Roar (1981)

Imagine a comedy where the main source of humor and tension is not clever dialogues or intricate traps, but dozens of real, unpredictable wild cats. This unique experience is offered by the 1981 film «Roar», directed by Noel Marshall. It's not just a film, but an event that promises audiences laughter, shock, and genuine surprise at the audacity of its concept.

Plot

The story centers on naturalist Hank, who has dedicated his life to studying the wildlife of Africa, living in an isolated estate surrounded by many wild cats of various species. His accustomed, yet highly unusual life for an ordinary person is disrupted when his wife and children decide to visit him. A classic comedy of errors begins with a fateful misunderstanding: due to confusion with the flight arrival time, Hank's family decides to make their own way to the estate. The irony of fate is that at this very moment, Hank leaves home to meet them at the airport. Thus, the unsuspecting family finds themselves in an unprotected house, full of lions, tigers, and other predators left to their own devices.

Why it's worth watching

• Comedy on the verge of a nervous breakdown: «Roar» masterfully balances on the fine line between farce and real danger. The humor here comes not so much from jokes as from the absurdity of the situation and the unpredictable behavior of wild animals, which gives the film a very special, unique flavor. It's a comedy of errors pushed to an extreme limit.
• Unique cinematic spectacle: The film stands out because dozens of wild cats were genuinely present on set. These are not computer graphics or trained circus animals, but real predators, which creates a sense of presence and indescribable authenticity.
• Noel Marshall's directorial and acting participation: The fact that director Noel Marshall himself played one of the main roles adds a personal dimension to the film. His involvement in such a risky project underscores his passion and dedication to the idea.
• Exploration of human-nature interaction: Beyond the comedic aspect, the film offers a curious look at humanity's attempt to coexist with wild nature and how illusory control over it can be when randomness intervenes.
• Unconventional family plot: Instead of a traditional family drama or adventure, «Roar» offers a unique scenario of family reunion that turns into a wild, chaotic, and incredibly memorable ordeal.

Themes

«Roar» touches upon several profound themes, skillfully intertwining them with the comedic fabric. Firstly, it's the boundary between wild nature and human dwelling, and how conditional and dangerous this boundary can be. Secondly, the film explores the theme of control and its illusion: Hank believes he is in charge, but his absence at a key moment shatters this illusion. Finally, it's a classic comedy of errors and misunderstandings, where one small incorrect message leads to a cascade of absurd and threatening events that, nevertheless, unite or, at least, radically change the family.

Editor's Opinion

«Roar» is not just a film; it's a kind of cinematic experiment that, with its boldness and unconventionality, overshadows many more traditional comedies. It's a spectacle guaranteed to evoke a whole palette of emotions in the viewer, from laughter to tension, and leave an indelible impression. Noel Marshall's 1981 film is a must-see for those looking for something beyond the usual, daring, and utterly unpredictable in cinema.