I love this film for the ample opportunity it gives me to observe these beautiful lions and for the profound message that it conveys, not only regarding the respect that wildlife deserves from us humans but the most fundamental reality of survival on this planet. This lesson in survival applies to humans as well as other species, including these magnificent lions. While I love watching the lions in their native habitat, something that I will most likely never have the opportunity to experience personally, I am struck by the startling connection of my own life to Elsa's. On this most recent viewing, by Elsa's example I suddenly realized how ill prepared I was for my own survival on this earth. It was a shocking revelation and totally unexpected. As it turns out, Elsa serves as a very attractive, even lovable, symbol of the harsh brutality of life on this deceptively beautiful planet. Suddenly orphaned, she is taken into the warm, caring arms of her human protectors until it's time for her to fend for herself. I am heartbroken as I watch her futilely chasing the Adamsons' Land Rover because I know that there is no way back for her to their loving, nurturing world. Yes, I, a man of 70, cried when I witnessed this agonizing scene. The focus of this movie is the ability of Elsa to make it on her own. How many of us haven't been faced with the very same challenge when we were released into the wild, alone and friendless? Who among us can't personally relate to Elsa's extremely painful, lonely predicament as she is forced to survive in this cold, unpitying world on her own?
From the very start, the beautiful theme song by the brilliant John Barry, who composed more memorable movie scores than I could ever list here, should inspire us to see more. After more than fifty years, this iconic song, which, to me, so perfectly captures the power of freedom itself, has withstood the test of time. Matt Monro, whose golden, baritone voice I have sometimes mistaken for that of Sammy Davis Jr., sings it superbly as the film ends. Imagine Carl Foreman's removal of the song from the original British release of the film until he finally came to his senses. Taste in music, like movies, is very subjective. As Mom used to say so tactfully, "if we all liked the same thing, it would be a very boring world." Had I only learned her gracious art of subtlety and diplomacy.
What also impresses me is how dedicated Joy and George Adamson were to Elsa and her siblings from the very beginning of their adventure. Their steadfast patience should set an example for all of us as we relate to other species of the world, beginning with our own dogs and cats. I am very sorry to read of how the lives of such compassionate people ended so violently. As we learn from an irresistibly charming Elsa, this can indeed be a very unforgiving, unpredictable world.
From the very start, the beautiful theme song by the brilliant John Barry, who composed more memorable movie scores than I could ever list here, should inspire us to see more. After more than fifty years, this iconic song, which, to me, so perfectly captures the power of freedom itself, has withstood the test of time. Matt Monro, whose golden, baritone voice I have sometimes mistaken for that of Sammy Davis Jr., sings it superbly as the film ends. Imagine Carl Foreman's removal of the song from the original British release of the film until he finally came to his senses. Taste in music, like movies, is very subjective. As Mom used to say so tactfully, "if we all liked the same thing, it would be a very boring world." Had I only learned her gracious art of subtlety and diplomacy.
What also impresses me is how dedicated Joy and George Adamson were to Elsa and her siblings from the very beginning of their adventure. Their steadfast patience should set an example for all of us as we relate to other species of the world, beginning with our own dogs and cats. I am very sorry to read of how the lives of such compassionate people ended so violently. As we learn from an irresistibly charming Elsa, this can indeed be a very unforgiving, unpredictable world.