Review of African Cats (2011) by Doug N — 27 May 2018

"Africans Cats".

Review by: Doug Nau.

Rating: *****/5.

Directed by: Alastair Fothergill.

Keith Scholey.

Produced by: Alix Tidmarsh.

Keith Scholey.

Narrated by: Samuel L. Jackson.

Score Composed by: Nicholas Hooper.

African Cats, tells the true story of two animal families in the wild by using real-life footage. The film focuses on a young lion cub named Mara being raised by her mother, Layla, a mother cheetah named Sita who is raising five newborns, and Fang, the leader of a pride defending his family from a banished lion with so many species competing for space and food in the savannah, the animals must figure out the best way to survive. Mara, a 6-month old cub, who aspires to follow her mother Layla's footsteps. Layla suffers a serious injury from a fight with other animals, making it more difficult for her to tend to Mara. As a result of the injury, Mara faces an uncertain future, and her loyalty to her mother is challenged.

Sita, the adult cheetah, tries to protect her newborn cubs from the various dangers of the Savannah. She regularly has to leave her cubs in order to hunt food, risking the possibility of them being attacked by lions, hyenas, adult male cheetahs, and other large mammals. Separately, Fang, the leader of the pride, has recently broken his tooth in a battle with another animal. A rival group of lions headed by a lion named Kali are trying to dethrone Fang, and Fang must prove that he is still the king. Life on the Savannah is full of challenging conditions and eager competitors, but the animals must all find a way to survive. Although all three of the stories take place on the African Savannah, each adventure operates independent of one another.

This is such a spectacular documentary film of wild-life I've ever seen, because it not another factual documentary you watched in high school but the film actually has a story that is very engaging and entertaining, yet simple to follow. It also has a heartwarming message about the power of mother's love for her cub. The result is almost like a real-life version of The Lion King if it was a live action film. The camera work is incredibly well done especially with the close up and slow motions shots of the cheetahs running, as well as astonishing scenery of the African Savannah. The film also features all your favorite animals from Giraffe, Elephants, Ostrich, Wildebeest, etc. but the real stars are the Lion and Cheetahs. Samuel L. Jackson provide the narration for the film and the action and while at time he seems a little too dramatic during moments that are suspenseful but I still thought he did a very good job telling the story.

So Overall I absolutely adore this film its a must see for anyone who love these magnificent feline animals. I love the fact that there's a story that's engaging, almost as if mother nature is bringing the story to life. This almost felt like this is how a live action Lion King would be like The footage of the African Savannah is so breathtakingly striking. Samuel L. Jackson did a good job telling a story while maybe he was a little too dramatic but fits well in the really suspenseful moments. It is the best documentary I've have ever seen!