The Zookeeper (2001)

In the midst of a devastating civil war in an Eastern European country, a disillusioned ex-Communist is left behind to take care of the animals in the capital's zoological gardens until a U.N. rescue force arrives.

Director:

Ralph Ziman

Writers:

Matthew Bishop (story and screenplay), Ralph Ziman (screenplay)

Stars:

Sam Neill, Gina McKee, Ulrich Thomsen

3 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sam Neill	...	Ludovic
Gina McKee	...	Ankica
Ulrich Thomsen	...	Dragov
Om Puri	...	The Vet
Marek Vasut	...	Yeltsov
Javor Loznica	...	Zioig
Srdjan Simeonovich	...	Slavko
Arnost Proschek	...	Dusan
Mikulás Kren	...	Father
Tomás Valík	...	Soldier 1
Stanislav Hybler	...	Soldier 1
Hana Pastejríková	...	Woman at Window
Drahomíra Fialková	...	Neighbor Woman
Ilja Racek	...	Stanislaw
Rudolf Jelínek	...	Zoo Official

Storyline

Eastern Europe - a city torn by civil war - Present Day Jonah Ludovic writes in his journal. His poetry softening the cynical observations of a man living a self imposed penance. Wherever he came from and whoever he was, Ludovic is now alone, silenced by a crime unknown. Ludovic can hear the shelling of an imposing civil war. He can see the flashes of fire destroying a city that once was his home. He doesn't move. He just writes. As daybreak arrives, the shelling has ceased. Ludovic makes his way to his job as a custodian at the local zoo. He is met at the gates by the fleeing staff. Ludovic chooses to remain behind, he has no where to go. Along with an elderly guard and a veterinarian, the three set out to care for the animals and hopefully protect them and themselves, from harm. It is not long before the war has reached the gates of the zoo. Dragov, the sociopathic captain of a local search platoon of nationalists, heightens the intensity of the senseless war with surprise visits ...

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Plot Keywords:

child uses a gun | eastern europe | father son relationship | kalashnikov | personal letter | 

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Taglines:

One man had the courage to do what was right...

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Quotes

[first lines]
Father: Please!
[is struck by butt of gun]
Soldier 1: Women to the left, men to the right.

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Crazy Credits

Michal Koban ... legal counsel animals

User Reviews

an incredibly moving war film with a beautifully-judged performance from Sam Neill

Featuring one of Sam Neill's finest performances, this is an incredibly moving war drama about the human tragedy that is military oppression. Set in a zoo in the Balkans during a bombing siege, the film is gritty and realistic as well as poetically allegorical, showing the effects of war on both man and beast.

When a young boy and his mother come seeking shelter from the fascist paramilitaries rounding up all those who are not "patriots" (featuring a fantastic supporting performance by Ulrik Thomsen as their leader), Sam Neill's Zookeeper finds himself forced to come to terms with the mess he's made of his own life.

Why has this film not been widely distributed? Anyone who liked The Piano will love this! The audience is waiting!

Details

Country:

Denmark UK Czech Republic Netherlands

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 November 2001 (Czech Republic)

Also Known As:

The Zookeeper

Filming Locations:

Brandýs nad Labem, Czech Republic

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Svendsen Films ApS, Apollo Films, Pavel Novy Produkce s.r.o.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min 99 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1