AFRICAN CATS (2011)

Genre: Documentary
Director: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Narrator: Samuel L. Jackson
RunTime: 1 hr 29 mins
Released By:  Walt Disney Motion Pictures
Rating: G
Official Website: http://disney.go.com/disneynature/africancats

Opening Day: 22 September 2011

Synopsis: An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, "African Cats" captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother's strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion. Disneynature brings "The Lion King" to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill ("Earth"). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild.

Movie Review:

Ever wondered what the world would be like if we could fully understand how the world looks like from animals’ points of view? Every bark, purr and growl would make sense to us. Every pounce, sprint and flight would carry with it an emotion. Every stretch, yawn and scratch would also mean something. But as it is, humans can now only try to interpret how animals feel (there probably won’t be a day when animals started conversing with us), and make nature documentary films like this which inject a storyline to filmed footages.

Samuel L Jackson narrates this 89 minute production about lions and cheetahs who try their very best to survive in the wild African savannah. At one end of the grasslands is Mara, a lion cub who is inspired by her mother’s strength. Her life changes when a group of lions from another camp takes over her homeland. At the other end is Sita, a cheetah who happens to be a single mother (so, animals face social problems like humans too). She brings up her five cubs and teaches them the way of life in the savannah.

The plot does make this G rated documentary sound like a drama with proper protagonists and antagonists. Developments in the story’s narrative should please younger audiences and serve as an educational tool to how animals survive in the wild. For the older viewers, this may feel gimmicky at times, but there’s nothing stopping you from marveling at the breathtaking visuals on screen.

Directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill, this is a fourth release under the Disneynature label (after the equally beautiful Earth, Oceans and The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingoes), and it is comforting to know that part of the film’s proceeds were donated to the African Wildlife Foundation and their efforts to preserve Kenya’s Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a National Park in the country. Such commendable efforts to conserve Mother Nature’s wildlife should be supported by any caring member of the community.

Filmed on the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a major game region in southwestern Kenya, it is a stunning sight as we are treated to this location in Africa where these cats live in large numbers and in close proximity. We can also be sure that the story incorporated into the film isn’t bogus as experts were recruited to ensure scientific accuracy.

It is also interesting that the documentary reminds us of one of Disney’s greatest animated classics, The Lion King (1994). Scenes of the lions, wildebeests, and warthogs bring back wonderful memories of the Oscar winning film made 17 years ago. Jackson’s engaging narration complements the production as audiences hold on to their seats, wanting to find out the eventual fates of these African cats.

The real life footages captured in this charming film aren’t merely visuals to wow urbanites obsessed with chasing the material dream. It is a relevant reminder of the way of life, and how this circle of life will always make man and nature a part, not apart.

Movie Rating: 

(An engaging nature documentary that gives us a glimpse of what life is like in the African savannah)

Review by John Li