Disney's 'The Lion King' drew inspiration from a surprising and unsettling historical source - Nazi Germany's propaganda techniques.
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The iconic 'Circle of Life' sequence in the 1994 animated classic was directly influenced by Nazi propaganda films like 'Triumph of the Will', using similar cinematic techniques to create a sense of awe and reverence.
According to film historians, Disney's creative team was aware of these connections and intentionally incorporated elements of Nazi propaganda into 'The Lion King' to heighten the emotional impact and mythic feel of the story.