ without emotionally singing that entire song. Maybe this is where my obsession with found family stories really began…
Ya’ll making me feel like something’s seriously wrong with me with EVERYONE apparently having a childhood crush on bad boys like Kovu and Zuko. When I was literally out here watching Lion King 2 for the plot! 😭 Nobody told me I was doing it wrong-what?
As a child born in post-war Balkans, you have no idea how much I wish this movie and its messages of unity and similarity and dealing with trauma are played in schools and more widely known in our societies in general...
I actually love the soundtrack so much I used to go to sleep to that sound of the movie specifically I love ziras lullaby and not one of us. I think they were really well done and I love singing them.
Yeah Simba refused to _listen_ to anyone and only wanted to listen to _himself_ and only thought that his ways as king were a lot *better* than his father's am I right??
@@RedPandaGirl002 Problem is the movie constantly makes Simba RIGHT, it's not pride but pragmatism that leads his actions. He has NO reason to trust Kovu and he almost DIES when he trusts him. The movie WANTS us to side with Kiara but her naivete almost gets her AND her father killed multiple times.
@@PlanetZoidstar So you're saying that Simba has *ALWAYS* been right the whole time and he had the right to treat Kovu so horribly and being so cold and bitter towards his daughter as well??
Yessss! For the first time in YEARS I hear someone say what I’ve thought this whole time about the title. It’s so clever. It’s his pride (heard) and his pride (ego)!! Never thought about his pride and joy part tho. Very cool!
im one of the few people who actually likes the sequel a tiny bit more than the first one (maybe because the first one felt more "adult" if that makes sense??). TLK has an outstanding score and visuals but the story and actual songs in TLK2 feels much more like a disney movie based on the heavy musical-disney-formula (apart of the repetitives of that one track that kept playing during intense scenes). the animation of TLK2 is so nice to look at and while the Kovu crush i very prominent can i just say Kiara has one of the cutest designs and the ear movement and her smooth looking head/fur just make her look incredibly adorable ♥♥
Also, the love song. (Not Upendi, but Love Will Find a Way.) Every time I hear it, I'm in awe of the way the two vocal lines play with each other. It might be the most underrated duet in any musical ever.
When I was younger, I never really liked the Lion King (It's been so long I really should try and rewatch it) but, my god, I ADORED the Lion King 2. I never really got all the details about it when I was younger, but it just captivated me. Maybe it was for bad boy lions, but I think there may have been more to it. I'll never understand my childhood mind, but I'm glad I ADORED this movie like I did
I ADORED this movie as a kid, so I have admittedly a very heavy bias, but this movie seemed like the best of the sequels I’d seen, with only Lilo and Stitch’s coming close IMO Also if your talking music “One of Us” legitimately has made me cry. It’s so heartbreaking and the fact it’s not sung by Simba, not even my his lionesses, but the OTHER ANIMALS. I am dreading watching that again when I next see the film. Also yes I unabashedly crushed on Kovu. I was destined to be furry from a young age it seemed lol
the song has always unsettled me, eventually I realized it's mostly because I probably never would've expected the other animals to have much speaking roles, let alone be able to speak at all. And Kovu being publicly shamed and sent away by the entire pridelands is probably the worst experience of his life.
Lion King 2 was what made me as a kid have expectations for romance movies following the same story and then being immensely disappointed when it was done horribly wrong or cheap lol that’s how good they made the story
Simba’s Pride is a film Ive loved since it came out and loved as much as the first film. Yes it wasnt a theatrical release but damn did this film get the memo to try & follow up narratively on the Circle of Life. Follow up on Simba trying to be a King but failing as he’s trying to be his father. Kiara trying to breakaway from her birthright but learning ultimately what makes an understanding & good ruler. And of course Kovu trying to escape his chosen destiny to find a new path in life.
Thank you for making this video!!! I love the Lion King 2 it was a huge part of my childhood. U make excellent points of all of the characters especially Simba and Kiara
I saw Lion King...once? Back then? But saw this movie on repeat and named my vaguely feminine and masculine beanie babies "Kovu" and "Kiara" because I loved their romance so much. I loved how melodramatic it seemed to me (Now realizing it was quite reasonably dramatic) It's so rich in so many ways, and the songs are banger. Thanks for covering it!!
this was one of my fave sequels of all time. so much so that I managed to memorize the ENTIRE movie and recited it when I couldn't sleep. I love this vid so much!!
I'm glad to see others that enjoyed this sequel, and I got to say...I prefer Zira over Scar, not saying I don't like him but she felt more dangerous when she's on screen
I disagree. The outlanders being lions adds more to the first movie. It shows that Scar's reign wasn't as bad as we're led to believe (lets be honest, there is no evidence that suggests Scar was responsible for the drought. For all we know it was just a sudden climate shift that was beyond Scar's control) and it shows that Simba was in fact a flawed king and a flawed father and he doesn't see the error of his ways until at the end of Lion King 2.
