A review on: The Jungle Book

by Husna Inayathullah

'For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack'

The Jungle Book, a 3D animated film is now being screened at Savoy 3D under the EAP Films and Theatres, and at the MC and Arcade under the Ceylon Theatres Circuit. The crystal clear enormous screen at the Savoy 3D creates a real feeling of watching the movie.

The Jungle Book movie goes back to childhood memories for children of the 90s as it was screened as a cartoon on television screens. It is a beautiful story about a boy named Mowgli. The boy (Neel Sethi), who has been raised by a family of wolves, finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat.

Mowgli is urged to abandon the only home he has ever known. He embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley) and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voiced by Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who do not exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotises the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voiced by Christopher Walken), who tries to pressurise Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower, the fire.

The 3D animated movie is directed by Jon Favreau and the screenplay is by Justin Marks. The original book was written by Rudyard Kipling. The main characters Bagheera, Baloo, Akela, Shere Khan, Raksha, Mowgli and Kaa are cast by Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Giancarlo Esposito, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Neel Sethi and Scarlett Johansson. The movie will be loved by adults and children alike.