DUMA (2005)

Some friendships are wilder than others.


GENRE
Action/Drama/Family


STORYLINE
An orphaned cheetah becomes the best friend and pet of a young boy living in South Africa.

DIRECTOR

Carroll Ballard

CAST

Alex Michaelatos
Campbell Scott
Eamonn Walker
Hope Davis


MY REVIEW
There are many movies that deal with friendship but this one is rare.   Its not about 2 human friends but is about a boy and his pet Cheetah who he must take to the 'wild' so that he is 'fully alive'.   Duma is one of the most refreshing, different and innovative films that I have seen.   It is basically about the bond the 2 friends share and their journey from Johannesburg to the wild.


Set in South Africa, one day Xan and his father Peter discover an orphaned Cheetah.   Fearing that the cub might not be able to survive, they take him in.   As he grows older, Peter realizes that this type of life is not meant for Duma ( Swahili name for Cheetah).   Although initially reluctant Xan agrees.   But the plan gets postponed when Peter gets mysteriously ill and ultimately dies.   Duma moves along with Xan and his mother to the city only for Duma to create havoc in Xan's school.   Fearing captivity, Xan escapes with Duma to fulfill his father's wish meeting Ripkuna who is on a journey of his own.

The thing that works for this movie is its attention to detail.   Lots of movies are made on friends but due to the fast pace of movie, you are never able to feel this bond.   This movie moves slowly and makes you feel the love the 2 friends share.  Also what works is the change Xan and Duma bring about in Ripkuna.   The way they are able to change his mindset about money and importance of family is amazing.   The locations have been chosen perfectly for this film.  They even dealt with the life back in the city.   With Xan and Duma missing, they show Xan's mother's numerous unsuccessful attempts in trying to find a child.  The woman has just lost her husband and now her child is missing.  The emotions that she goes through have not been ignored in this film.


As for the performances, the child Alexander Michaeletos is brilliant.   It is natural for a child to look scared around a ferocious animal but this guy looks as normal as one can.   It is as if the cheetah is his real life buddy.


The support from other actors like Eamonn Walker particularly the scene with the insect attacks show his worth. Xan's mother played by Hope Davis and Father by Campbell Scott have done quite good.


Watch this light hearted film for the true meaning of friendship. It is an honest and beautiful film.


MY RATING-8.5/10


TRAILER