Review of Born Free (1966) by Bathsheba M — 25 Dec 2011

Born Free was a surprisingly charming and intimate portrayal of nature. The reason I believe why it was so heartwarming and inspiring in the end, was mainly due to its balanced direction: I never saw one hint of any sentimental melodrama throughout its duration - not from its music, not from its camerawork, and DEFINITELY not from its actors.

Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers gave convincing, warm, and at times comedic performances as the Adamson couple, and the animals in it - most notably Elsa - were beautifully depicted with what I felt was acute realism.

I could also see that with respect to its camerawork, its depiction of nature was realistic, though not too raw. There was not one single scene that depicted nature being too "red in tooth and claw", but nor did it display a saccharine-coated view of the lush African landscape.

And as for the music, it had just about one of the most painstakingly nostalgic and inspiring title songs I've ever heard. In the end, its final message - that of Elsa's ultimate and intended achievement of freedom (interwoven over Joy Adamson's spoken self-realization of Elsa's freedom) - was genuinely, precisely and brilliantly charted.

In my view, that was what ultimately made this a very warm family film, enjoyable to watch, and legendary to see.