More fun and frolics courtesy of Rudyard Kipling – the new Jungle Book film

The writer of this story – Rudyard Kipling was accused of racist behaviour at the time of his writing as he was partly brought up both in Africa and India –  par for the course one might say for his era, as he wrote mesmerising, memorable and lovable tales and poems involving India and Africa as well as other countries. Some of his family and he himself  were involved with William Morris and the pre-Raphaelite movement and this is great news for so many solitary writers who find themselves alone or even stigmatised just for being creatives.  How could this happen in the UK one asks when the music industry (all those creative songs) is one of our biggest exports and the late  William Shakespeare carries the torch for being one of the greatest writers who ever graced the planet and a true Brit.  In addition, “If” a poem by Rudyard Kipling has recently been voted the most popular poem ever written in the UK.

Back to “The Jungle Book” – this film is another take following the memorable Disney film of the same name and is full of enticing creatures who lead us on a dream-like journey hosted by Mowgli – a real young actor (Neel Sethi). Disney did in fact produce this film and the CGI in this film, similar to the Paddington Bear film is so good that “magic” is really the only word anyone can use to describe the most eye-popping computer graphics with all the animals who feature in this story together with the wonderful jungle scenes and all the action involving Mowgli and his best friends in the story.  It is a treat indeed to enjoy.

Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyongo, Scarlett Johannson, Christopher Walken, and Jeremy Irons – to name some of the stars doing voice parts,  all add to the cachet of this thrilling story, which has many dark moments and the fear of fire used only by humans is a major theme. Watch out for all that in the second part of the story.

My friend Liborio – a writer of a book available on Amazon – Digging Up the Past Again – on the subject of Gods, religion and philosophy, said it is the best film he has seen since he was a child.  Adults worry and fret over the effect of films designed to enchant children as many have dark as well as light themes.  In some ways this take on Mowgli is better than the original Disney version because the animals and jungle are so realistically portrayed – we fall for the wolves, the panther and the monkeys and even worry for the tiger who is an arch enemy of Mowgli, not to mention other, smaller mammals who are part of the scenario we are faced with.

If you don’t see this film ’til its out on DVD do prepare for an evening where you do it justice and not talk through the story.  If you choose to see it at a cinema, I can guarantee you are in for a real treat.  Seeing Mowgli jump from tree to tree and other animated travels including along branches and climbing cliffs and mountains as well as navigate rapids to ensure his safety – and enduringly so well loved by all his mammal mates is something to behold.

Enjoy.

Penny Nair Price