Product: Born Free [VHS] (1966)
Rating: 5.0
Heartwarming True Story
As old of a movie as Born Free is, it will always be a true classic. Based on the true story of Joy and George Adamson and their experiences raising the lioness named Elsa, Born Free is a heartwarming story of unconditional love. When George is called upon to kill a male lion that was known for killing and mauling local people in Kenya, he stumbles across 3 small helpless lion cubs which he brings home. Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, who play Joy and George Adamson deliver a wonderful performance. Joy and George sucessfully rear these 3 cubs with 2 of them eventually going off to zoos. All 3 cubs were loved and well taken care of but because of Joy's love and fondness of the 3rd cub she named Elsa, the Adamson's decided to keep Elsa and raise her themselves with the intention of one day teaching her to hunt on her own and eventually releasing her to be free and survive on her own in the wild. We see the love that can be shared between people and yes, even a lioness. There are many touching moments in this film. Being filmed in Africa, we get to see the beauty of the areas that Elsa roamed and shared with the Adamsons. We experience the heartbreak that Joy endured when it was time to set Elsa free to be on her own. Elsa never forgot her adopted parents and visited them often. The Adamson's hard work paid off as Elsa returned to the wild and survived on her own and eventually found a mate and gave birth to 3 cubs of her own. There is a part 2 and 3 to Born Free and they are Living Free and Forever Free. Both are great movies as we follow Elsa's 3 cubs after her death. There are also books written by Joy Adamson with the same titles. This movie will truly touch your heart in many ways. The song Born Free will forever remind me of Elsa and what a special lioness she was along with the Adamsons who succeeded at doing something that no one else had ever done.... raise a lion cub and return it to the wild to survive and thrive on her own. A must have movie that will always remain a Classic in every way.