White Lion (2010) User Reviews

Very nice

[blanknamedstuff · 7/10 · 22 February 2011]

For the most part I enjoyed this movie very much. It is worth watching for the scenery alone (the visuals are easily worth 9/10). There are several areas where the retouched colors and CGI sky is blatantly obvious but it adds a larger-than-life feel to the savanna.

The story, unfortunately, is a mismatching of a folk tale and a Nat Geo documentary. The voice over technique works well enough but the narrator abruptly stops to interact with his audience. This causes the story to jerk between scenes. At the end of 90 minutes I felt like I had been watching for several hours... and not in a good way. Still, it is a tale of courage, strength, and loyalty, and the intended audience (kids) should enjoy it.

Note for parents: as I mentioned, "White Lion" plays a bit like a documentary; there is some raw footage in this film including lions' eating habits and territorial disputes. The themes of death and loss are also touched a few times, albeit briefly. You will want to watch this movie with your little ones so you can explain things to them. (Kids 12+ should have no trouble with it.) I will watch it with my 10-yr-old nieces to reinforce their studies, but the 4-yr-old will have to stick with Dora the Explorer for now.

Very much in the tradition of old 'Walt Disney' nature movies.

[gilligan1965 · 8/10 · 1 May 2016]

There was once a time when people gathered around to listen to the stories of their patriarch, or, in some cases, their Shaman, or, in this case, their elder, old Gisani.

This is the kind of 'family' movie that can be enjoyed by everyone who loves animals, especially children. It has a good story; lots of wild animals; beautiful scenery and landscapes; some intrigue; some excitement; and, a storyteller who walks the audience through it all.

A bit of trivia - I didn't realize it at first, but, 'Old Gisani' is portrayed by John Kani, 'Sergeant Jessie Link' in "The Wild Geese," which also starred Richard Harris who portrays George Adamson in "To Walk With Lions;" and, George Adamson, himself, is in "Christian the Lion;" "An Elephant Called Slowly;" and, "The Lion Cub From Harrods." Although filmed in different African nations, it's a beautiful 'Africa' connection with movies about lions, and, other wonderful animals of that continent!

I have a love of Africa which is why I watch so many of these sorts of movies, and, I can't get enough of them.

I gave this movie 'eight stars' as it's not a great movie, but, I believe it to be a very good one if you like this sort of thing.

Sweet Movie Aimed at Children

[grahak777 · 8/10 · 26 June 2013]

This is a sweet movie aimed towards a younger audience but can be enjoyed by adults.

It follows the exploits of a white lion cub as it grows up to be a king of the jungle. Initially rejected by his pride because of his skin color (notice the hidden anti racism message) he soon moves location and befriends another big cat who is later shot by a hunter. Tragedy seems to follow him as his brother dies also early on. The interesting extras on the DVD show how it was made using heaps of lion cubs. Apparently white cub lions are quite common. Children will love some of the footage and enjoy the exploits and message behind the movie. If you get a chance sit down and give it a watch.

Survival of The Great White

[Chrysanthepop · 7 January 2012]

'Can't seem to be getting enough of these lion movies. Just a couple of months ago I had watched the delightful 'African Cats' and tonight, saw 'White Lion'. Shot beautifully through South Africa, it's quite apparent how much effort the film took. Kevin Richardson really wanted to make this film even though the odds were against it. His love for lions is obvious and his determination to get 'White Lion' made has paid off. On the flip side, the direction is flawed. There are some continuity problems. The narration is occasionally interrupted when the film returns to the present day sequences of the storyteller and the children. The score is quite generic and the acting by the supporting cast, especially the 'prize' hunter is awful. In spite of this, thanks to Janet Van Eeden and Ivan Milborrow's writing that the story, even though a bit predictable and sometimes resorting to clichés, has heart and it holds your attention as you follow young Letsatsi through his journey. The lions who play Letsatsi (there are more than a dozen) do a great job. Moreover, the visuals of the raw African landscape are simply breathtaking. There are some visuals that have been amazingly shot. One wonders how the cameraman achieved these images as they're very difficult to obtain but he did it. All in all, I enjoyed 'White Lion' and wouldn't mind seeing it again.

* Some spoilers* Good movie, unique in it's own way.

[Ddyracer2 · 9/10 · 12 June 2011]

Great movie by one of the best animal behaviorist out there. The story follows Letsatsi, a white Lion cub who is idolized by the Shangaan. The narration is not something that a ordinary documentary or movie would have. This film is sorta in between. John Kani who plays the Gisani is a good storyteller. However, he's the type of feller who is not really a narrator. But that's fine. IMO, it gives the movie a good feel. Sure, he ain't professional, like those impressive narrators with their deep voices but because the narration is different it makes it more flavorful.

