To Walk with Lions

To Walk with Lions is a 1999 adventure drama directed by Carl Schultz and starring Richard Harris, John Michie, and Kerry Fox. The film is based on the life of George Adamson, who spent his life rescuing and rehabilitating big cats in Kenya.

The movie takes place in the late 1980s in Kenya, where George Adamson (Harris) spends his days rehabilitating lion cubs and releasing them into the wild with the help of his assistant Tony Fitzjohn (Michie). However, things take a turn when George's old friend Terrence (Ian Bannen) approaches him with a proposition to take in two lions who were raised in captivity and are set to be euthanized. George agrees to take in the lions, but soon realizes that they are not fit to be released into the wild, as they have never learned to hunt for themselves.

The rest of the movie follows George and Tony's struggle to rehabilitate the two lions, whom they have named Boy and Girl. Along the way, they face many challenges, including resistance from local farmers who view the lions as a threat to their livestock, as well as political unrest in the country.

Throughout the film, we see George's deep attachment to the animals he cares for. He has a particular fondness for the lions he has rescued, and he often spends time walking with them in the bush. We also see his close bond with Tony, who shares his passion for wildlife conservation and is dedicated to helping George in his work.

To Walk with Lions is not just a movie about wildlife conservation; it also explores the complexities of human relationships. The film offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who dedicate themselves to animal welfare, and the sacrifices they make in order to do what they believe is right. We see the toll that George's work takes on his personal life, as he struggles to maintain a relationship with his girlfriend Joy (Fox) while devoting most of his time to caring for the lions. We also see the tension that arises between George and Tony, as they each have different ideas about how best to rehabilitate the animals.

One of the strengths of To Walk with Lions is its portrayal of the wildlife in Kenya. The movie features some stunning shots of the African savanna, as well as close-up footage of the lions and other animals. The filmmakers clearly have a deep respect for the animals they are depicting, and they avoid using any cheap tricks or special effects to make the animals seem more menacing or awe-inspiring.

The film also has a strong message about the importance of preserving endangered species. Through the story of George and his lions, we see that wildlife conservation is not just about saving individual animals; it is also about protecting entire ecosystems and ensuring that future generations can enjoy these wonders of nature.

In terms of the acting, Richard Harris delivers a strong performance as George, portraying him as a complex and often conflicted man who is deeply committed to his work. John Michie also does a good job as Tony, capturing his youthful enthusiasm and his growing frustration with the obstacles they face.

Overall, To Walk with Lions is a moving and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about our relationship with the natural world. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the people who dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation, and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species.