The Last 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.

This movie gives away something more than a normal documentary, it makes us feel for our emotions, emotions for the lions we watched in this movie. It is most beautiful animal story i have ever watched, thrilling but very beautiful. It shows us the real life of lioness and her cubs going through difficulties that the wild life has to offer. Wonderful narrator, one of the best, top class cinematography and lovely music.

Emotional, beautiful and thrilling, this is not a ordinary documentary, it is a masterpiece.

10/10 must seen movie for those who have emotions and want to get more from a documentary.

The trailer doesn't give the movie the look and feel and is some kind of misleading how the film really is.

I was one of the fortunate few who were introduced today to this cinematic dreamscape of Botswana and the incredible life of one brave lioness. The premiere in Houston, TX was presented by National Geographic and the audience was also treated to a Q&A session with the actual film makers -- Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Quite an honor and special event offered to the contributors of the Big Cats initiative where the donations help dedicated researchers and animal conservationists find solutions to the grave threats facing lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats.

This documentary provided scenes of survival that even this Big Cat Diary watcher has never witnessed. Amazing truths of the brutal life in the wild that these creatures face every day in Africa. Incredible scenes of the adaptation of the kings and queens of the jungle and their unwavering dedication to the protection of their young.

The musical score and cinematography, together with the slightly subdued drama beautifully presented by Jeremy Irons made this a truly riveting experience that I will never forget and, for which I am proud to be a continued supporter.

This is a must see for animal lovers.

The Last Lions is an excellent documentary that illustrates the drive to survive in nature. Without giving it away, the film clearly illustrates that Mother Nature is a system of checks and balances and outcomes aren't what they always appear to be.....As a high school science teacher, this film helps my students understand how nature works and the impact the human species is having on the natural world. The Jouberts have always made excellent films that help students understand that nature is always changing and we can help keep it from disappearing. I hope that they continue to make these documentaries and help shed light on the natural world.

I read in some reviews people complaining this is not a "pure" documentary, that it might have been edited to create a certain storyline. All I know is that every documentary has editing, and that clearly this one was made a bit dramatic on purpose (and that is the only reason I don't rate it 10)... but I don't care - It is excellent! It generates a wide range of feelings (good and bad) and I simply could not stop thinking about it later... It not only serves well the Big cats cause but it is also very good entertainment. Even if you are not a wildlife documentary fan, this will touch you. Please see it! It does mean it should be the only Africa documentary you should see, I've already seen other great ones, like Eternal enemies our Great Migrations, but this one is very nice complement.