Michael Clark Epoch Times Feb 28, 2022 5/5

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.

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Heather Boerner Common Sense Media Dec 18, 2010 4/5

Enchanting coming-of-age story for kids.

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Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Apr 29, 2009

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

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Michael Booth Denver Post Feb 8, 2008

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.

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Mary Lasse Christianity Today Nov 1, 2006 3/4

A handcrafted masterpiece.

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Frank Swietek One Guy's Opinion Apr 4, 2006 B+

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

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Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone TheMovieChicks.com Apr 2, 2006 4/5

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.

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Nancy Churnin Dallas Morning News Mar 31, 2006 B+

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

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Philip Kennicott Washington Post Mar 30, 2006

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

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Ty Burr Boston Globe Mar 18, 2006 3.5/4

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.

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Jack Garner Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Mar 10, 2006 9/10

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

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Jeff Shannon Seattle Times Mar 3, 2006 3/4

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

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John Monaghan Detroit Free Press Mar 3, 2006 3/4

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.

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Carol Cling Las Vegas Review-Journal Mar 3, 2006 B+

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

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Jeff Vice Deseret News (Salt Lake City) Feb 17, 2006 3/4

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.

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Sean P. Means Salt Lake Tribune Feb 17, 2006 3.5/4

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

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Dan Lybarger eFilmCritic.com Feb 16, 2006 4/5

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.

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Robert W. Butler Kansas City Star Feb 10, 2006 3/4

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.

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Steve Rhodes Internet Reviews Jan 8, 2006 3/4

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

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Walter V. Addiego San Francisco Chronicle Jan 6, 2006 3/4

Family films can be simplistic or condescending, but the joy of Carroll Ballard's work is that it's neither.

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