fossicle I know that most animal documentaries are also sad but this one got to me towards the end with Ma di Tau and her precious little daughter. I still think about the face of the little cub.This documentary is fantastic. Great scenery and puts you in the predicament of our lions. I highly recommend watching it.One thing really got to me. It was a review by MANOHLA DARGIS of the NY times. Did this women watch the movie or just have an agenda?She says "Within the first 20 minutes of "The Last Lions" one adult lion dies in a ferocious on-screen fight .." Then in the next paragraph she says "First, her old man splits..." Well, if Manohla actually watched the movie rather than looking at it she should have known that the adult lion who died was her mate fighting for her and the cubs to protect their territory. He did not split. He fought and gave up his life for the family. That is a helluva difference Manohla.And Ma di Tau and her cubs did not "lose their home in a fire." They were forced out by the new pride that came in and took over their territory. The fire was an impediment to their escape. Geez woman get the facts right. And you are a film critic????

Elias Ross I went to a free screening of Last Lions in Seattle and enjoyed the film. The visuals were great, music was interesting, and it really felt like you were sharing the experience.But anthropomorphizing the main character, in this case a female Lion, didn't really seem warranted. This wasn't written for children, was it? Yes, it's helpful as scientists or experts to explain the behavior to the audience, objectively. It's not helpful saying what a lion is feeling and their motivation. I can see for myself the motivation of an animal.In additional, I feel it could have been much better without Jeremy Irons reading a cheesy script. Some of the lines were fairly cliché. Well crafted English doesn't have to be ornate and baroque. Let the Lions be the poetry.

mharding01 I was fortunate enough to see LAST LIONS at National Geographic headquarters in DC last night. It is an excellent and compelling film. Beautifully photographed and a story that will have you grasping the armrests. Just one caveat - take the PG rating seriously. Do not bring little children. Nature can be very hard and the Jouberts do not flinch from showing this side. That said, older children and of course adults will be transported. I certainly was. Though certainly the creators' intent (and NG's, too) is to educate people about the plight of lions (50 years ago there were 450,000 in the wild, now just 20,000), you will be entertained as well as enlightened.

dblcap-1 I was one of the fortunate few who were introduced today to this cinematic dreamscape of Botswana and the incredible life of one brave lioness. The premiere in Houston, TX was presented by National Geographic and the audience was also treated to a Q&A session with the actual film makers -- Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Quite an honor and special event offered to the contributors of the Big Cats initiative where the donations help dedicated researchers and animal conservationists find solutions to the grave threats facing lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats. This documentary provided scenes of survival that even this Big Cat Diary watcher has never witnessed. Amazing truths of the brutal life in the wild that these creatures face every day in Africa. Incredible scenes of the adaptation of the kings and queens of the jungle and their unwavering dedication to the protection of their young.The musical score and cinematography, together with the slightly subdued drama beautifully presented by Jeremy Irons made this a truly riveting experience that I will never forget and, for which I am proud to be a continued supporter.This is a must see for animal lovers.