The scenery, is great, 100% on that. The story, like some other reviewer said is not on par. It felt a little long i admit. But often in films there is a sense of loss. Someone died, tragically which although is old, we love to see. Yes, point out that i'm am being a hypocrite. Different is good. But loss although like i said overused, probably would have helped the story. Especially at the end when Letsatsi is hunted by Man. Perfect for a Lioness ( there wasn't one but Letsatsi did have a pride at the end) to die or something like that. Or at least something tragic. Yes, I realize just now, that Letsatsi friend died, but it wasn't tragic or sad enough.

Also there isn't really any showing of the Shangaan valley and their village/city would have gave me a better sense of "The Legend." That's about it. So i gave it 8/10 or 80% But i was feeling generous. Kevin Richardson who produced this could use some funds. I'm not a sponsor but check out The Lion Ranger. It shows Kevin interacting, playing, looking after his Lion Park in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

A beautiful movie recommended for all ages.

[rossnunez · 9/10 · 10 November 2020]

Fantastic photography and scenery. The main carácter is a great actress. A love story between a girl and her white lion.

A Noble Failure....

[sandtonvideo · 5/10 · 5 May 2010]

WHITE LION 4.8/10 rated PG runtime 90 minutes A labor of love shot over the course of several years, this is, unfortunately, a noble failure. The movie is built around the incredible rapport that Kevin Richardson (the producer) has with animals, particularly lions. This makes for scenes and camera shots that would have been difficult if not impossible for others to do. The problem with the movie is that it is dreadfully slow and somewhat clichéd as well. Gorgeous scenery is offset by continuity problems with the featured lions, who change in appearance markedly between shots, and a stodgy, uninspired film score adds to the woes. John Kani, who is a revered actor in South Africa, narrates the story in a soporific style that underlines the dragging pace of the movie as a whole.

When one thinks of Jean-Jacques Annaud's film The Bear, which is also a story of a young animal fighting for survival, one realizes just how far White Lion was from being the movie that this investment of time and effort deserved. If you do happen to watch this movie on DVD, though, make sure to check the special features: the sight of Kevin playing with his lion friends is just awe-inspiring, and the obvious affection that the lions have for him touching.

Would Have Been Good Without the Narrator

[gerd86 · 2/10 · 8 January 2013]

I eagerly awaited the arrival of the DVD, so I could watch the movie Kevin Richardson had been talking about in a documentary. I thought: this will be great.

Indeed, some of the shots were magnificent. They would have been great in a documentary. However, the narrator of this film speaks in such a soporific tone I found the whole movie extremely boring. If they would have chosen a different narrator, or would not have let the narrator tell the whole story, but instead would have let the characters actually play more of the story than only the last 20 minutes, this whole movie could have been so much better, and they wouldn't have had to try and make it look exciting by letting the children react certain ways. These reactions were not very convincing, by the way, nor is any of the acting, which is of elementary school level. The music is fine, but seems like a waste, since the movie is so stodgy.

After 70 minutes, it feels like the introduction is still going on and the story still has to start. Still, hardly any connection has been made between the two main characters, Gisani and Letsatsi. Finally, the narrator shuts up at times, which means the movie starts to show some progression. Still, it stays rather boring.

In the end, this movie will not make anyone enthusiastic for saving the lion or any wildlife. It will only make people think wildlife is boring.

Sappy

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 19 September 2014]

WHITE LION is a 2010 South African movie about the life and adventures of a rare white lion cub who leaves his pride and must contend with the perils of the African veld, along with unscrupulous poachers and other feline rivals. Despite some hints of mysticism along the way, this is a very ordinary movie that comes across as a Disney film rather than something genuinely eye-opening like the classic BORN FREE.

The film features noted Shakespearian actor John Kani as the narrator and is set sometime in the mid 20th century, not that you'd know by the costumes and vehicles. It's the sort of plot less production that would work much better as a nature documentary, as the most interesting thing about the whole production is that it was filmed over a number of years, so you actually get to see the various lion cubs as they grow up.

Unfortunately, there's not much drama on offer here and sometimes the movie veers towards the twee. It's all very simplistic and the morals are painted in black and white which doesn't leave much room for interest; some of the supporting actors are also less than inspiring. Footage of the lions in the wild is all well and good, but I was hoping for much, much more with this one.