Thank-you for spelling out everything I love about this movie! Like you, I never saw it as a kid - I was 18 by the time I watched the original Lion King in full or Simba's Pride at all - and I absolutely fell in love with it right away, for all the reasons you mentioned (and yes, including Kovu, who was my favourite character for a time xD). It was so great to hear all the reasons for that explained far more coherently than I could ever manage to - and I also found it really clever how you pointed out the triple meaning of the word 'Pride' in the title. Really great video! :D
SAME THOUGH! i do not have any childhood nostalgia to this movie! i watched it once like 5 years ago for the first time? like i actually had no idea it existed! i do remember really liking it, but now i’m a little older i HAVE to rewatch again, because you have made a lot of GREAT points to think about for my second rewatch!!!
To this day I still remember all the songs and they still give me chills. Love this movie so much, mu future kids better be prepared to watch all the Lion King movies 😤
The graphics and animation were SO much better than that one Hunchback sequel. The crew cared about what they were putting out, and some of the soundtrack was taken directly from the Lion King Musical.
I really love this movie, have done ever since childhood. My sister and I used to watch this so much when we were children. We even named our family's first cats after Kiara and Kovu.
Who were your childhood crushes? :v
(Zuko is a clear but short-lived one for me; The Nutcracker from the Barbie movie will always have my heart. Like any reasonable gay I also crushed on Danny Phantom)
Donnie from TMNT 2012, Ferb from Phineas and Ferb, Kovu (tbh-), Robin from Teen Titans and for some fucking reason, Chicken Little???
My first animated crush was Tarzan. But I also remember finding Basil from The Great Mouse Detective and the Disney Robin Hood very charming, although I think it was mainly because I was enamored with their British accents. Oh and also Beast in his Prince form. 😊
@@silverstarlightproductions1292 Basil is such a top notch choice though
@@DrawpinionDump Such an underrated character ❤
"The assassin you sent to get rid of me was assimilated into our found family": the movie.
That as a story concept is so good, have read many a fic of that
That trope is my kink fr
Found family is the shit
I love that tbh
i love this trope too much
"You are lying if you say that he wasn't your childhood crush."
Me, a straight guy: I've been a liar for so long.
Me, a lesbian, cradling Vitani like a puppy: i guess me too
@@FunnyFany Kiara and Zira too 👀
@@xRaiofSunshine well, I only have two arms to cradle them with
Eh, I guess he’s cute.
Me, an asexual. I guess my parents might end up with grandkids after all.
I like how well Simba's PTSD was represented. The nightmares, the triggers ("or am I to be blamed for a crime I didn't commit?"), and the whole avoidance and hypervigilance/overprotectiveness gives "the mean dad" role purpose.
Yeah, and that's why I REALLY wish there was a _cure_ for people who have PTSD but I feel like trying to cure them from it is extremely *impossible* don't you think???
PTSD lol. trop drinking
Same. Legit I’m so happy the sequel didn’t just ignore Simba’s childhood trauma, rather it played a pretty big role in how he almost became an antagonist because he stubbornly refused to believe the outsiders deserved a better life than the termite fields. I always enjoyed how Simba was trying too hard to be exactly like Mufasa without understanding what made Mufasa a great king, in comparison to when Scar took over and caused near irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
The fact the people behind treated it like an actual sequel rather than some direct to video cash in.
because its good
Because everyone is furry for Kovu.
And the fact that they got all of the original cast members back 😭 and treated the old characters justice while adding amazing new characters. Star Wars could never. 🤧
Its still dumb and contradics a lot with the first movie despite being well produced
@@HiHi-lt1cb Rowan Atkinson?
Just wanted to say Nuka's death seriously makes me cry. I know that Zira was bad, and Nuka's death wasn't heroic, but when he was passing they we're both so grounded and fragile. I'm actually tearing up just thinking about it.
What makes this even sadder is that if you consider the fact that Nuka may have been Scar’s child with Zira and she rejected him because of his appearance and Kovu becoming the center of her attention.
@@fataleflare That was always my impression growing up - that Nuka was the *actual* son of Scar.
And he was rejected by both father and mother.
Crying over his death is... yeah... understandable. He was a victim of abuse, and he died because he was SO desperate to prove himself to someone who never even gave him so much as the time of day... even though she was his mother.
It took him dying for Zira to remember that he was her son, and that she was supposed to love him.
But her self-centered nature prevented her from realizing her own fault. There was always someone else at fault.
And so, she blamed Kovu.
If you guys watch some of the deleted scenes there is one about Nukas death and it really should have been kept in. Just one little line and it is so sad.
@@micaelah3222 the deleted scene where it shows that Zira would rather fall and die then to be helped by Kiara is something I wish would have been in the movie but I guess they thought it would be too dark.
@@fataleflare i like that scene too. I can definitely see that it would be too dark for kids. It gives off such a different vibe compared to the one they left in. The one they chose to keep in has some of the stills from the shot that stayed in. That's why when Zira falls and screaming, it almost looks like she is smiling.
The hot emo lion is basically the first time I ever saw a tortured "you wouldn't get it _flips hair_ " boy done right. I was so used to it being a bad character archetype that seeing an example of it working was just... aaaa I love this movie so much
Him and Zuko are the rare example of this character done right because they're very non toxic and emotionally healthy despite everything they've been through.
