If you read the first user comment, forget it. At no time does this film take place in Ireland. It takes place entirely in the bushveld of South Africa. Animal violence, why, yes there is some. Guess what, folks, it's Africa. It might be a bit short of drama, but the movie is a fine man-and-his-dog story, based on Sir Percy Fitzpatrick's own novel. It's an interesting depiction of the hard work of transporters in the days following the gold rush. Jock is a fine dog, with all the moxy and strength typical of bull terriers, and there's enough good African scenery to make you forget the almost vapid love story.
8 Reviews
Definitely a family movie !!!
dropmonkey24 April 2001
This film won't have won any critical acclaim, but it's certainly one to keep the younger members of the family amused. The adults will admire the scenery of the veld, while the kids will be amused by the storyline. The scenes where the animals die are implied rather than actually shown, thus perhaps saving parents some explanation later. Robert Urich makes a brief cameo as Rocky and offers Fitz some pearls of wisdom before he rides off into the sunset. All-in-all, a decent movie in front of which to sit the kids for an hour-and-a-half in an attempt to get some peace.
True story of early South African History
galilee-319 May 2006
This is a fabulous movie. I just watched it again and was again so impressed by the filming and the actors. One of the things that struck me was the sense of watching artwork come alive. I would have loved to see more footage of the animals in the wild but I understand it is a story, not a documentary. On the video I have, the sound it not good, but that may just be my copy. Because of the very marked accents of the actors, to validate the time and place, it is also hard to understand if the accent is unfamiliar. But, even with those minor problems I found it an exceedingly satisfying movie. I also found the music used in the movie was very good. A movie that worked together. No jarring notes.
Much loved South African classic
Pagash19 March 2002
OK, so this didn't win any Oscars, but it is a solid family movie based on a great, much-loved, classic South African book. The kids will love it, and the adults should really read the book to truly appreciate the story, and embellish the story to the kids. Even if you just watch this movie to marvel at the beautiful scenery, you will enjoy it! As previously mentioned, ignore the first ignorant post.
A Runt of a Dog, With a Big Heart
jcholguin24 February 2003
If you have ever loved an animal that in the eyes of the world was just a runt of the litter then you will love the story of Jock, the dog. Of course, don't forget his master Percy Fitzpatrick who himself was an out-of-place 20 year old city boy now trying to live in the wild country of Africa. But this story is really about Jock, who has a fear of water because someone tried to drown him in a bucket of water as a pup. A dog that no one thinks will survive in the open country but in time becomes a hero to the native people of Africa because of his bravery. Yes, if you have ever felt too small to accomplish something great then watch this and take heart, because you also can raise up to great depths of courage like Jock.
Jock can roam my bushveld anytime!
devinesj10 January 2002
Jock of the Bushveld is more than a story about a dog. "Jock" is a story a hero and there's nothing more endearing than a hero with four legs. OK so the scarf might be over the top, but if you were in his paws would you wear a collar or a scarf? When you get in touch with the flamboyant nature of Jock you'll be asking why he didn't wear cowboy boots. The story is an upliftingly human tale in an animal world. Jock is Hercules, the elephants are the Giants, the baboons are the harpies, the Lion - Zeus and of course, how could we forget the delectable warthog! This movie is about the indominatable spirit of a dog with sharp teeth and fashion sense, a character with the tenacity of the bushveld's predators and the loyalty that earnt his kind the title of our best friend. Oh Jock! You can roam my bushveld anytime!
maybe, just maybe, the worst movie ever
BlueyC15 April 2000
Before I even start I have to tell you that I had to stop watching the movie before it was over because it was THAT terrible. there's a bunch of people in ireland, and there's a puppy that's about to be drowned, and all of a sudden they move to africa, and the same people are all there, and people whip their servants, and dogs fight with imprisoned baboons, and oh there's a love story, too. and lots and lots of animal violence. you know those family-type movies they show you in elementary school that are all about the sepia tones and the people on farms who do senseless things? well, this is like those, but worse. far, far worse. family movie my toe.
A story about ultimate friendship
Lanraso29 March 2003
In the late 80's there was a version of Jock of the bush-veld that was African.
But it seems as if that version wasn't enough and this film was made. A made for TV kinda flick with Lazurus man in a supporting role.
With historic inaccuracies by the dozen and cheesy dialogue, all I needed was lettuce and a patty to make a cheeseburger. The soundtrack was a winning factor but not enough to make it a good film.
In the book it was about a man in Africa, a dangerous unpredictable Africa, in this Africa looks like a fun park... come on.
And not 20 years later another remake followed... O my word!
Maybe it is time to Reboot it once more, invite Gavin Hood to direct a really intense dramatic adventure, or Jonathan Liebesman to give it a horror twist... hell give Mr shucks a go at jock but leave the first alone!
But it seems as if that version wasn't enough and this film was made. A made for TV kinda flick with Lazurus man in a supporting role.
With historic inaccuracies by the dozen and cheesy dialogue, all I needed was lettuce and a patty to make a cheeseburger. The soundtrack was a winning factor but not enough to make it a good film.
In the book it was about a man in Africa, a dangerous unpredictable Africa, in this Africa looks like a fun park... come on.
And not 20 years later another remake followed... O my word!
Maybe it is time to Reboot it once more, invite Gavin Hood to direct a really intense dramatic adventure, or Jonathan Liebesman to give it a horror twist... hell give Mr shucks a go at jock but leave the first alone!
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