 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Duma
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2005
Common Sense Media says
Enchanting coming-of-age story for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the father in the film dies, and that one character almost dies twice. This may upset more sensitive viewers. The main character has to deal with his father's death, moving to a new town, enrolling in a new school, and letting go of his favorite pet -- stressful situations for any kid. The film may inspire young animal lovers to ask if they can have a cheetah or other wild animal for a pet. The main character also runs away from home to return his cheetah to the wild and befriends a stranger.
What's the story?
For Xan (Alexander Michaletos), life is about his father, their farm in South Africa, and their rescued cheetah, Duma. But all along, Xan knows he'll have to return Duma to the wild. The week before Xan and father Peter (Campbell Scott) plan to release Duma, Peter passes away. Xan's life is thrown into turmoil. He and his mother Kristin (Hope Davis) lease the farm and move to the city. Xan is enrolled at a school where he's bullied. Everything seems to go wrong, and then it really does: Duma escapes the apartment, and suddenly the pair is on the lam. Xan uses the opportunity to return Duma to the wild. Here begins a Herculean journey, where a young boy must face life-or-death situations (Where do I get food? Do I trust this stranger? How do I cross this river or evade these lions?). Xan befriends a backpacker, Ripkuna (Eamonn Walker) and the three trek through the desert, face sandstorms, crocodiles, wild boars, lions, and attacking insects.
Is it any good?
With the adventure of Huckleberry Finn and the majesty of The Black Stallion, DUMA is an enchanting coming-of-age drama that teaches viewers the power and importance of family. Kids will be as mesmerized by the action as they are enchanted by Duma's gentle and loyal spirit. Here, the story and story-telling shines. Director Carroll Ballard also directed The Black Stallion and Fly Away Home, and it shows. The camera lovingly follows Duma's every movement and sound, evoking emotions if not human characteristics.
Alexander Michaletos plays Xan well as a scrappy, ingenious kid whose loyalty matches Duma's. Xan's relationship with Ripkuna is unexpectedly loving. Father-figure Ripkuna protects him and teaches him to allow change --both in himself and in Duma, who is less and less a pet and more a wild animal. Bonds -- between a boy and his cheetah, a boy and his mentor, a boy and his deceased father, and a boy and his mother -- are the real driving force here. Duma shows they are stronger than any cheetah is fast.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about family members who have died and how they remember them. What do you do when you have to let go of someone or something you love?
The film may inspire kids to read the book upon which it's based, How It Was With Dooms,
or to learn more about Africa's people and wildlife. A trip to the zoo
might be in order. They may also want to talk about Xan's decisions.
Would you run away from home? Would you talk to a stranger?Would there
be another way to get Duma released to the wild?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Well told, highly engaging story, beautifully photographed
The movie is a well told story of childhood decision-making (kids don't always make the right choices, even if choosing to do something for the right reasons) set into a sometimes stunningly beautiful tour of South Africa. Directed by Carrol Ballard (who directed one of the most photographically beautiful film made in color, The Black Stallion), with excellent use of many familiar archetypes. My 8 year old boy was fully engaged and loved it. (note on my scoring: I indicate "educational" because with a good post-viewing discussion, there is much to learn).
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AGE
Beautiful, Touching Portrayal of Growing Up
Duma is a touching tale about a boy learning to let his loved-ones go when they need to be. Set in gorgeous South-Africa, Duma takes you on a colorful and engaging journey about growing up- a very enchanting story.
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AGE
Simply kind movie/
I don't think that this film is a masterpiece of cinema. But it's full of kindness and love, and this is more important. The boy (even a boy – actor) will not be an egoist in future and bring a love to animals from his whole life. He was able to release cheeta at wild nature, thinking about his fate, and not about his attachment. I like the movie. But there is still a beautiful African legend why Cheetah black stripes of the eye. Save animals!
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Kid, 12 years old
February 19, 2011
AGE
Great
Really good movie one of my favourites.
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AGE
e.g. Engaging story, refreshing film
We watched this for family movie night with our 5.5 year old son and 2 year old daughter- everyone enjoyed it (and it's not always easy to find one that's enjoyable for kids and tolerable for parents). Everything about it was great and engaging- my kids didn't find any of the scenes with the animal predators scary but I think the father's death be difficult for more sensitive kids and might merit some discussion with your child but otherwise I highly recommend the film.
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AGE
Great coming of age story
Great coming of age story with the elements of life that concern children rather than adolescents (animals, parents, adult friends as opposed to opposite sex attraction or peer pressure). Beautifully filmed. Scary parts (death of father, danger from lions, near death of a friend) are not graphic, but also are not glossed over.
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| Topics: | adventures, wild animals |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Carroll Ballard |
| Cast: | Alexander Michaletos, Campbell Scott, Hope Davis |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 100 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 31, 2005 |
| DVD release date: | May 16, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic intensity |
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