White Lion

2010 "Home is a Journey"
6.5| 1h33m| en
Details

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.

Director

Producted By

Peru Productions

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Trailers & Clips

Also starring Thabo Malema

Reviews

Titreenp SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?
Reptileenbu Did you people see the same film I saw?
SparkMore n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.
Sharkflei Your blood may run cold, but you now find yourself pinioned to the story.
Leofwine_draca WHITE LION is a 2010 South African movie about the life and adventures of a rare white lion cub who leaves his pride and must contend with the perils of the African veld, along with unscrupulous poachers and other feline rivals. Despite some hints of mysticism along the way, this is a very ordinary movie that comes across as a Disney film rather than something genuinely eye-opening like the classic BORN FREE.The film features noted Shakespearian actor John Kani as the narrator and is set sometime in the mid 20th century, not that you'd know by the costumes and vehicles. It's the sort of plot less production that would work much better as a nature documentary, as the most interesting thing about the whole production is that it was filmed over a number of years, so you actually get to see the various lion cubs as they grow up.Unfortunately, there's not much drama on offer here and sometimes the movie veers towards the twee. It's all very simplistic and the morals are painted in black and white which doesn't leave much room for interest; some of the supporting actors are also less than inspiring. Footage of the lions in the wild is all well and good, but I was hoping for much, much more with this one.
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.
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.
blanknamedstuff For the most part I enjoyed this movie very much. It is worth watching for the scenery alone (the visuals are easily worth 9/10). There are several areas where the retouched colors and CGI sky is blatantly obvious but it adds a larger-than-life feel to the savanna.The story, unfortunately, is a mismatching of a folk tale and a Nat Geo documentary. The voice over technique works well enough but the narrator abruptly stops to interact with his audience. This causes the story to jerk between scenes. At the end of 90 minutes I felt like I had been watching for several hours... and not in a good way. Still, it is a tale of courage, strength, and loyalty, and the intended audience (kids) should enjoy it.Note for parents: as I mentioned, "White Lion" plays a bit like a documentary; there is some raw footage in this film including lions' eating habits and territorial disputes. The themes of death and loss are also touched a few times, albeit briefly. You will want to watch this movie with your little ones so you can explain things to them. (Kids 12+ should have no trouble with it.) I will watch it with my 10-yr-old nieces to reinforce their studies, but the 4-yr-old will have to stick with Dora the Explorer for now.