Watch Buddy

Buddy is a 1997 film that tells the heartwarming and true story of the unusual friendship between a wealthy woman named Trudy Lintz (Rene Russo) and an African elephant named Buddy, who becomes her pet. The movie is directed by Caroline Thompson, known for her work in films such as Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Black Beauty.

The story takes place in the 1980s, when Trudy Lintz, a divorced and wealthy woman with no children, is looking for a new purpose in life. She decides to use her wealth to help animals, and when she learns about a baby elephant that is about to be euthanized because his mother could not take care of him, Trudy decides to take him home to her estate in California.

At first, Trudy struggles to take care of the elephant, who is not used to living in captivity. She hires a team of experts to help her, including a veterinarian named Terry (Alan Cumming), who becomes her confidant and gives her advice on how to keep Buddy healthy and happy. She also hires an eccentric circus performer named Dick (Robbie Coltrane), who helps her train Buddy and teaches her how to communicate with him.

As Buddy grows up, he becomes a beloved member of Trudy's family and her whole community, who come to love and admire the elephant for his intelligence, gentleness, and playful spirit. But when Buddy reaches adolescence and becomes too big and dangerous to live in Trudy's estate, she decides to take him to a wildlife sanctuary in Africa, where he can live in freedom and be with his own kind.

The movie Buddy is a family-friendly film that celebrates the power of friendship, kindness, and compassion. It is a touching story that shows how a woman's love for one animal can inspire her to make a difference in the lives of many others. The movie also raises important questions about the ethics of keeping wild animals as pets and the importance of protecting endangered species.

One of the highlights of the movie is the performance of Rene Russo as Trudy Lintz. Russo brings warmth, humor, and depth to her character, portraying a woman who is strong-willed and independent, but also vulnerable and lonely. She is convincing as a woman who falls in love with an animal and is determined to do whatever it takes to save his life.

Alan Cumming and Robbie Coltrane also deliver memorable performances as Trudy's allies and mentors. Cumming brings his trademark charm and quirkiness to his role as the veterinarian, while Coltrane steals the show as the flamboyant circus performer who has a special connection with Buddy.

The elephant Buddy is another star of the movie, played by a real elephant named Tai. Tai's performance is phenomenal, and she brings the character of Buddy to life with her natural grace, intelligence, and charisma. It is clear that Tai was well cared for during the filming of the movie, and her on-screen chemistry with Rene Russo is palpable.

The movie is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of California's landscape and the African savannah. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary songs that enhance the emotional impact of the story.

In conclusion, the movie Buddy is a must-see film for animal lovers and those who appreciate heartwarming stories that celebrate the human-animal bond. It is a well-crafted, family-friendly movie that delivers a powerful message about compassion, empathy, and the importance of protecting our planet's wildlife.

Buddy is a 1997 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.