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Mia and the White Lion
Mia et le lion blanc
2018 98 min South Africa, Germany, France PG 6+
★7.3
Adventure, Family, Drama
Director: Gilles de Maistre
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
A young girl from London moves to Africa with her parents where she befriends a lion cub.
Budget:
$9.6M
US Gross:
$399,471
Worldwide:
$35.49M
Starring
Daniah De Villiers
Actor
Mélanie Laurent
Actor
Langley Kirkwood
Actor
Key opinion
Mia and the White Lion is widely celebrated for its authentic, visually stunning portrayal of the real-life bond between a young girl and a lion cub, filmed over three years. While many viewers find the emotional journey deeply moving and impactful, critics are divided over the screenplay, which some praise as an inspiring tale of conservation and rebellion, while others dismiss it as predictable and narratively hollow.
| Originality | The use of an actual lion instead of CGI creates an unparalleled level of visual realism and authentic connection between the leads. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography effectively captures the vast, scenic landscapes of South Africa, enhancing the film's immersive nature documentary aesthetic. | |
| Emotion | The film succeeds as an emotional experience, resonating with audiences through the genuine, tender evolution of the friendship between the girl and the predator. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative is divisive: supporters find it a meaningful, tension-filled coming-of-age story, while detractors criticize the script as simplistic, clichéd, and lacking artistic depth. |