Born Free moved audiences in such a way that the music still brings tears to peoples eyes. The inspiring true story of Joy and George Adamson and their fight to keep preserve nature touched a nerve with people. It exposed not only cruelty but gave audiences an insight into the work of two remarkable people who were willing to risk their lives to save animals.
Now comes the continuing story of George Adamson- the Kenyan Game warden who even in his eighties refuses the let lions become hunted like foxes. George takes on Tony Fitzjohn, (John Miche) a drifter from London to help with his quest. After the brutal murder of his wife Joy it becomes clear that George is in danger. The blood on the hands of the hunters = money for the ivory trade and other barbaric souvenir uses. Soon George is not only battling to save the lions but also it to stay alive.
This amazing film has a strong story at its core and is made even more compelling because it is true. The acting is superb. Richard Harris proves that after his career resurgence in Gladiator he has more good performances under his belt. John Miche is also excellent as George's young protégéé- displaying a devil may care attitude mixed with a need to continue in the old man's footsteps by the end of the film.
Absent from the Born Free films were a sense of true grit. In To Walk With Lions there is realism at every turn. When George becomes the hunted- it is not beautiful or easy to watch. Also evident is a sense of irony. The Characters even refer to the Born Free music in a jokey way.
The cinemaphotography is breathtaking and gives you a glimpse of Kenya rarely seen before. Add to this a stirring soundtrack and superb "Pied Piper" style shots of the lions following George calmly and you are left with a beautiful testament on film- to a remarkable man.
To Walk With Lions was over-looked in cinemas. Take a chance on this film and you will wonder how and why it got away in the first place. Just keep plenty of tissues handy for the heart-breaking dénouement.