Der Zoo

I've just watched this beautiful film. Coming from N. Ireland it is just amazing to watch a film which shows the heart and soul of our wee country. The sights and sounds bring home the emotions felt during the second world war. Loads of places we know and love, showing Belfast was used to film this. The story is just beautiful, quite a roller coaster of emotions, well for a Mum of 3 and animal lover. The story captures what it is like to be a child in a world where everything seems unfair. I was fully emersed in the journey and loved every minute of it. I laughed and cried and just fell in love. A must for the family to watch.

Based upon a true story, as you will find come the final sequences, this is a bit short (in terms of its length), but wonderfully entertaining with little or no foul language and a group of kids who take it upon themselves during wartime Belfast to help a Baby elephant at the Zoo. The adults play their parts very well, the kids provide great entertainment, not to mention the animals and of course "Nellie" who plays the part of the Elephant-who is the centre of the piece. Watch this one, really good

Poignant drama as a group of youths aided by an animal loving neighbor, are willing to go to any lengths to save a baby elephant during the Belfast Blitz , in 1941.

However, the film is not all touchy-feely , as there are some sad and tense scenes as well.The characters are certainly believable, and it's all tied together and presented well by the writer and director Colin McIvor.

All in all, I found this movie to be an engaging and uplifting tale.

Well written. Great acting. Anyone who gives this less than 7 star obviously only wants to watch super hero movies. Good historical perspective of WW2 time in Ireland. Whole family enjoyed this. Was it slow at times? Yeah probably. But that was ok. It fit this movie fine. Give it a shot. You won't be disappointed.

It's 1941 Belfast. Tom Hall is excited about the arrival of baby elephant Buster to the zoo. His father is its veterinarian and is sent off to war. After a night of bombing, officials order the killing of the zoo's predators fearing an escape of the dangerous animals. Tom is horrified and he learns that Buster could be next if the bombings continue. Tom decides to liberate Buster with the help of troubled classmate Jane Berry. They recruit big kid Pete. On the night of the rescue, Pete brings along his dwarf brother Mickey. The group is discovered by Security Guard Charlie (Toby Jones) but he allows them to escape. They are forced to hide Buster in the backyard of reclusive animal lady Denise Austin.

This is a sweet story for kids and for kids at heart. This is one for the animal lovers. If it's missing anything, it's missing a more threatening villain. The bully kid could have more time on screen. He could have intensified the tension. As it stands, the tension isn't that high. The kids are sweet. The relationship is heart-breaking. At least, that's a fictionalization of the true story.