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It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

The acting in this movie is really good.

I know that most animal documentaries are also sad but this one got to me towards the end with Ma di Tau and her precious little daughter. I still think about the face of the little cub.This documentary is fantastic. Great scenery and puts you in the predicament of our lions. I highly recommend watching it.One thing really got to me. It was a review by MANOHLA DARGIS of the NY times. Did this women watch the movie or just have an agenda?She says "Within the first 20 minutes of "The Last Lions" one adult lion dies in a ferocious on-screen fight .." Then in the next paragraph she says "First, her old man splits..." Well, if Manohla actually watched the movie rather than looking at it she should have known that the adult lion who died was her mate fighting for her and the cubs to protect their territory. He did not split. He fought and gave up his life for the family. That is a helluva difference Manohla.And Ma di Tau and her cubs did not "lose their home in a fire." They were forced out by the new pride that came in and took over their territory. The fire was an impediment to their escape. Geez woman get the facts right. And you are a film critic????

I saw wild lions in Kenya and Tanzania in 1983, and I am very sympathetic to their plight. I hadn't known their population had decreased to 20,000, and I completely concur with the filmmakers about the issue of dwindling habitat for so many species. However, I was irritated by the anthropomorphizing all the way through this movie, as well as by the music. I wish this had been a more straight-forward documentary. In fact, I don't think the film was all that educational. For example, I had thought that adult male lions were mainly solitary except when mating, but the movie showed a group of adult males. I would have liked to have learned more about how lions really live (including an explanation of that group of males) rather than a story that was probably made up to some extent. The lions and the scenery are beautiful, but it's obvious that to tell a story, the filmmakers must have used scenes taken at other times - probably of other animals. There's no way they could have had multiple camera angles of key scenes. I also would have been interested in seeing more of how the movie was made - the final shots of the filmmakers were tantalizing but too few. I do encourage viewers to find and donate to appropriate charities that help save wildlife habitats around the world.

I give this film a 9 for its technical mastery, its obvious good intentions and the gorgeous cinematography.***SPOILERS AHEAD*** However, I'm afraid my immersion in the film's world, and my "suspension of disbelief" were sorely tested by the filmmakers' choices. Many audience members know that wildlife filmmakers take tremendous liberties with their story arcs, their substitution of one animal for another and their consistency of time, place and sound. These are necessary leaps that are simply required by the difficulty of the genre. But from very early on, when a huge elephant is shown advancing on the camera and stomping the ground angrily, and we are led by the saccharine narration to believe that it is trying to assault a pair of lion cubs... they lost me. You never see the cubs and the elephant in the same shot. Was the elephant even in the same country as the cubs? This technique is used to extremes -- the lion looks off to the left and you are told she is seeing her former mate who has been horribly mauled by competing male lions. But you never see her and the male lion in the same frame at this point (after seeing them - or is it them? - frolicking together earlier before the mauling). So did she ever really see him again? There are countless similar liberties, but I can see I'm sounding like a sourpuss so I'll stop here.In any case, the film is beautiful, the intimate view of Mother Nature's cruelties and gifts is unique and moving. You will leave thanking God you weren't born a lion, and you will have a new or renewed concern for their well-being. My only wish is that the filmmakers hadn't expected so little of me as a viewer. I think you can enjoy the film and appreciate its mission and message even if you do see the flaws I saw. In fact, I hope I'm wrong, and I hope to read that the filmmakers did use only one lioness as the "star," so to speak. But go see it. You won't regret it. And give to support National Geographic's efforts in protecting lions and their habitat!

I was fortunate enough to see LAST LIONS at National Geographic headquarters in DC last night. It is an excellent and compelling film. Beautifully photographed and a story that will have you grasping the armrests. Just one caveat - take the PG rating seriously. Do not bring little children. Nature can be very hard and the Jouberts do not flinch from showing this side. That said, older children and of course adults will be transported. I certainly was. Though certainly the creators' intent (and NG's, too) is to educate people about the plight of lions (50 years ago there were 450,000 in the wild, now just 20,000), you will be entertained as well as enlightened.