The Last Lions

Husband-and-wife filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert helmed this nature documentary—shot in Botswana's Okavango Delta—about Africa's dwindling lion population, focusing on the lioness Ma di Tau (“Mother of Lions”), who is the leonine equivalent of a single mom. Ma di Tau's story gets off to a dramatic and tumultuous start with an escape from a raging fire; her valiant effort to bring her three cubs to safety includes passage across a crocodile-infested river, the challenge of a rival pride, and aggressive behavior from a buffalo herd. While The Last Lions features extraordinary cinematography that captures the glory and ferocity of the African ecosystem, the filmmakers unfortunately cannot resist dumbing down the core story with manipulative editing and sentimental narration (although Jeremy Irons does his best to retain some dignity, even when recounting what Ma di Tau seemingly feels and knows at various times). Released theatrically with a PG rating, the film may be too intense for very young viewers (especially during graphic scenes of animal fights and a sequence involving a wounded cub. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)