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Kimba the White Lion Volume 1: `The King is Dead, All Hail the King!`

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Better than the Lion King.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence & scariness:

    Kimba's father is shot by a hunter, and the captured mother disappears in a shipwreck. Kimba uses his claws and teeth in fights with a lot of other animals. He dispatches an entire flock of flying lizards in a harrowing and potentially scary sequence.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Kimba the White Lion Volume 1: `The King is Dead, All Hail the King!` was written by Brian Camp

Parents need to know that kids will see Kimba use his claws and teeth in fights with a lot of other animals. He dispatches an entire flock of flying lizards in a harrowing and potentially scary sequence. Kimba's father is shot by a hunter, and the captured mother disappears in a shipwreck.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about how this movie compares to Disney's Lion King. Do you think the Disney movie borrowed from Kimba? How much borrowing is okay? When does borrowing from another story become theft or plagiarism?
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More on Kimba the White Lion Volume 1: `The King is Dead, All Hail the King!`

What’s the Story?

KIMBA THE WHITE LION, Japan's first color-animated TV series, tells the story of an orphaned lion cub who struggles to take his rightful place as ruler of the jungle and to peacefully unite the animals. VOLUME 1: "THE KING IS DEAD, ALL HAIL THE KING!" contains the first four episodes of the classic TV series. In "Go, White Lion," Kimba is born after his father, Caesar, is killed by a hunter and his mother has been taken into captivity. At his mother's urging, Kimba embarks on a harrowing swim back to Africa. In "Jungle Thief," Kimba must preside over a serious food shortage and find out who's been stealing from the emergency food supply. He directs the other animals in the creation of a farm. "Dangerous Journey" finds Kimba joining the aged mountain sheep Pop Woolly on a perilous trip to obtain a rare medicine that will cure an outbreak of fever among the animals. In "Great Caesar's Ghost," Kimba gets advice from his father's spirit as he faces a challenge from the water buffalo Samson, who has violated Kimba's rules by stealing from a human village.

Is It Any Good?

A classic Japanese-animated TV series finally returns to delight a whole new generation. It offers distinctive characters, colorful animation, exciting stories, plenty of action, and a lush music score. Although the animation is limited by modern standards, older kids will appreciate the intricate storytelling and emotional power. Kimba has plenty of violence, which caused problems for it during the 1970s. Kimba is a scrappy little cub who takes on more powerful opponents, including leopards, hyenas, and armed humans. Yet, the violence has a moral basis as Kimba fights only to defend himself from predators or to protect other animals. Kids always enjoy seeing the small hero stand up to bullies.

Unlike so many animated movies, Kimba isn't cluttered with insipid songs, incongruous comic relief, or gratuitous pop culture references. It doesn't have a lineup of recognizable celebrity voices who are more interested in getting laughs than in creating characters. Instead, it offers a cast of experienced radio and children's show performers who infuse the characters with genuine passion and emotion.

Movie Details

Studio: Right Stuf, Director: Osamu Tezuka
Run time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1965
MPAA Rating: NR

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 1.0

    kinda lame but okay

    I dont really like it... at all. Its just like the lion king, Kimba and Simba really sound the same.Its also kind of weird if you saw lion king first, you'd think its a copycat until you see the date.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    goregous movie/ tv show perfect for anyone!!

    this film is somewhat violent but defensively worth watching

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