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| “Zoo” poster. Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films / Copyright © 2017 Jacks Film Co.Ltd |
A charming family drama based on an incredible true story about a boy’s journey to rescue a baby elephant from the Bellevue Zoo in Belfast, Ireland, just as World War II begins. This film is a hidden gem!
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| “Zoo.” Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films / Copyright © 2017 Jacks Film Co.Ltd |
Young actor Art Parkinson is quite a revelation in this movie. He plays the twelve-year-old boy Tom Hall with charm and charisma in front of the camera. During his free time, Tom joins his father, the veterinarian headman, in his daily routine at the zoo. The convalescent baby elephant is in a special care unit.
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| “Zoo.” Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films / Copyright © 2017 Jacks Film Co.Ltd |
When Tom and his father visit the baby elephant, the small creature instantly bonds with the boy.
Inspired by the great American actor and comedian Buster Keaton (“The General,” 1926), Tom names the elephant “Buster.”
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| “Zoo.” Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films / Copyright © 2017 Jacks Film Co.Ltd |
In school, Tom gets bullied by his classmates. Regardless of the unfriendly environment, he finds some allies. Among them are a friendly, silent girl, a tall, chubby boy with his “little brother,” and a long-standing lady with an infinite love for animals.
Tom’s father leaves the zoo and his family to fight in the war. Thousands of people died in Ireland during the two bombings executed by the Germans.
During the WWII raids, the authorities ordered the killing of all the zoo animals in case they escaped and endangered public safety.
Tom quickly learns that the same fate could happen to Buster, and he will do whatever it takes to save the elephant’s life.
Tom quickly learns that the same fate could happen to Buster, and he will do whatever it takes to save the elephant’s life.
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| Zoo poster Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films / Copyright © 2017 Jacks Film Co.Ltd |
Regarding story structure, “Zoo” runs a little slow. The screenplay overstates every character’s refusal of the call to the point of creating an enormous barrier to the piece’s harmonious flow.
This film needed melodic orchestration to make the story unfold smoothly, like the classic works centered on children by visionary filmmakers Alfonso Cuarón’s “A Little Princess” and Agnieszka Holland’s “The Secret Garden.”
This film needed melodic orchestration to make the story unfold smoothly, like the classic works centered on children by visionary filmmakers Alfonso Cuarón’s “A Little Princess” and Agnieszka Holland’s “The Secret Garden.”
Straightforward, warm, and affectionate, “Zoo” focuses on loyalty and friendship. This war movie with children leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
Another stunning war film that leaves a similar response is the French production “A Bag of Marbles.” It recounts the journey of two Jewish brothers escaping the Nazi invasion in Paris.
The Italian Oscar© winner “Life is Beautiful” is a heartfelt story of a boy and his father inside a concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Also, “The Book Thief.” It tells the story of an intelligent and brave girl who brings books to read to a Jewish refugee hidden in her step-parents’ basement.
The Italian Oscar© winner “Life is Beautiful” is a heartfelt story of a boy and his father inside a concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Also, “The Book Thief.” It tells the story of an intelligent and brave girl who brings books to read to a Jewish refugee hidden in her step-parents’ basement.
“Zoo” is an adaptation of an article published in an Irish newspaper that led an exhaustive investigation to find Denise Austin, the eccentric lady who, in real life, saved the elephant while working at the zoo. For her heroic action, she was named the “elephant angel.”
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| “Zoo.” Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films / Copyright © 2017 Jacks Film Co.Ltd |
Ironically, in this film, Mrs. Austin, played by Penelope Wilton, has only a small part as a friendly neighbor and animal lover. She has nothing to do with the zoo but plenty to do with the elephant.
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| “Zoo.” Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films / Copyright © 2017 Jacks Film Co.Ltd |
Director Colin McIvor’s surprisingly well-made first feature continues a tradition of excellence in Irish Cinema.
“Zoo” features some dynamically written fine lines, delivered by a group of terrific actors who portray unique, diverse characters in this moving family drama.
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