@@christiangay793 y’all forgetting Zuko’s rip-off Todoroki.
@@bobraekevelt7953 yall forgetting that Avatar came out in 2005 and MHA (manga) came out in 2014
@@torishisora7057 thats what I'm saying that Todo is based upof Zuko thats why I said rippof
@@bobraekevelt7953 oh wait, i read "zuko's" as "zuko is rip-off todoroki" instead of as a possessive pronoun. Sorry about that.
Agree tho. Even the scar on his eye
Kovu is okay, but Vitani's where it's at.
Yes, I am gay. Why do you ask?
I loved both of them XD but Vitani needed more screen time
Kovu and Vitani were my bi furry awakening, dont @ me
vitani was all of our gay awakening along with her brother kovu also being a gay awakening
That's what IM saying.
Yes!!!
Kovu being like Zuko is a weirdly accurate comparison that I wasn't expecting. They were even both given scars on one of their eyes by a parent.
Hold on . . .
@@JRA6192 nah more so Anakin. Yknow forbidden romance, scar, the whole one of us song, the chosen one thing. I can go on
As a kid i just enjoyed the movie but as a teen and now adult at 32 im like these lions need therapy
These lions are my therapy
@@hassanalkhalaf1115 the therapy lions need therapy
@@crow3467 that's a matrix
Damn, as a kid I used to prefer this one over the original because... I'd assume it was just more relatable/familiar and small scale to 8-year-old me? And because I doubt I could tell the difference in the animation quality. I used to really prefer small scale adventures over bigger ones. And yeah, who doesn't have a thing for guys who talk big, but are ultimately soft, good boys? Either way, for some reason, the song where the animals chase Kovu out really stuck with me.
I remember that later as a young teenager in my Hetalia-phase, I found a version of it with the lyrics being taken from different language versions and filled with Hetalia fanart to varying degrees of quality. I don't have much to do with either anymore, but I'll always fondly remember this AMV that was right there inbetween childhood and adolescence :')
Same! As a kid I didn't like the original Lion King cause I was so traumatized by Mufasa's death scene LOL. The sequel had its solemn plot beats (like when Simba walks Kovu through the ashes left from the fire and talks about new life growing, and also when Kovu was chased out), but didn't have anything close to the trauma of Simba finding Mufasa's body.
Also it had a spunky female lead and an emo bad boy and in retrospect that should have made me realize I'm bi.
I loved the 1st movie better. It was so good.
I always loved LK2 more! Obviously from a more artistic perspective, the first is way better but… I don’t know I feel like from an entertainment perspective I thought TLK2 was more engaging.
I still prefer it over the original...
Basically we kids don't understand the struggle of Hamlet but we get Romeo and Juliet all too well
I never had a crush on Kovu, but I did have a crush on Timon ANYWAY-
we love the comic relief 😔 💕
You had a crush on TIMON, of all characters?
@@vetarlittorf1807 I have no idea 😭😭
*No no they’ve got a point*
great. now I see it.
Getting all the meme-ness aside about Kovu being a sexual awakening/emo lion boi, he was just super relatable. A lot of people can relate to love being conditional from bad parents, and I would credit the movie as being one to actually say that found families can be as important and positive, maybe even more so, as blood family. I think the fact that Kovu also had a moral compass that was shown to always be in opposition with his mother's wishes made him a lot more likeable too - he demonstrates a very intuitive degree of emotional intelligence that just needed some support and guidance, which he gets from Kiara.
Kiara's biggest strength is her ability to empathise with others that royalty would consider 'beneath' them. She never let her prejudices get in the way of her perception of someone; sure, her father was overbearing because of his trauma but she comes away from it understanding him because of that. Same with Kovu; she draws upon her own understanding of him versus how the rest of the pride sees him, and decides to befriend him anyway. In the face of pressure from family, that takes a lot of spirit to do so. She obviously saw the best in him.
I watch it as a kid and was like, "Cool animated lions" but now as an adult I think about it and go, "Damn, we analysing the ways good and bad parenting can affect our kids"
"Kovu is to the Lion King what Zuko is to the last airbender"
Oh so Lion King 2 is why I have a type 😅
So true! The emo boys with a tragic backstory. Basically for me, Kovu and Todoroki (from MHA).
@@RoseCadenza Yes ikr and OMG I love Todoroki too 😅
So your type is redeemed bad boy, gotcha 😏 👌🏻
Jokes on you, it was Kiara I had a crush on. Though Kovu is cute too, but Kiara was who I named my first desktop after.
YAASSS
I mean
As a fellow bisesexual, I have a crush in both of them, but people always talked so much about Kovu that I came to appreciated Kiara so much more!
@@clarafaria6613 Right there with ya; though as a lesbian, I appreciated Kovu aesthetically (and kinda wanted to be like him personality-wise tbh) while going absolutely gaga over Kiara and Vitani. ^^
@@clarafaria6613 same here! kovu and kiara might have been one my early bi awakenings without even knowing :o
Samee!!
SVFDHHK I HAD A CRUSH ON ZIRA
What you wanna bet that Kovu was _designed_ and _written_ as Scar's son, but they of course changed it to a vague student thing to avoid lioncest.
