Storyline

The young daughter of a park ranger in Kenya is distressed to learn that she and her father must permanently return to England, thus separating her from the one thing she loves most, a pet Bushbaby. Fearing what the future holds, she decides to set the pet free, but while doing so misses the boat back to England. After meeting up with a friendly native, they try to resolve the situation together. Things take a turn for the worse when it is falsely reported that the native has kidnapped her, thus putting a price on his head.—Kevin Steinhauer

Plot Keywords

based on novel, ship, airplane, chase, colonel, helicopter, sikh, poisoning, race relations, africa, animal, journey, nature, two word title, police, fugitive, poacher, professor, church, political corruption

Short Review

Just like "The Secret Garden" (1993), "The Bushbaby" is a perfect example of what a family film should be like (and unfortunately, what family films today certainly are not). It tells a believable adventure story in which a young girl named Jackie unintentionally involves herself and her African friend Tembo (Lou Gossett) in a dangerous escape from the new Kenyan authorities in which his life is put in great peril. The film features beautiful cinematography of African landscapes and wildlife, placing emphasis on a solid, though pleasantly slow, story with no reliance whatsoever on unnecessary comic relief. The film blends history with fiction, showcasing the virtues and faults of two opposing sides, avoiding clichés or socially accepted biases. This is just the kind of film today's youth should be exposed to... why then, has it been kept out of the mainstream market for nearly 20 years?

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership