Mia et le Lion Blanc

Just watched this film with my two children who are 9 and 7. We enjoyed it a lot. It is beautifully shot and carefully filmed. The film also carries a powerful message that will resonate for children for care for our world.

My wife and I watched this at home on DVD from our public library.

Because the story involves a white lion growing from a newborn to an adult male over a three year period, and a young girl, Mia, growing from about 11 to about 14, the movie was actually shot over a three year time period. So there is no substitution of characters, we actually witness the lion and the two kids growing up.

Mia lives with her dad, mom, and brother on a farm in South Africa, primarily raising then selling animals that otherwise would be in the wild. Like lions. One day dad brings home this tiny, cute white lion cub, and they call him Charlie. At first Mia is annoyed with the cub, wants him to leave her alone, but they eventually bond.

When Charlie is about to be sold Mia finds out the actual fate of most of the "trophy" animals, they are sold to become targets of big game hunters in a captive environment, still a legal activity in South Africa. Mia decides to take drastic action to try and save Charlie from that fate.

There is a good "extra" on the disc telling about the process and what had to be done to train the lion to become the young actress' friend and not eat her.

REVIEW - MIA AND THE WHITE LION

Occasionally while watching all of the films I find a gem, a film that stands out and as an impartial independent reviewer I can write without influence.

This is one such film, whilst the acting could be better and the editing is terrible the subject matter and of course the white lion truly make this a film too watch.

Simple story but what I absolutely loved about this film is the time it took to make, it must have been filmed over a period of about 4 years because you literally see the same lion grow from a lion cub to maturity and the children grow also!

Of course the actual white lion steals every scene Charlie is in and the actors were in my personal opinion very very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a beautiful creature.

Easy to follow but with a very important message to share about tourism and hunting.

One to watch but as I've said acting isn't the best and the editing is terrible but on this occasion I can forgive.

Rating 8 out of 10

I feel really conflicted about this movie. On one hand it is a masterpiece regarding the animals and sceneries. Respecting all life is an important value, which is well represented in the movie. However I find the movie highly disturbing regarding the message about parent-child relationship. The parents in the movie are considered inhumane and callous, who can't understand the bond between humans and animals. In the second half of the movie the rebellious teenage girl is considered to be the heroine, whose actions are highly questionable. The story completely ignores reality about risks treating a wild animal as family member. I would recommend watching the movie first, and then decide whether to watch together with kids.

Tugs at the heart strings that's for sure. Beautiful animals and the characters were well played.