I put off seeing "Duma" (2005) because, even though I like an occasional animal movie, I didn't expect "Duma" to have any depth. I was happy to be proved wrong. I should have expected no less from director Carroll Ballard, who's known for other artistic and meaningful animal films, like "The Black Stallion" (1979) and "Never Cry Wolf" (1983). Another thing I was pleased to discover is that "Duma" is more of a survival adventure than a kid's animal flick. Yes, we have the kid's pet cheetah, and also an accidental pet bushbaby (or galago), but the film's more about the two main characters than the animals.
The two characters happen to be Xan (short for Alexander), a South African boy who takes off from home to release his pet cheetah into the wild. The other character is Ripkuna (Eamonn Walker ), an African drifter trying to find out where he belongs in the world after some bad experiences. This relationship is the core of the picture. For a brief period of time these two stumble on to each other and it's a fortuitous meeting because they both have something the other needs, at least for the present.
The cheetah, the galago and the other numerous animals are great too, as are the awesome African visuals (shot in South Africa and bordering Botswana), but it's Xan and Ripkuna's relationship that gives the film depth and makes it absorbing. This makes up for a couple of eye-rolling parts, like the part where Xan is saved from some bullies at school.
So "Duma" provides the best of three worlds: amazing animals, awe-inspiring geography and some potent lessons to chew on. Add to this a notable diverse score by George Acogny & John Debney and you have a great or near-great animal film.
The film runs 100 minutes.
GRADE: B+ (7.5/10)
The two characters happen to be Xan (short for Alexander), a South African boy who takes off from home to release his pet cheetah into the wild. The other character is Ripkuna (Eamonn Walker ), an African drifter trying to find out where he belongs in the world after some bad experiences. This relationship is the core of the picture. For a brief period of time these two stumble on to each other and it's a fortuitous meeting because they both have something the other needs, at least for the present.
The cheetah, the galago and the other numerous animals are great too, as are the awesome African visuals (shot in South Africa and bordering Botswana), but it's Xan and Ripkuna's relationship that gives the film depth and makes it absorbing. This makes up for a couple of eye-rolling parts, like the part where Xan is saved from some bullies at school.
So "Duma" provides the best of three worlds: amazing animals, awe-inspiring geography and some potent lessons to chew on. Add to this a notable diverse score by George Acogny & John Debney and you have a great or near-great animal film.
The film runs 100 minutes.
GRADE: B+ (7.5/10)