Disney documentary is one superb piece of work! Chronicles wildlife in Africa, centering on the King of the Beasts but also includes fascinating glimpses of rhinos, hippos, vultures, and even locusts(whose swarm is vividly captured). Three years in the making, film is an excellent primer for curious children, also terrifically entertaining for the adults.
12 Reviews
More Than Lions
boblipton25 March 2019
There are more than lions in this Disney True Life survey of the African veldt, where an Impala is the largest antelope, not the largest Chevrolet -- although I doubt we'll soon see a subcompact called dik-dik. It tells the story of the African year, running from birthing in the time of green grass, through daily life to the time of no water and a plague of locusts, until the rains come again. while surveying the variety of creatures on land, in the air and under the water.
Disney sent a camera crew under Alfred and Elma Milotte; it took them three years to take enough pictures for Disney's editors and story men to assemble into this movie. It's a fine piece of work, and look out for the rhinoceros trapped in the mud!
Disney sent a camera crew under Alfred and Elma Milotte; it took them three years to take enough pictures for Disney's editors and story men to assemble into this movie. It's a fine piece of work, and look out for the rhinoceros trapped in the mud!
Some wonderful wildlife photography, especially for its time.
runamokprods15 June 2010
Feature length documentary, part of Disney's True-Life Adventure series.
This was the best reviewed of the series – both at the time of it's release and in more recently reviews - and it really is quite good. While the music is over-the-top, and some of the narration is a bit Disney 'cute', a lot of the narration is really informative, and a lot of the wildlife photography is amazing, especially considering when it was done.
It's not really about Lions as much as the whole African world they lord over. There's some footage of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and a locust swarm that's flat out breathtaking.
NB: On the same disc is 'Bear Country', an Oscar winning 30 min short.
This was the best reviewed of the series – both at the time of it's release and in more recently reviews - and it really is quite good. While the music is over-the-top, and some of the narration is a bit Disney 'cute', a lot of the narration is really informative, and a lot of the wildlife photography is amazing, especially considering when it was done.
It's not really about Lions as much as the whole African world they lord over. There's some footage of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and a locust swarm that's flat out breathtaking.
NB: On the same disc is 'Bear Country', an Oscar winning 30 min short.
Sex, Lions and Videotape
southdavid9 March 2021
Another Disney Plus documentary, near the top alphabetically is "The African Lion" an addition to the "True Life Adventures" documentary series that was originally released in 1955, when animal documentaries were perhaps not as ubiquitous as they are now - indeed you can only imagine that for many this was their first ever look at African wildlife in their natural habitat.
Alfred and Elma Milotte spent three years filming the African Wildlife in three countries in Africa, Kenya, Tanganika (Now part of Tanzania) and Uganda. Their film focuses on African Lions and their behaviours but widens to show the rest of the ecosystem and how the animals interact with one another. Though the film is edited to provide a narrative of sorts, it's (thankfully) not the same cloying method as utilised with "A Tale of Two Critters".
Honestly, despite its age, I found myself sticking with "The African Lion" through to its conclusion and appreciating a lot of what I saw. It was edited to a really impressive orchestral score that I enjoyed and had some truly stunning visuals. The sky so full of locusts they reflect the sun and look like a flowing silver sea is something I hadn't seen before and that will stay with me.
Hidden cameras and High definition have, of course, surpassed this film in terms of showing the animal kingdom, but this was impressive for it's time and still retains some of that power today.
Alfred and Elma Milotte spent three years filming the African Wildlife in three countries in Africa, Kenya, Tanganika (Now part of Tanzania) and Uganda. Their film focuses on African Lions and their behaviours but widens to show the rest of the ecosystem and how the animals interact with one another. Though the film is edited to provide a narrative of sorts, it's (thankfully) not the same cloying method as utilised with "A Tale of Two Critters".
Honestly, despite its age, I found myself sticking with "The African Lion" through to its conclusion and appreciating a lot of what I saw. It was edited to a really impressive orchestral score that I enjoyed and had some truly stunning visuals. The sky so full of locusts they reflect the sun and look like a flowing silver sea is something I hadn't seen before and that will stay with me.
Hidden cameras and High definition have, of course, surpassed this film in terms of showing the animal kingdom, but this was impressive for it's time and still retains some of that power today.
A must for all nature documentary fans
richpowers29 March 2006
Really a superb nature documentary, a captivating watch. I can't think of a better film on the wild kingdom. Why isn't this available on video? This is not specifically a film about lions as it's title implies, this is a film about the African wild, untouched, with fascinating looks at the life and times a full variety of species including elephants, rhino's, giraffes, antelope, monkeys, leopards, and more..
Near the beginning, the narrator says; "This is Africa, The Lions Realm.." which would have been a more appropriate title. The film covers a lot of different species, and it does so in a way that enables the viewer to both absorb specific insights into the daily existence of individual creatures, while at the same time experience the essence of the wild as a whole.
