Anime Review: Jungle Emperor Leo

Review Jungle Emperor Leo

Leo(also known as Kimba the white lion for those familiar with the old television show) is a proud king of the jungle that has just received the gift of two children. Yet one more task lies before him. Someone has found an energy source beyond anything known and they believe that it is in the jungle where Leo and his family live. While some humans are good the leader of this expedition is a cruel and greedy man who thinks nothing of the destruction that he causes to the jungle in his search. It is up to Leo to use all of his strength and wisdom to save his family and the jungle.

Jungle Emperor Leo is good movie that tries to be a classic but ends up failing. The biggest problem is Leo's son Lune who gets a lot of screen time but ends up being a huge distraction from the main story. It also suffers from an overdose of deus ex machina plot devices that strain the believability of older viewers. As a warning to people showing this movie to children, even though the movie does teach good moral lessons and whatnot they don't flinch from violence so do be careful.

The animation for this movie is great. It flawlessly uses CG animation while staying faithful to the character designs of Osamu Tezuka.

Jungle Emperor Leo is a good movie but I have the feeling that it could have been much better. This is still a must for any Fan of Tezuka and is enjoyable for almost anyone else. Unfortunately this movie takes place near the end of Leo's life story and many viewers will watch it without the proper emotional attachment viewers in Japan will have. I give Jungle Emperor Leo a rating of good/ very good.