That’s actually exactly what happened
its already been confirmed by the writers of the film
Honestly, they could have avoided the lioncest by implying *Scar*, rather than Kovu, was the adopted one...
@@ic8560 Hmmm I wish they went that route tbh. think Kovu's dilemma makes more sense if he's his son because he'd be scared of the idea of his potential genetic determinism, which HE has to prove wrong.
I guess they replaced it with societal expectations. But that part where he himself has this inner conflict with his own genetic identity and body doesn't work.
Wait??? He wasn't Scar's son in the movie????
When I was a kid I would specifically rewatch the Kovus banishment song "he is not one of us" . I felt sad for him, was connected to the 2nd movie characters more than in the 1st film
Simba made an unfair, ignorant, stupid, stubborn, and selfish decision by banishing and innocent lion who wasn't involved with a new plan all made up by Zira! 😡😡😡😡
@@RedPandaGirl002 he actually was..he was manipulated by the idea of killing Simba to give pride to his home and mother, which he was going to until he fell in love with Kiara, it was Zira who told the truth in front of Simba that lead him to banish Kovu to prevent danger after the accident with Scar.
@@nicoleflores2054 No it wasn't! It was *100000%* NOT part of Kovu's idea! Didn't you hear what Kovu said? He told Simba with a very confused and shocked look, "I haven't ANYTHING to do with this!!!" So
Yes! This song was so powerful and the scenes so devastating I would tear up every time.
@@nicoleflores2054 Also, when the animals said in their song, "Someone once lied to us. Now we're not so blind." Well, I have news for both YOU, Simba, and all the animals: *You're all wrong! YOU ALL are DEFINITELY blind! You all are SO **_consumed_** by your **_hatred_** for the Outsiders, you see **_only_** what you **_want_** to see!!!* 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
it's not just darker circles on their eyes, the outlanders are also skinnier and just overall more sickly looking. and, ah yes, kovu is still one of the hottest disney characters >w
The lionesses were skinnier because they had access to less food
They did do a midquel; Lion King 1 and a 1/2. It's more of a comedy movie based on Timon and Pumba shenanigans, with teenage Simba sprinkled in there a little bit. I remember getting that after loving the first one so much as a kid
Interesting note. While Lion King 1 is based on Hamlet and Lion King 2 is based on Romeo and Juliet (both being Shakespeare plays), Lion King 1/2 are based on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. That play wasn't written by Shakespeare and follows Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from Hamlet, having their own adventures during the events of Hamlet. Just like Lion King 1/2,
@@SaiyanGamer95 omg so true
@@SaiyanGamer95 That's actually really cool 😮
@@meece5970 It is. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead is also a comedy. Well, a tragicomedy. Just like with Timon and Pumbaa, they're completely unaware and uninvolved with the main plot and both stories are highly comedic, far more than the source material.
Also, you mentioned is being a midquel. Fun Fact: The Toy Box world from KH3 is canon to the Toy Story series, taking place between Toy Story 2 and 3.
bro i remember that movie!!
1:34
**laughs evilly in lesbian while gesturing to Vitani**
*laughs in straight guy*
*continues to oogle Nala*
**laughs in bi and enjoys both**
Vitani is best girl
*laughs in Bi at both*
Vitani is literally the name of a Lion King OC I made years ago after watching this movie. They aren't the same Vitani, but I totlaly used the OG pic form my RPG forum profile pic.
Kiara was one of my favourite Disney princesses as a kid and it made me sad when people said she was annoying 💀 I liked how kind and playful she was compared to the more serious characters. And obviously Kovu is Kovu. Overall I think it was just a really good take on the Romeo and Juliet dynamic.
Also, "Not One of Us" had _absolutely no right_ to be as much of a banger as it was.
People said Kiara was annoying? I didn't know that. I adore Kiara with all my heart.
Same, I love Kiara so much💕
2:35 I agree that it's weird the movie didn't address this, but look at it this way:
Scar was King for a LOOONG time. It makes sense that he'd start to grow an influence in the pride. When he was dethroned (i.e. murdered), it, again, makes sense that not everyone would be okay with that.
I personally loved Zira's song better than Scar's because the lyrics in Zira's song were far darker and she seemed so much more intense, but I will admit, that Nuka's constant interruptions in the song for comedic purposes in order to lighten an already dark song does bring the overall quality of the song down. But I still really like that song :)
Melody-wise though, be prepared win
@@JD-el9eo Agreed.
myMelody4life, I like Be Prepared and Lullaby equally, but I love Upendi more than Can You Feel the Love Tonight as well as I liking We are One more than Circle of Life.
Man, I LOVE singing that song, but definitely not in public because you're right, it's so much more insidious than Scar's. It's such a dark and villainous song.
Be Prepared is probably my favorite villain song ever aside Hellfire, but That’s My Lullaby is pretty underrated imo. I think the thing that really gets me everytime in Be Prepared is the Nazi Rally reference when the hyenas are saluting Scar as their savior and leader, believing he will make all their lives better. I’m still honestly surprised Disney was allowed to use a Nazi reference, considering how sensitive the topics of World War II and the Holocaust are to this day.
