The Last Lions

So excited I've finally added this to my DVD library!

Look what got delivered today!  If you haven't seen (or heard of) The Last Lions, come on over and we'll watch it.  This is one of the best documentaries, wildlife or non, I have ever seen.  It has the film quality of Planet Earth but follows a story rather simply documenting behavior.  It's a real life Lion King - and it doesn't hurt that it's narrated by Scar (Jeremy Irons).

Most people are exposed to "true" wildlife through channels such as Animal Planet.  But, in our reality show driven society, the programming on these stations is no longer focused on education but rather, entertainment.  You are not going to learn anything of value about wildlife from Finding Bigfoot or Hillbilly Hand Fishing.  (I don't even watch Animal Planet anymore their programming is so worthless).  Disney Nature has done a pretty good job trying to get people interested in nature not "nature" having come out with a few wildlife films, which are wonderful but definitely geared towards a certain demographic.  African Cats, which followed the lives of a family of lions and a family of cheetahs was absolutely adorable, however, it is for a rated G audience and life in the wild is not rated G.

I had the opportunity to go to the premiere of The Last Lions at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego on February 9, 2011.  The premier included a Q&A with the filmmakers Dereck & Beverly Joubert.  What makes this film unlike any other wildlife program is that this husband and wife team took the time for the lions to habituate to their presence allowing for a virtually, truly wild portrayal of a lion's life.  They lived amongst these lions for years basically becoming one with the bush so we can have a glimpse into the lion's world.  They also made a point not to anthropomorphize while writing the script.  In other words, they didn't give the lions human emotions, leaving the interpretation up to the viewer.  There is no holding back in this movie.  It is very real and you will feel all the emotions that go along with that.  

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