Now admittedly, I love nature and wildlife type shows; and my opinion is that this production made over 50 years ago, is amongst kings of nature films.
Near the beginning, the narrator says; "This is Africa, The Lions Realm.." which would have been a more appropriate title. The film covers a lot of different species, and it does so in a way that enables the viewer to both absorb specific insights into the daily existence of individual creatures, while at the same time experience the essence of the wild as a whole.
Now admittedly, I love nature and wildlife type shows; and my opinion is that this production made over 50 years ago, is amongst kings of nature films.
Cool little...
RosanaBotafogo24 July 2021
The lion is a superb and lazy, the wild world of animals, sometimes it seems unfair, beautiful documentary, as only Disney could produce, in such tender years and with such a grandiose, passionate production, despite being the least interesting of what I've watched marathoning Disney natural documentaries...
Wonderful documentary
jazerbini11 April 2014
I saw this documentary in 1960 at age 11 and never forgot it. It was very well done. It is wonderful. I watched with my father who is gone for 28 years. I was so impressed with the beauty of the species that spent collecting everything I could about animals. The scenes are beautifully shot and encourage children to like and, of course, preserve animal life. Fantastic, wonderful. Just the initial presentation of the documentary to paint the map of Africa and its different regions, it is a lesson in Geography.In the following years despite developments in technology not seen documentaries that level which makes it even more valuable. It is an example of a job well done.Unfortunate not copy for sale there.
Uneven
gridoon202418 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Leonard Maltin calls "The African Lion" the best of Disney's True-Life Adventures, but, after having seen a few of them lately, I do not agree. If anything, it proves that the African lion is just too damn lazy to center an entire movie around, so the filmmakers make it just one part in the gallery of animals they examine. The first half is too leisurely, even ponderous, but the second does have some amazing footage and exciting action. Perhaps none more impressive than the "locust blizzard" at the end. **1/2 out of 4.
The lion king
TheLittleSongbird8 November 2021
Anybody who has a fascination with lions should definitely consider seeing 'The African Lion', especially if you have seen other documentaries primarily focused upon lions (i.e. 2011's 'The Last Lions') or featuring them (most episodes of documentary series that focus upon the wildlife of African habitats). Also if nature documentaries and Disney are your cup of tea, they certainly are mine, and if you want to see what older nature documentaries were like.
Having really liked the previous two True Life Adventures feature films 'The Living Desert' and 'The Vanishing Prairie', and taking all the above into account, expectations were high. And they were definitely met, as was the case with pretty much all the True Life Adventures series, feature films and short subjects (with only 'White Wilderness', which still had a huge amount to recommend, disappointing a little). It is not the definitive documentary on lions or one of the best of this particular series, but 'The African Lion' is incredibly well made and interesting and holds up very well.
'The African Lion' isn't perfect. The True Life Adventures feature films, oddly enough the short subject films didn't have this problem, did have the common problem of having some too cute and too jokey moments. 'The African Lion' is no exception, especially with the birds and the hippos. Some of the jokiness was again a bit forced and not needed.
On the other hand, a huge amount is done right and outweighs what could have been done better. 'The African Lion' looks great, the colour photography is so vivid in colour and never static. Showing the majestic scenery, both beautiful and uncompromising, in all its glory. Really liked the music on the whole, which was a mix of grand and catchy even if it occasionally over-emphasised the humorous moments. The animals, wonderfully varied, are a mix of adorable, sinister and fun to watch.
Moreover, the cubs are so playful and cute and the mother's love was very touching to watch. The hunting does thrill and doesn't get dumbed down. The material is familiar, ground-breaking actually back then but if you have seen similar footage or similar themes in documentaries made in the past forty or so minutes it's recognisable, but it doesn't feel tired. One of my favourite scenes of the True Life Adventures series is the jaw dropping locust blizzard, that is the closest the series gets to the sensation of "wonder at how this was filmed". Winston Hibler's delivery was not an issue to me, nicely deadpan at times but also always good natured.
Very good on the whole. 8/10.
Having really liked the previous two True Life Adventures feature films 'The Living Desert' and 'The Vanishing Prairie', and taking all the above into account, expectations were high. And they were definitely met, as was the case with pretty much all the True Life Adventures series, feature films and short subjects (with only 'White Wilderness', which still had a huge amount to recommend, disappointing a little). It is not the definitive documentary on lions or one of the best of this particular series, but 'The African Lion' is incredibly well made and interesting and holds up very well.
'The African Lion' isn't perfect. The True Life Adventures feature films, oddly enough the short subject films didn't have this problem, did have the common problem of having some too cute and too jokey moments. 'The African Lion' is no exception, especially with the birds and the hippos. Some of the jokiness was again a bit forced and not needed.