As someone who watched the lion king 2 as a kid. I’m glad you get the appeal, goths make everything better!
Yeah, I'm 25 and I still have a crush on Kovu... I cherish the first movie because of how epic it. I love the second one because of how relatable it is. And I adore the midquel for how hilarious it is.
The best DisneyToon Sequels:
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
Cinderella III: A Twist in Time
Return to Never Land
Completely accurate.
Kovu was specifically why I loved the movie. I am not a furry(no judgment) but I seriously wrote a fan fiction as a kid, because I wanted to know Kovu’s life after the end of this movie. I love Kovu!
I get the feeling that scar didn’t choose kovu himself but zera did in wanting a new symbol to worship
Honestly I prefer the second movie then the original, I'm sorry but the second movie has way more.. idk, like-- the characters feel more like characters, something to grow attached to and feel relatable and real. First movie characters felt more like cookie cutter characters just doing what they do cause they're that character and not like a real personality to know and love.
Can relate. I could identifie myselfe way more with Kiara and Kovu than I ever could with Simba. I think that the first movie stretches over a big passage of time didn't help with that. We don't really SEE the characters develope in the first movie. We only get there basic introduction, the rest is just things happen to them, than a time skip, and the end result. I personaly think the first movie would have been better as a series. Seeing Simba grow up, actually dealing with the trauma of loosing his dad and having to find a place to call home with Timon and Pumbe would have been so much more interesting than just...skipping over all that stuff, Oh now Nala is back! Well gues we have to go back home fight our evil unkle or whatever!
Sure, in Lion King 2 there is a time skip as well. But after that we get what Lion King 1 was lacking: on screen character development!
I see the lion king as a piece of art, but this movie is actually a “movie” make sense?
@@decentgrocerybag4003 YESS EXACTLY
I disagree on the latter part; I don't think you noticed how a lot of people _did_ love the personalities of those in the first movie and they did a great job with establishing the personality and the emotion. The second one just had a lot more personal conflict that most people relate to, that being Kovu growing up with unloving parents and Kiara growing up with parents who loved her too much, while Simba himself had to deal with the trauma of losing his father and retreating to suicide because he blamed himself so much.
A lot of people also missed out on the minor characters and how important they were for Simba.
Timone and Pumba's characters - They actually gave Simba another chance to live and were willing (Timone denying at first but eventually warmed up) to raise him as their buddy. It's just sweet to see the progression and how these two characters were necessary to aid Simba's trauma, two simple and chill travelers who just mean well.
Nala - Even though she was a side character, she's still her very own person (or lion) in the film. The producers even wanted to add one scene of Scar proposing to marry her, while she, even though knows this lion could kill point-black, reserves self-respect and doesn't take that bullshit. And that personality is consistent, how she found Simba was because she wanted to scavange for her pride even though she's never gone this far or that she's alone, and she still places her priority in the pride over Simba, the childhood friend and loved one. She may seem like an average but she was a reasonable character.
Zazu - Dude, I can't even argue, he's my favorite character lmfao. He's pretty much the punching bag for slapstick and jokes, hell even Mufasa made fun of him at some point, but he's still an entertaining character even without the slapstick humor. Those years of supervising Simba built up a subtle sass and sarcasm that couldn't even go away when facing Scar. Yet, he also adds to the shift of contrast to the movie. Back then, he was allowed to be sarcastic and sassy, but how he immediately shuts up in fear as he knows his life is on the line, just really gives into the dystopian atmosphere.
Those are just a few, but what really takes the cake is obviously Simba. You can't tell me he doesn't have a personality or identity after watching Mufasa's death. Fuck, I still cry each time the scene comes.
@@aniflowers1998 Again, disagree. I don't think you realise when this animated film was released, that it was considered special and wondrous during the time since hand-drawn animation was _hard._ And I again disagree on the series part because Nala's appearance completely reveals Simba's progression from his trauma - A coping mechanism with the use of 'Hakuna matata' and leaving his past behind! So when Nala came into the picture, he practically can't ignore his past and has to face the repressed trauma he's been hiding. She's a necessary catalyst for Simba and a reflection of what happened to the pride since he left, and if she didn't decide to hunt beyond the protected perimeter, Simba wouldn't be able to face his past properly and keep living in this fantastical world.
I also have to note - Is that during this time, Simba thought _he_ killed his dad, and _he's_ the outcast. And we've seen his initial reaction, the kid ran and ran until he almost accepted death. Which is also why you should realise that the 'Actually dealing with the trauma' - Doesn't work here, since by this point Simba _doesn't want to._ That's why he's running away from the pride and accepting death, he rather accept this than deal with the emotional pain that transpired. So the fast pace of seeing him not worrying or looking back at the trauma? Is accurate. Because during this time instead of accepting death, he can just accept repression and be happy. Another important thing is that he was a _child._ He'll only adapt what the environment lets him so, and be conditioned to whatever he's taught, which was 'continue on and be happy'. He was never actually taught how to deal with his trauma only until Nala showed up, and even Timone and Pumba argued with him when he wanted to face his trauma, because _they_ don't understand that. They never thought of teaching him life lessons other than the ones they knows because they just don't know.
