Susan Granger’s review of “Roar: Lions of the Kalahari” (IMAX)
It’s survival of the fittest in this new, National Geographic-sponsored IMAX adventure! At the edge of a shallow watering hole in the middle of the arid salt flats of central Botswana, a mammoth 10-foot-long lion has reigned supreme for three years. His lioness pride consists of two sisters – one older, one younger – and the older is about to present him with cubs. But most of the time these lithe females are busy supplying the fresh springbok on which he feasts. Then, suddenly, an unfamiliar rumbling growl and then a roar breaks the silence of the night. There’s an aggressive, younger male who covets the lionesses, and his nearby presence places the five cubs in danger. A struggle for territory and dominance is inevitable although the aging, black-maned lion is able to postpone a violent confrontation with the nomad for several months. Director/producer/photographer Tim Liversedge has lived in southern Africa for more than 40 years and his up-close wildlife footage is amazing. Particularly memorable are scenes in which the lionesses stalk herds of antelope called springboks. With eyes fixed unwaveringly upon the prey, they patiently watch and wait for an unfortunate laggard on which to pounce. Slowly, carefully, they inch forward, hoping that no one will notice their sleek, tawny bodies. This methodology is typical of the lion: to get as close as possible to its prey and then to make a final dramatic rush at great speed, an exhausting chase that usually leaves the lion so breathless that further pursuit is impossible. Lions kill only to fulfill their immediate hunger, gorging themselves upon a carcass until completely sated. Then they do not bother to hunt again for a few days which means they can move freely among the herbivores (springbok, giraffe, zebras) who can graze nearby without fear. Ferocious and dangerous as they appear to be, the lions back off, however, when elephants are in the region. Elephants do not like lions – and make no secret of that fact as they completely take over the watering hole for several weeks, turning it into a mud bath. James Garrett narrates Eleanor Grant’s somewhat corny screenplay which, according to the press notes, takes dramatic license with the true facts, and Sean Macleod Phillips supplies some superb visual effects. For anyone who has ever been on safari in the African veldt, this evokes vivid memories – and for those who haven’t, this is a chance to get as close as possible to that thrilling experience. One caution: the subject matter of hunting may be too intense and, therefore, upsetting to very young children. While the dust of the desert obscures the blood of the actual kill, parents should exercise discretion. The final fight between the two rival lions is loud and dramatic but, all-in-all, this is not at all a gory film. In fact, I found it fascinating, inspiring and truly educational. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Roar: Lions of the Kalahari” is a spectacular 8. It’s one of the best of the IMAX wildlife presentations.
