“The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera, and the free-spirited bear Baloo. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa, a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie, who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.
I recently went to watch "The Jungle Book". Since I live in Varanasi, and I am too lazy to go to the multiplex that shows English shows, I had to compromise with the Hindi dub. To anyone who wants to watch the movie, I really urge you to watch it in Hindi. Though the casting isn't very great, Punjabi Baloo makes up for it. :P
One Word : Astounding ! The visual effects are so immersive, that it almost beggars belief that the whole thing was shot in downtown LA. This was a sincere and heartfelt retreat to Rudyard Kipling's jungle book for fresh inspiration, keeping in attention the fact that this was being made as an adventure film for children, and is a perfect rendition of the two.
90's kids felt the nostalgia when "The 'Bear' Necessities" and "I wanna be like you" both made appearances. I remember watching the animated Disney film everyday during lunchtime.
The real star of the film (meaning no offence too the film's only human actor), is Shere Khan. The fantastic persuading movement and the extraordinarily hair perfect detail makes it look realer than real(whatever that means).
Bagheera, the Black Panther, seems like a very realistic guardian and acts the same way. He admonishes Mowgli for using human tricks (Jugaad :P) and wants him to act more like an animal of the jungle than a human.
Favreau understands that the Mowgli-Baloo relationship is key to the story, and dedicates enough screen time to instill a"cool hangout" vibe in it. Whenever Baloo speaks, it is blissfully mellow and the Punjabi just adds to the fun.
The real coup is the Magesterial King Louie. Not an orangutan, but the last of the Gigantopithecus, just awaiting extinction, in a treasure trove of fruits and gold.
It is all deftly orchestrated by Favreau who manages to balance spectacle and emotion perfectly. The movie ends with a familiar picture straight out of the books with Mowgli, Bagheera and Baloo just chilling out on a tree.