Which is what makes the depiction of the fast progression more useful and accurate to his character and storyline than what you suggested - Because _for Simba,_ that's how it felt like. Time does fly faster when you're having fun, and he was having fun. He didn't look back because he _doesn't want to._ Which is why Nala is such an important character, and why I'm upset that people don't think she is.
He also did 'Deal with the trauma', by finding his place as king after arguing with his friends about it, finding a random and conveniently wise monkey who actually knows how to teach overcoming the trauma, and reflecting on himself and finding courage to set back to the land he always thought he was unwelcomed for. That's exactly it, and it's yes, a good way to overcome his trauma. The movie ironically did depict a realistic compensation over trauma and coping mechanisms.
I love how the title is about both the group of lions as the collective noun is a pride, but it's also about how Simba is pround and can't see beyond the idea of protecting his daughter when he could have started trying to heal the breach between the two factions earlier. Though that would be difficult with Zira alive.
Unfortunately right up till the climax of the movie, EVERYTHING that happened only proved Simba was RIGHT to distrust Zira and her Pride. Every time he allows Kiara freedom or trusts Kovu, either he or she nearly DIES. I cannot feel Simba was wrong at any point since EVERY time he took a chance and went against his better judgement it blew up in his face.
It can also be about how his “pride and joy” is Kiara, who also turns out to be the protagonist of the movie!
not to mention fans having the Big Gay™ as well lmao
"We can run away together, and make a pride, all our own." ;)
I mean yeah, of course we all had crushes, that line was a killer.
This is such a great exploration of the movie and its characters. Even though TLK 2 is pretty well received among the Disney sequels, I don't usually see much praise specifically for its characters and storyline specifically. I really liked how they explored Simba's trauma and how that impacted his behavior both as a father and leader of his pride. Simba saving Kira at the end always felt so touching. While it doesn't erase his trauma from losing his father, being able to save his daughter in what I assume is in the same place where Mufasa died probably helped him more through his grief and trauma. He couldn't save Mufuasa back then, but now he was able to save Kira.
I also really liked your analysis of Kira and Kovu's relationship. Their interactions throughout the movie made their eventual romance feel genuine, but seeing how they both help each other make their relationship even more effective.
Yk, imagine it, what if Simba continuedand still *refused* to listen to his daughter and only did his way of being king and "loving" father to Kiara?? Because for me, Simba in the sequel, NEVER listened to anyone and only wanted to listen to _himself_
I remember we had the Lion King 2 as a DVD in our car, and whenever we were on road trips, this movie was on LOOP. I think I’ve watched it 37.5 times. Sometimes I can just say the lines because it’s imbedded in my brain.
Same hehe
like fr!
The comparison between Kovu and Zuko caught me off guard, I'm cryyyyyiiinggg
It's too accurate lmfao
I love how the second movie actually expanded on the first Lion King movie. It told us more about Scar’s reign and his affect on the other lions, plus the story was really good and the characters are so loveable
I feel like the childhood crush I had on Kovu could very easily have turned me into a furry
Me too lmaaaoooo
I don't think I had a crush on Kovu...But I for sure as hell was in love with his and Kiaras relationship!
Still like this movie more than the original Lion King.
Ngl, I actually liked this movie better than the first one as a kid, and it was my favorite Disney movie overall. Even my favorite movie ever at one point. I would watch it over and over again, I definitely watched this one more than the original.
The third book in the series I'm writing actually borrows from this movie haha I even have "My Lullaby" and "One of Us" on my writing playlist for it.
I absolutely loved this movie when I was a kid, it has some of the best character developments in the industry. Every single character has a whole personality and they all interact in a way that makes so much sense. Also... Kovu.
Am I the only one that assumed all the outcast lions were just Scar's ex mates and daughters that had it far better than the others so that's why they were kicked out when Simba became king? After all how do you explain the size of the pride if they just had one mate and 2-3 cubs at best?
I mean lions are not really pro monogamy, we can say Simba and his father were just "special" like that 😂.
As a kid I got this high quality lion from the thrift store one day, drew a scar on him with permanent marks and named him Kovu.
I’ve actually ridden an elevator at an anime con with the guy that voiced Kovu! He was nice. Very lowkey. I’m pretty sure he was high. lol
Deceptionnnn! Disgraceeee!
why is that the catchiest damn thing
someone commenting "Idk why the zebras are singing with that much attitude as if they're not dinner at the end of the day" lives in my head rent free
I was introduced to both movies at same time in my tweens. Back then I definetly prefered the second one and would rewatch it every few days for a while.
I liked Kovu, but he wasn't my crush. I'm not a liar, just gay. Vitani, though...
damn i had a crush on vitani too😳
I had a crush on both😂
@@riddlesangerissues3127 honestly same
I think that it is interesting that after the movie Vitani becomes the new leader of the Lion Guard when Kion was away and remained so when Kion forfeited a contest.
