White Lion
By Lisa A. Goldstein,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Poignant story blends gorgeous footage with mild peril.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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What's the Story?
In a remote African valley, young Gisani grew up listening to his chieftain father tell him about the Shangaan legend of white lions, purported to be messengers of the gods. Nobody has seen one for years when he comes across a white lion cub in the wilderness. Gisani knows it is his destiny to protect it, as this will ensure his village's safety as well. He takes a job as a tracker for a hunter, while keeping watch on the lion he names Letsatsi. The young lion -- an outsider because of his color -- faces many obstacles as he struggles to survive, and his journey into an adult lion isn't complete until he faces down his ultimate enemy: the trophy hunter.
Is It Any Good?
This splendid, award-winning film -- which took four years to make and was shot on location in South Africa -- stars up to 60 wild lions. The intimate look at the lions and their habitat is fascinating to watch. Other animals indigenous to Africa are also remarkably captured. It's like going on safari from the comfort of the living room.
But it's not all sweeping vistas and butterflies. There are scary and graphic moments that may make this movie difficult for kids. Young ones could also get impatient with the slow pace. The point is to show that these animals live in what should be a peaceful world, but is one increasingly threatened by humans. Letsatsi's journey helps drive the point home; with everything coming together poignantly at the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in films. What's seen in this movie is real and many times, necessary. How does this compare with violence or gore in other films?
How do you think this movie will impact the lions? What effect does the media play in how some cultures are changing?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 19, 2010
- On DVD or streaming: February 15, 2011
- Cast: Jamie Bartlett, John Kani, Thabo Malema
- Director: Michael Swan
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Peru Productions
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Wild Animals
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some mild action and brief smoking
- Last updated: June 2, 2023
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