Few filmmakers can get remotely close to matching Ballard's slugging percentage. He said what he had to say, never wore out his welcome, and exited on a high note. More than a few of his lesser-talented contemporary peers should follow his lead.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Feb 28, 2022

Enchanting coming-of-age story for kids.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 18, 2010

A pure children's film with an exciting story, genuine characters, and deep messages about life, love, and loss.

| Apr 29, 2009

It's a crime what happened to the wonderful African wilderness movie Duma in 2005. Beautifully directed by veteran Carroll Ballard, Duma fell flat in the United States because of bad timing and abysmal marketing.

| Feb 8, 2008

A handcrafted masterpiece.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 1, 2006

It's as good as this sort of thing gets, and deserves to be seen in a proper auditorium rather than on DVD.

| Original Score: B+ | Apr 4, 2006

The film opens with some adorable cheetah cubs, so you're instantly hooked, but there's more to this than just a bunch of cute animals.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 2, 2006

| Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 1, 2006

For those wishing they still made films like The Black Stallion, today is your lucky day.

| Original Score: B+ | Mar 31, 2006

Visually panoramic, a film that revels in making the expanse of a beautiful place palpable.

| Mar 30, 2006

Too suspenseful for the youngest children, but for anyone older than 8 or 9, it evokes nothing less than awe at the harsh beauty of the natural world.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 18, 2006

... a beautifully photographed journey that will thrill youngsters and strongly engage adults.

| Original Score: 9/10 | Mar 10, 2006

With ravenous alligators and lions on the prowl, Duma delivers familiar adventure, but Ballard refuses to cater to cuteness.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 3, 2006

Like its title character, Duma has been left to fend for itself by Warner Bros., which is barely releasing it. A successful showing this weekend will prove that there really is an audience for this brand of thoughtful, literate family film.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 3, 2006

... leads us on a journey -- sometimes humorous, sometimes harrowing, always heartfelt -- that's well worth taking.

| Original Score: B+ | Mar 3, 2006

Director Carroll Ballard makes only one type of movie -- family adventures that feature some sort of wildlife. To his credit, however, he does them pretty well.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 17, 2006

Director Carroll Ballard ... not only captures stellar images of nature, but feels the call of the wild in his bones.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 17, 2006

Chances are excellent that Carroll Ballard's latest film 'Duma' isn't playing in a theater anywhere near you. That's a shame. It's one of those rare children's films that actually succeeds in delighting tots and their parents.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 16, 2006

Exciting but never violent, deeply emotional but never saccharine, Duma is the sort of solid family film Hollywood is always being criticized for not making any more.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 10, 2006

An old-fashion adventure yarn [and] an absolutely delightful throwback!

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 8, 2006