Customer Reviews

Jock - A True Tale of Friendship

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I remember loving the original SA version of this movie, and thought prehaps I was buying that one. When it arrived I realised that it was the USA version, and I thought, well, why not give it a try. What an awful movie. Everything was implied, nothing shown on screen, it was boring and pointless, and meandered aimlessly through the countryside. They managed to ruin a wonderful story and a legend all in one go. My husband after watching asked if the dogs were meant to be potrayed as totally dumb animals! Jock was a hero, a wonderful dog and there is a monument to him in the Kruger Park. This movie ruins the whole idea of Jock, and all I can do is urge you to try and find the South African Version, or read the book Jock of the Bushveld by Sir Percy Fitspatrick, to get the real story! I fear that some of the reviews stating that it is a wonderful movie, are by people who have watched the SA version and confused it with this one, as I don't understand how anyone could endorse this movie.

I am a South African and very dissapointed that 2 whole scenes were just cut out of this movie, possibly to make it "politically correct". Though the scenes are disturbing it is part of the movie and must be seen in that light. Please warn your buyers that they are buying a watered down movie and not the original.

most disappointing. bought this movie thinking it was the original "Jock of the Bushveld" but instead got an absolute botch up. editing was probably done by a 2 year old. this movie is a mockery of the orignal and the book. don't make the same mistake I did and get this movie thinking it was "jock of the Bushveld" African version. Just shows how mainstream movie makers think that by throwing in a big name actor (Robert Urich) they'll make it better than the original. In my opinion the original vs. this movie are not even in the same league.

A story of courage and adventure all set in the Southern Africa bush... Jock has become a folk-hero in South Africa... watch this and you'll now why! Based on the novel by Fitzpatrick, it is one of those rare flics where the film is as good as the book. A cultural tear-jerker of an adventure, with a superb soundtrack to match - curtousy of Johnny Clegg and Savuka (formally Jaluku). This film puts a whole mew meaning to the phrase " a dog is a mans best friend".... nead I say more! If you like dogs, adventure and a touch of African history then this is the film for you... GET IT!

Gray Hofmeyr's 1986 version of this film was true to the book and gave your hearts some major tugs, especially at the end of the film when Jock dies. In this one, the only bright light is the late Robert Urich, who endeared himself to everyone here when he arrived to shoot his scenes.

An awful film (with a wimpy hero and an even more wimpish heroine, the actress playing the role of Lilian complained that "South Africa is so dusty, I'm glad I don't lay bricks when I go to the toilet") one that should be missed by all.
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A wonderful "family" movie, of which there are all too few these days. Music track by South African Johnny Clegg is outstanding. Yes, it's a tear jerker, in a league with 'Sounder.' Like 'Sounder,' this film will teach children and adults alike a lot about a time and culture of which Americans are barely aware. My daughter, who is now 18, loves this movie as much today as when she was a child.

I too was really dissappointed in the remake of this film, I honestly thought I was buying the original I saw in South Africa as a child. The whole film just seems so unenthusiastic, even the ending is not as it was in the book or original film. Alot of the scenes do not match the book as the original film did. Im sending the film back as I am now purchasing the original from ebay. what a waste of time and money!

I have watched both makes of the movie, although I have to say the original Jock of the Bushveld is preferred to by many people out there. Whether you watch the second make or the book,you will always have a tear in your eye.

The movie shows courage and determination in South Africa and I hope this movie shows people what a great country it is.

If anyone knows of where the original can be bought then please let me know.

After having seen the original "Jock of the bushveld" which was a South African production, this version seems rather sparse and condensed. The acting in this version seems rather awkward at times and this version was rather disappointing.

I cannot recommend this version.

Ths movie illustrates like no other what the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is all about. Courage, loyalty, love, strength, stamina, companionship, all qualities of the Staffy, are demonstrated in this true account of a man and his dog set in South Africa, circa 1907. Adventure that wll keep you on the edge of your seat. We make this movie a 'must-see' for all those who come to us for one of these fine animals. ***Sonshine Staffords*** END