Like Sabu in the late 1930's and Odongo in the mid 1950's, child actor Rahman Rahmin is the epitome of the adorable jungle boy, smart yet mischievous, willing to trust those who show him genuine kindness but aware when someone does not have his best interest at heart. Brought to a doctor by his elephant friend with an injury, Rahmin because the desired victim of crooked men who want to kidnap him to exploit him, although their intentions are never made extremely clear. He cleverly manipulates his way to escaping, able to knock out one of his captors and find the doctors and a noble sultan who have his best interests in heart. One thing though remains consistent, his love for his jungle animal friends, especially the elephant basically saved his life, and it's obvious that his desire to live among a crowded human society is very minimal.
While the adult actors are capable and deliver believable performances (they don't even really appear to be acting), it's Rahmin who steals the film without even trying from the moment he appears on the neck of the large elephant with its trunk between his legs to keep him from sliding off. It's obvious that they have a bond, and the elephant will show up to rescue him several times throughout the film. Made for Australian television, this is definitely a throwback to the kind of movies that young audiences loved in the 1930's and 40's with the magnetic Sabu, and other successful attempts of repeating this genre. The film isn't as loaded with wild animals as the others in the genre although there are a few wild cats seen as well, awaiting his return so their bond can continue. The villains aren't presented as evil, just misguided, but that doesn't give the film much character development as the adult characters are either good or bad, no real shading. But the film is sweet and very easy to watch, and it's obvious why the good adults want to bring the young hero into their home even though it's obvious where he really wants to be and obviously should be.
While the adult actors are capable and deliver believable performances (they don't even really appear to be acting), it's Rahmin who steals the film without even trying from the moment he appears on the neck of the large elephant with its trunk between his legs to keep him from sliding off. It's obvious that they have a bond, and the elephant will show up to rescue him several times throughout the film. Made for Australian television, this is definitely a throwback to the kind of movies that young audiences loved in the 1930's and 40's with the magnetic Sabu, and other successful attempts of repeating this genre. The film isn't as loaded with wild animals as the others in the genre although there are a few wild cats seen as well, awaiting his return so their bond can continue. The villains aren't presented as evil, just misguided, but that doesn't give the film much character development as the adult characters are either good or bad, no real shading. But the film is sweet and very easy to watch, and it's obvious why the good adults want to bring the young hero into their home even though it's obvious where he really wants to be and obviously should be.
