Living With Lions - The Complete Story Reviews

The Lion has Teeth

South Africa. A country steeped in rugby lore. To the citizens of this proud nation, rugby is not merely a game, but an indicator as to the status of their nation. Victory is demanded, whilst defeat can result in national unpheaval. To say that the first Lions Tour in over 30 years was important would be a ridculous understatement. The Springboks may have been World Champions, but to them defeating the Lions would be an testament to their superiority over all nations.

It is against this backdrop that the 1997 British Lions prepared to face the most significant challenge of the modern day era. The first professional amalgamation of the home nations would be a watershed in the most turbulent period in international rugby. Epoch defining is perhaps the only way to convey the importance of this tour.

This astonishing insight into the preparation and ultimate success of the most difficult of tasks is what makes 'Living with Lions' stand out from your average back slapping, state the obvious, chronicles of sporting success. From the bonding sessions pre-tour to the terrible injuries to Doddie Weir and Will Greenwood, we are treated to a plethora of revelations. The sitrring moments pre-test, where Telfer could single handedly change the shape of an individual's psyche, to the front row riot mid-training session, we are blessed with a masterclass in the psychology of teamwork and the undiluted passion which the professional era was supposed to have ended.

This is a must see for anyone even remotely interested in sport, and a testimony to the fact that better players may not neccesarily win games, but better teams always will.

Fantastic

I wish I was a more articulate person to give this DVD the write up it deserves. Inspiring, rousing, moving, and emotional. Sheer rugby excellence.

By the way, Scott Gibbs is a human Tank.

Fantastically entertaining insights

Having just returned from the latest Lions tour in NZ this DVD was definately food for thought! The commeraderie and passion shown by the players and the management was intense, and one wonders if the same was true of the latest tour.

As far as sport features go, this focuses almost 100% on events off the field, with minimal match action - in fact most of the filming at matches is of the reaction of the bench, and the banter of Ian McGeechan and Jim Telfer in the stand - its fascinating to watch.

You really get involved in the anguish and delight of all aspects of the tour - definately reccommended for any rugby fan!

The Lion has Teeth

South Africa. A country steeped in rugby lore. To the citizens of this proud nation, rugby is not merely a game, but an indicator as to the status of their nation. Victory is demanded, whilst defeat can result in national unpheaval. To say that the first Lions Tour in over 30 years was important would be a ridculous understatement. The Springboks may have been World Champions, but to them defeating the Lions would be an testament to their superiority over all nations.

It is against this backdrop that the 1997 British Lions prepared to face the most significant challenge of the modern day era. The first professional amalgamation of the home nations would be a watershed in the most turbulent period in international rugby. Epoch defining is perhaps the only way to convey the importance of this tour.

This astonishing insight into the preparation and ultimate success of the most difficult of tasks is what makes 'Living with Lions' stand out from your average back slapping, state the obvious, chronicles of sporting success. From the bonding sessions pre-tour to the terrible injuries to Doddie Weir and Will Greenwood, we are treated to a plethora of revelations. The sitrring moments pre-test, where Telfer could single handedly change the shape of an individual's psyche, to the front row riot mid-training session, we are blessed with a masterclass in the psychology of teamwork and the undiluted passion which the professional era was supposed to have ended.

This is a must see for anyone even remotely interested in sport, and a testimony to the fact that better players may not neccesarily win games, but better teams always will.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Living With Lions

An excellent fly on the wall documentary, which will inspire anyone with patriotic tendancies. I felt every tackle, every try and can only admire the detrmination and focus required to go to the other side of the world, and win a test series against South Africa.

This is a film you can watch over and over, and it will fill you with British Pride every time.