You should look up the soundtrack, Return to Priderock! In it, there's a track called Song For the Children by Lebo M. Lebo grew up during Apartheid in South Africa and his experiences influenced his work, both on this film and when he collaborated with Hans Zimmer while composing the score of the first film. :) Fun fact, Lebo M. also opened the first movie, too.
The full version of He Lives in You is beautiful.
Everyone: *talking about how they loved Kovu as a kid*
Me: *remembers I had a crush on NUKA when I was a kid because I was a weirdo*
"You are lying if you say that he wasn't your childhood crush."
Me who didn't feel that as a kid and just saw him as a cool lion:...... 0_0"
I love the lion king, it's my favorite movies. I had a huge crush on Kovu and Simba. I use to watch them several times a day when I was a kid.
As a HUGE fan of the original Lion King, I loved this movie as well. I never owned it, but I got it from the library whenever possible. Great analysis! I love how you can dive deeply into childhood classics without "ruining the magic", so to speak.
... now I want to watch it again
Edit: I went and watched it again. (yay for disney plus!) Yep, still good. :)
As a child, Kovu wasn't my childhood crush. That goes to Chiro from SRMTHFG
Bless you
OH THE ROBOT MONKEY SHOW
🤖🐵
T H I S
SOMEONE WHO REMEMBERS
Thank you! I always see people hate on this movie and say it sucks, when in fact I preferred it to the original as a kid. Still do, actually. It's a good sequel!
This movie had such an impact on me as a kid. For some reason, I completely ignored the first one and just watched this one on repeat. To this day, my sister and I can’t hear the word ‘deception’ without emotionally singing that entire song. Maybe this is where my obsession with found family stories really began…
You: "I get it, you were in love with the hot, emo lion."
Me, 21, out loud to myself in my own apartment: "YES!"
Ya’ll making me feel like something’s seriously wrong with me with EVERYONE apparently having a childhood crush on bad boys like Kovu and Zuko. When I was literally out here watching Lion King 2 for the plot! 😭 Nobody told me I was doing it wrong-what?
I see, you're Ace right? XD Just joking unless you actually are XD
I really love Zira's lullaby
As a child born in post-war Balkans, you have no idea how much I wish this movie and its messages of unity and similarity and dealing with trauma are played in schools and more widely known in our societies in general...
I actually love the soundtrack so much I used to go to sleep to that sound of the movie specifically I love ziras lullaby and not one of us. I think they were really well done and I love singing them.
Zira is a narc mother and Simba is an overprotective PTSD survivor father
Yeah Simba refused to _listen_ to anyone and only wanted to listen to _himself_ and only thought that his ways as king were a lot *better* than his father's am I right??
@@RedPandaGirl002 that's...literally the point of his character in the movie, that's why it calls, Simba's pride.
@@RedPandaGirl002 Problem is the movie constantly makes Simba RIGHT, it's not pride but pragmatism that leads his actions. He has NO reason to trust Kovu and he almost DIES when he trusts him.
The movie WANTS us to side with Kiara but her naivete almost gets her AND her father killed multiple times.
@@PlanetZoidstar So you're saying that Simba has *ALWAYS* been right the whole time and he had the right to treat Kovu so horribly and being so cold and bitter towards his daughter as well??
@@PlanetZoidstar And that Simba was *NEVER* wrong and he *NEVER* mess up??
my heart breaks so much when i see sweet cub kovu being so mistreated
I LOVE this movie. I love it almost as much as the original. Vitani is my third favorite character after Scar and Simba.
Yessss! For the first time in YEARS I hear someone say what I’ve thought this whole time about the title. It’s so clever. It’s his pride (heard) and his pride (ego)!! Never thought about his pride and joy part tho. Very cool!
im one of the few people who actually likes the sequel a tiny bit more than the first one (maybe because the first one felt more "adult" if that makes sense??). TLK has an outstanding score and visuals but the story and actual songs in TLK2 feels much more like a disney movie based on the heavy musical-disney-formula (apart of the repetitives of that one track that kept playing during intense scenes). the animation of TLK2 is so nice to look at and while the Kovu crush i very prominent can i just say Kiara has one of the cutest designs and the ear movement and her smooth looking head/fur just make her look incredibly adorable ♥♥
Also, the love song. (Not Upendi, but Love Will Find a Way.) Every time I hear it, I'm in awe of the way the two vocal lines play with each other. It might be the most underrated duet in any musical ever.
Other used to simp for Kovu these days.
When I was younger, I never really liked the Lion King (It's been so long I really should try and rewatch it) but, my god, I ADORED the Lion King 2.
I never really got all the details about it when I was younger, but it just captivated me. Maybe it was for bad boy lions, but I think there may have been more to it.
I'll never understand my childhood mind, but I'm glad I ADORED this movie like I did
I genuinely misremember "We Are One" as being from Lion King 1, that's how memorable and good that song is
The songs from this movie slapped!
That thumbnail is basically Kovu Thirst Trap.
1:32 missed opportunity to say "lyin"
I ADORED this movie as a kid, so I have admittedly a very heavy bias, but this movie seemed like the best of the sequels I’d seen, with only Lilo and Stitch’s coming close IMO
Also if your talking music “One of Us” legitimately has made me cry. It’s so heartbreaking and the fact it’s not sung by Simba, not even my his lionesses, but the OTHER ANIMALS. I am dreading watching that again when I next see the film.
