The Last Lions (2011)

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I know that most animal documentaries are also sad but this one got to me towards the end with Ma di Tau and her precious little daughter. I still think about the face of the little cub.This documentary is fantastic. Great scenery and puts you in the predicament of our lions. I highly recommend watching it.One thing really got to me. It was a review by MANOHLA DARGIS of the NY times. Did this women watch the movie or just have an agenda?She says "Within the first 20 minutes of "The Last Lions" one adult lion dies in a ferocious on-screen fight .." Then in the next paragraph she says "First, her old man splits..." Well, if Manohla actually watched the movie rather than looking at it she should have known that the adult lion who died was her mate fighting for her and the cubs to protect their territory. He did not split. He fought and gave up his life for the family. That is a helluva difference Manohla.And Ma di Tau and her cubs did not "lose their home in a fire." They were forced out by the new pride that came in and took over their territory. The fire was an impediment to their escape. Geez woman get the facts right. And you are a film critic????

As an avid watcher of National Geographic and big-cat films I was able to spot the deception this supposed "documentary" tries to pull off. My great excitement immediately plummeted when i recognized footage from other videos being inserted into this one to complete the storyline- in other words create a story where there was none.It happened numerous times, each time i was surprised how low a film by what you would think is an honorable company- national geographic- would sink to.The lack of honesty in what was supposed to be a documentary destroyed any value this film had for me. I only gave it three stars because there were cool visuals, even though the story was dreck.There are some good videos out there. Go watch Lions and Hyenas: Eternal Enemies. That will really knock your face off and you won't grow a long nose like Pinnochio for watching it.

Oh my God! This was so good. It's probably the best documentary on lions I have ever seen. Honestly. The lioness overcame so much! I bawled my eyes out when she had to leave the cub with the broken spine. And I don't cry that often. She became a leader, and forged friendships, and thankfully still had one child. She never gave up on that herd of buffalo...she was going to get one no matter what it cost her. Usually, I watch these things and feel sad for the prey, but I wanted her get one. And you could actually see the pain of loss in her face when she lost her mate, and her two cubs, especially the second one. She knew she would have to leave it behind. I know I sound corny, but this movie was great. It made me feel sad, happy and guilty all at the same time. It makes me want to quit my job and go save lions!

I walked into this movie somewhat by chance but I had heard the interview the film makers had done with Terry Gross on NPR. And I was very surprised that despite a constant narrative by the great Jeremy Irons, this film works. The question remains-can we take the humanizing of wild animals too far? The answer is, probably not, because humans NEED this point of view to develop empathy for these ferocious beasts. At least this is the point of view of the makers of this beautifully filmed and surprising documentary. What I find missing is more about the ugliness of the human condition, bent on every type of destruction of the wild, promoting guns and hunting like this is some type of sport, and a culture everywhere that promotes economies built on destructive and deadly consequences. But that is probably another film and another day. Here we have a meditation of nature, its cruelties, pathos and sheer beauty that you will never forget. Don't miss this one.