The Lion Who Thought He Was People

The Lion Who Thought He Was People is a heartwarming film about the unlikely bond between a man and a lion. Based on a true story, the movie follows the life of a young lion named Boy who is orphaned after his mother is killed by hunters. Boy is taken in by a kind-hearted couple, George Adamson (played by himself) and his wife Joy (played by Virginia McKenna), who run a wildlife rehabilitation center in Kenya.

At first, George and Joy are hesitant to take in a wild animal, especially one as dangerous as a lion. But they quickly realize that Boy is different from other lions they’ve encountered. Instead of acting aggressively, Boy behaves like a curious, playful child. He is fascinated by human behavior and seems to possess an unusual intelligence for an animal.

As Boy grows older, he becomes more like a member of the family than a wild animal. He eats at the dinner table with George and Joy, watches TV with them, and even tries to mimic their behavior. In one of the film’s most surreal moments, Boy is seen wearing clothes and smoking a pipe as he lounges on a sofa.

Despite their affection for Boy, George and Joy know they can’t keep him forever. They start to train him to hunt and fend for himself in the wild. But as they prepare to release him into the wild, the couple is faced with a difficult decision. Boy has become too accustomed to a life with humans, and it’s unclear whether he can survive on his own.

The Lion Who Thought He Was People is a visually stunning film, full of beautiful shots of the Kenyan wilderness and its wildlife. The filmmakers use clever camera tricks to create the illusion that Boy is a human-like character. At times, he seems more like a cartoon character than a real animal.

Bill Travers gives a sympathetic performance as George, a man who feels more at ease among lions than he does with other people. Virginia McKenna is equally good as Joy, a woman who cares deeply for all animals but is torn between her love for Boy and her duty to preserve his natural instincts.

But it’s George Adamson who steals the show. Adamson is a real-life conservationist who spent years studying lions in Kenya. His bond with Boy is palpable, and his patience and kindness towards the animal is inspiring to watch.

At its core, The Lion Who Thought He Was People is a simple story about the power of love and understanding. It’s a reminder that animals are not just creatures to be feared or exploited, but beings with their own unique personalities and emotions. While it may seem quaint by modern standards, the film’s message is still relevant today, and its emphasis on empathy and conservation is as important as ever.

Overall, The Lion Who Thought He Was People is a charming family film that will delight animal lovers of all ages. Its combination of humor, drama, and stunning cinematography make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good nature documentary.