Carroll Ballard (The Black Stallion, Fly Away Home) directs the exciting story of 12-year-old Xan (Alexander Michaletos), who decides to return the cheetah he raised from a cub to the wild instead of allowing pursuers to p... more »lace it in captivity. Harsh South African landscapes, stalking lions, crocodiles, river rapids and a mysterious drifter (Eamonn Walker) who may intend to turn the big cat in for cash - all will test Xan's courage and resolve. Join him in this tale of growing up and letting go. It's a journey you won't want to miss.« less
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 4/25/2022...
Excellent movie with an excellent storyline. Especially interesting for the children but much to learn for adults too. It's all about loving something so much that you let it go because you know it's the right thing to do.
Lois J. (lolo) from ORLEANS, MI Reviewed on 12/31/2010...
Great Movie to watch with the family, the trials of moving on after a loss and letting go doesn't mean not loving. My son Loves this over and over again.
Alexa W. (Awood) from ASHLAND, OR Reviewed on 9/12/2010...
A new modern version of the classic Born Free.
Movie Reviews
WOW STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING
Robin Simmons | Palm Springs area, CA United States | 05/08/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This exquisite little love story about a boy and a cheetah was poorly advertised when it was in theaters. It came and went and was overlooked by audiences. It deserves rediscovery on DVD. It is that rare thing, a true family film that is not insulting to kids or adults.
There is a fierce beauty to many of the scenes and close ups of the cheetah's face convey a kind of intelligence and dignity rarely seen on the screen or anywhere, for that matter.
The story is simple and remains true to the spirirt of the book. The screenplay adaptation is lean. But it is the extraordinary look of the movie that lingers in the mind. It casts a spell. As does the regal grace of the cheetah.
This simple story has no profound revelations, but it is not a waste of time and, without going into detail, I found the acting, locations, cinematography, music, and especially the directing to be of the highest order.
I highly recommend this wonderful little gem of a film."
Another family-friendly, engaging film from the director of
The Campbells | CA United States | 10/02/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My son "made" us see this movie, and we're so glad we did! Although there are some parallels to Fly Away Home (orphaned critters) and the Black Stallion (marooned far away from civilization), the story is completely different--somewhat predictable, but nevertheless pleasant to watch. Probably no Oscars for acting here, but definitely worth our time."
No violence, no sex, yet plenty of drama
Bob Drake | Bronx, NY United States | 05/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Alex Michaeletos, a South African, was selected over many other boys as Xan, despite casting calls around the world, because he had a pet cheetah himself, and went up to the animal he would be co-starring with and introduced himself by ruffling the cheetah's fur. Most potential Xans were too scared of the beast to approach it. It is this comfort level between Alex/Xan and Duma that makes the film believable, and Alex's slight Afrikaans accent just heightens the realism.
The fictional plot is a bit contrived, but the film takes you in unexpectedly interesting directions through amazing landscapes. Carroll Ballard directed Never Cry Wolf as well as Fly Away Home and deserved better with Duma. Warner should have released the film in more places than Chicago and New York. Test marketing in the Southwest was not very successful. Why not the Midwest?
There is nothing in the film to date it. I expect Duma to be enjoyed by families for years to come."
Underrated....
Tim | Emporia, KS USA | 05/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had heard that this movie was only released in Chicago theaters because the film industry felt that this movie would "not be very popular", they felt it would not be attractive to any age group...hmmmmmmmmm...Well, I am 23 years old and I thought this movie was excellent all the way around...better yet the cheetah was REAL, it wasn't a distorted looking computer animated cheetah, it was all real, shot on scene in South Africa...this film was truly authentic and amazingly beautiful, one of the BEST family films ever made!!!! I am disappointed that this film was never given a real chance at the box office, I feel it would have truly captivated children and adults alike...It deserved more attention than it got...GREAT film!!!!!"
Spectacular!!
Jesse Moore | Coeur d'Alene, ID | 05/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! I am terribly disappointed that I was unable to see this movie on the big screen. It wasn't available here on the west coast and so I had to wait till it came out on DVD in order to see it. This is a wonderful story about a boy and a cheetah (obviously) and I would certainly recommend it to anyone but especially if you are an animal lover. I found it to be quite touching and a must see. The acting on the animals and humans part is exceptional and although I find that I sleep right through most "exciting" movies, I was riveted to the screen throughout every moment of this film."