Love & Bananas: An Elephant Story

Actress Ashley Bell (The Last Exorcism, Novitiate) directs this emotionally-charged documentary, serving as a passionate onscreen advocate for addressing the sad state of the Asian elephant. While African elephants are estimated to be just under a half-million in number, the Asian variety is currently less than 50,000. It’s no wonder that the population is dwindling, considering the tormented lives of these wondrous mammals (the film includes brief sickening footage of the prolonged torture of a captured elephant being driven to madness and submission). Following up on a promise made in 2013 to the renowned, courageous conservationist Sangdeaun Lek Chailert, Bell with a small film crew arrive a few years later to capture life on Chailert’s elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Soon, Bell and Chailert focus on rescuing a nearly blind, 70-year-old elephant named Noi Na, who is at a “trek” company that has been selling rides atop the overstressed, bewildered creature for decades. The drama of freeing Noi Na takes viewers to the edge of their seats, and there are unforeseen dividends when the company’s owner begins to regret what he has done to elephants. Bell has made a fine documentary, an inspiring portrait of compassion that also captures the fantastic bond between humans and elephants. Extras include deleted scenes and the film’s soundtrack. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)