Also yes I unabashedly crushed on Kovu. I was destined to be furry from a young age it seemed lol
the song has always unsettled me, eventually I realized it's mostly because I probably never would've expected the other animals to have much speaking roles, let alone be able to speak at all. And Kovu being publicly shamed and sent away by the entire pridelands is probably the worst experience of his life.
Lion King 2 was what made me as a kid have expectations for romance movies following the same story and then being immensely disappointed when it was done horribly wrong or cheap lol that’s how good they made the story
Kovu x Kiara is one of my favorite Character Couples and Kovu is my favorite character in The Lion King 2.
You’ve convinced me. I need to watch it again.
I adore this movie. I used to like it more than the Lion King as a kid. I even named by Siamese cat Kovu. I love the character so much. 😊
the second has been my favorite since I was 6. I used to watch it over and over, obsessed with Kovu and Kiara 🤧
Zuko and Kovu also got scars from their abusive parents!
Everyone: omg the emo hot lion omg!!
Me and the weird ones: WHEN HE WAS A YOUNG WARTOOOGGG!
Simba’s Pride is a film Ive loved since it came out and loved as much as the first film. Yes it wasnt a theatrical release but damn did this film get the memo to try & follow up narratively on the Circle of Life. Follow up on Simba trying to be a King but failing as he’s trying to be his father. Kiara trying to breakaway from her birthright but learning ultimately what makes an understanding & good ruler. And of course Kovu trying to escape his chosen destiny to find a new path in life.
I watched Lion King 2 before the original when I was a kid (Idk how that happened), but it still holds a special place in my heart
I meant kovu's voice actor at a convention and I was terrified to approach him the poor guy felt bad for me like he felt he done something wrong 😭
Thank you for making this video!!! I love the Lion King 2 it was a huge part of my childhood. U make excellent points of all of the characters especially Simba and Kiara
I feel like "Lion King 2: Simba's Pride" is a little underrated, but then again, its still a great sequel to an already great movie.
I saw Lion King...once? Back then? But saw this movie on repeat and named my vaguely feminine and masculine beanie babies "Kovu" and "Kiara" because I loved their romance so much. I loved how melodramatic it seemed to me (Now realizing it was quite reasonably dramatic) It's so rich in so many ways, and the songs are banger. Thanks for covering it!!
True I had a crush on kovu ✨✨
this was one of my fave sequels of all time. so much so that I managed to memorize the ENTIRE movie and recited it when I couldn't sleep. I love this vid so much!!
I'm glad to see others that enjoyed this sequel, and I got to say...I prefer Zira over Scar, not saying I don't like him but she felt more dangerous when she's on screen
I'm so glad that you talk about the characterizations of the characters.
I love the movie we’ve got, but the themes of this movie would’ve been soooo much stronger if the Outlanders were hyenas instead 👀
I disagree. The outlanders being lions adds more to the first movie. It shows that Scar's reign wasn't as bad as we're led to believe (lets be honest, there is no evidence that suggests Scar was responsible for the drought. For all we know it was just a sudden climate shift that was beyond Scar's control) and it shows that Simba was in fact a flawed king and a flawed father and he doesn't see the error of his ways until at the end of Lion King 2.
Well hyenas has abandoned scar on the 1st movie so it won't make sense to have them team up with zira
Thank-you for spelling out everything I love about this movie! Like you, I never saw it as a kid - I was 18 by the time I watched the original Lion King in full or Simba's Pride at all - and I absolutely fell in love with it right away, for all the reasons you mentioned (and yes, including Kovu, who was my favourite character for a time xD). It was so great to hear all the reasons for that explained far more coherently than I could ever manage to - and I also found it really clever how you pointed out the triple meaning of the word 'Pride' in the title. Really great video! :D
I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE!! SO MANY YEARS OF RIDICULE FOR ME LIKING KOVU BACK IN THE DAY
SAME THOUGH! i do not have any childhood nostalgia to this movie! i watched it once like 5 years ago for the first time? like i actually had no idea it existed! i do remember really liking it, but now i’m a little older i HAVE to rewatch again, because you have made a lot of GREAT points to think about for my second rewatch!!!
I am not ashamed to admit that Kovu was probably my first edgy crush.
EDGE LION 😊
@@elenasgaard7770 Edge lion indeed.
😊😊
To this day I still remember all the songs and they still give me chills. Love this movie so much, mu future kids better be prepared to watch all the Lion King movies 😤
The graphics and animation were SO much better than that one Hunchback sequel. The crew cared about what they were putting out, and some of the soundtrack was taken directly from the Lion King Musical.
I really love this movie, have done ever since childhood. My sister and I used to watch this so much when we were children. We even named our family's first cats after Kiara and Kovu.
I loved Lion King 2 as a kid lol. I also loved the original. I thought Kiara was so cute :3
I love that you asked the question in the title, answered it in the thumbnail, and the rest is just bonus 😁
And somewhere between all that, the Lion Guard was a thing.
I see Kovu as a friend then a crush