White Lion
White Lion
| 19 February 2010 (USA)
White Lion Trailers

According to the legend of the Shangaan, white lions are the messengers of the gods, but it has been years since one has been seen in their remote African valley. When a white lion is miraculously born into that valley, a young Shangaan named Gisani, finds himself destined to protect this rare and magnificent creature at all costs. This young lion, whom will be known as Letsatsi, is cast from his pride and forced to embark upon a perilous journey of survival.

Reviews
grahak777

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.

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Chrysanthepop

'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.

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Ddyracer2

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.

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sandtonvideo

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.

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