Quick Reviews!!

Rating: 7/10 (25 March 2005)

Another true classic from Disney, a film almost everyone saw when they were small, and one of the few which they all remember. Based loosely on Kipling's novel, The Jungle Book tells of Mowgli- a boy raised in the jungle by wolves, hearkening back to the Romulus and Remus legend. Mowgli is sent back to humanity by the wolves as Shere-Kahn, a monstrous tiger is coming, and enjoys the taste of 'man-cubs'. along the way, Mowgli meets Baloo the singin', dancin' bear who teaches him the Bear Necessities of life, Bagheera the panther who protects him, King Louie an Orang-utan and Kaa the hypnotic snake. But Shere-Kahn is on their trail.
The Jungle Book has many memorable characters and musical numbers, directed brilliantly into the plot. The animation is a success and it is a story which everyone can enjoy. The funniest moment, for unanswerable reasons is King Louie using his own arms as a skipping rope. I've always found the ending a sad one as I didn't want Mowgli to return to the apparent civilisation; the jungle seems much more fun. Most of the colonial themes are of course absent from the original story, but it is not difficult to read these into the film. However, why bother, as it is not meant to be seen in such a way. Every child will enjoy this, less to enjoy for the older viewer compared with later films.
7.5 out of 10