by KentuckyWildcat » September 23rd, 2011, 6:42 am
Kovu was my favorite character when I was a kid, and he remains my favorite now even if I hadn't thought as deeply as some of you as to why he's a true hero (especially TheRoguePrince). There's really not much I can add to that, but I completely agree with those explanations.
My only disappointment is that his quick transformation passes on a chance for even greater character development than he already has. In my opinion, Kiara gets too much credit for changing him so quickly though. As late as the star-gazing scene, he's still deeply conflicted. Kiara sees a cute, innocent image while Kovu sees violence. He wonders if Scar is among the great kings of the past since he had undoubtebly been taught all along that Scar was the greatest king of the past. As he is about to run away to try and make sense of all the thoughts running through his head, not even Kiara's best sad face can stop him.
It is at that moment that the true reason for his overnight transformation appears as Rafiki stops him. Similar to how he made Simba realize that Nala was right in TLK, it is Rafiki and his magical trip to Upendi that fully convinces Kovu of the value of love. I think that a more prolonged period of Kovu struggling with himself before ultimately deciding that love was greater than hate could've been more impactful than resolving everything with that scene, but I understand the time constraints and such.
Wow, that got a little longer than I intended, but yeah, he's my favorite character despite the small flaw in his development.
Come death. Come suffering. I will not live in fear. In this fleeting life where time escapes us, the path of least resistance is a slow quiet death. I'd rather burn out than fade away.