On the other hand, a huge amount is done right and outweighs what could have been done better. 'The African Lion' looks great, the colour photography is so vivid in colour and never static. Showing the majestic scenery, both beautiful and uncompromising, in all its glory. Really liked the music on the whole, which was a mix of grand and catchy even if it occasionally over-emphasised the humorous moments. The animals, wonderfully varied, are a mix of adorable, sinister and fun to watch.
Moreover, the cubs are so playful and cute and the mother's love was very touching to watch. The hunting does thrill and doesn't get dumbed down. The material is familiar, ground-breaking actually back then but if you have seen similar footage or similar themes in documentaries made in the past forty or so minutes it's recognisable, but it doesn't feel tired. One of my favourite scenes of the True Life Adventures series is the jaw dropping locust blizzard, that is the closest the series gets to the sensation of "wonder at how this was filmed". Winston Hibler's delivery was not an issue to me, nicely deadpan at times but also always good natured.
Very good on the whole. 8/10.
early Disney nature doc
SnoopyStyle26 March 2019
It's an early Disney nature documentary as part of the award winning series True-Life Adventures. The opening text declares that this was three years in the making. This looks at the animals of the mysterious interior African lands. It starts at Mount Kilimanjaro. It's not only the Lions, the king of beasts. It's also giraffes, elephants, baboons, hippos, ostriches, wildebeests, and many other animals. The lions do return from time to time. It ends with a plague of locusts.
There is no denying the beauty of these animals and Disney is there to capture it. The cinematography is great especially considering the era. Nature docs don't take another giant leap until the days of HD. The most questionable narration is the little bird cleaning up the hippos. The narrator claims that it's pulling out hairs or eyelashes as beauty treatments but that may be done with tongue fully in cheek. The pictures are so beautiful and the nature is so epic. Any complaints are minor in comparison.
There is no denying the beauty of these animals and Disney is there to capture it. The cinematography is great especially considering the era. Nature docs don't take another giant leap until the days of HD. The most questionable narration is the little bird cleaning up the hippos. The narrator claims that it's pulling out hairs or eyelashes as beauty treatments but that may be done with tongue fully in cheek. The pictures are so beautiful and the nature is so epic. Any complaints are minor in comparison.
Lions and More
atleverton29 April 2023
So some of you may know about my project to watch all the films that were or have been or will be released by Walt Disney Studios and this is certainly one of them. It's part of a documentary series called True Life Adventures, which uses footage that was filmed in Africa in a 30-month period. It's a documentary about lions mostly, but it does focus on other animals in Africa. There are two main reasons to watch this film and two main reasons to avoid it. Well, maybe three reasons, to watch it and one reason to avoid it. The first reason is if you want to watch all Disney films this is certainly a Disney film, so you should watch it, although there's no animation or anything that really makes it a Disney film. The second reason to watch it is connected to the reason not to watch it, it's a nature documentary from 1954 so that's about 70 years ago. I'm sure we have learned more about nature than we knew back then and some of the ideas presented in the film are either wrong or out of date, and I'm not a biologist, so I can't tell you what is presented that is out of date. But it's an interesting experience to watch a documentary from the 1950s about nature, it's not really something you do every day. I think the way that we present documentaries and nature Documentaries has changed and evolved and maybe for the better, maybe for the worse, but this is certainly an interesting experience to see what was presented to the audience as a nature documentary at that time. The other main reason to watch this film is that the narrator is so mean to his subjects. There's a great line where he says something, the lions are just lying around, and it's hot-they're not doing anything. They're sleeping in the hot African sun and the narrator says "the African Lion is the laziest animal alive" I thought to myself wow that's pretty harsh criticism coming there from the narrator. Then there's another section because it's not just about lions but like African animals generally, and so he's talking about leopards and how they hunt and how they wait for prey to go under their tree, and then they'll drop from the tree and attack them. He's describing the wildebeest who are going in one direction, and he says the wildebeest is a stupid animal (because it's walking into this trap) It's just so great because narrators never give their opinion like that in modern documentaries. I mean, I'm sure it wasn't the narrator's opinion, it was in the script, but you never have a documentary where nowadays where the narrator just doesn't like the subject at all. Those are great moments so check it out if you want to be a Disney completist you can watch it but if not you are really not missing anything.
The drama of the wild life of Africa set to music
clanciai8 December 2021
The amazing miracle about this film is not just the world of patience spent during three years to catch all these animals and their ways of life on film, not just the brilliant camera technique in approaching the animals to their intimacy, not just the broad universal scope of the presentation of African wild life, but above all to make the music illustrate it all with incredible precision of observation, timing and faithfulness, as if the animals did what they did conducted by the music. Paul Smith was applied in several Walt Disney films and always with more eloquent results than he was given any credit for. Walt Disney displayed a knack for this already in "Bambi", in which the music carefully follows the entire narrative with overwhelming faithfulness and precision, and the same miracle is presented here, like also in other documentaries of his like "The Living Desert". This is a quality in Walt Disney that is generally overlooked, his immense musicality and skill of applying it to his films, to make them wonders of experience both visually, mentally and musically.
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