Definition
Jungle is a 2017 American biographical survival drama film directed by Greg McLean and starring Daniel Radcliffe. The film depicts the true‑life ordeal of British entrepreneur Yossi Ghinsberg, who became lost in the Bolivian Amazon rainforest in 1981.
Overview
The screenplay, written by Nick McCarthy and Jon Rendell, adapts the memoir Jungle: A Harrowing True Story of Survival by Yossi Ghinsberg. Production began in early 2015, with principal photography conducted on location in the Amazon basin of Brazil. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2017, and was later released theatrically in the United Kingdom (January 19, 2018) and the United States (March 9, 2018). Critical response was mixed, with praise for Radcliffe’s performance and the cinematography, but criticism of the narrative pacing.
Etymology/Origin
The title derives from the English word “jungle,” which originates from the Hindi jangal meaning “uncultivated land, forest.” In the context of the film, the term references the dense tropical forest where the protagonist’s survival story unfolds.
Characteristics
- Genre: Biographical drama, survival film.
- Director: Greg McLean.
- Screenwriters: Nick McCarthy, Jon Rendell.
- Cast: Daniel Radcliffe as Yossi Ghinsberg; Thomas Kretschmann as Karl; Alex Russell as Kevin; T.C. Carson as Michael.
- Production Companies: RiffRaff Films, Black Bear Pictures, DMC Film.
- Budget and Gross: The film was produced on an estimated budget of approximately $12 million and grossed around $12 million worldwide.
- Cinematography: Handled by Thomas Kist, emphasizing natural lighting and on‑location shooting to convey the immersive experience of the rainforest.
- Music: Score composed by Ilan Eshkeri, incorporating ambient sounds to enhance the atmosphere of isolation.
- Plot Summary: In 1981, Yossi Ghinsberg travels to Bolivia seeking adventure. After joining two other travelers—Karl and Kevin—on a trek into the Amazon, he becomes separated and must survive alone for 72 days, facing threats from wildlife, disease, and starvation before being rescued.
- Reception: On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating of approximately 46 % based on critic reviews, indicating mixed opinions. Audience reaction highlighted the realistic depiction of wilderness hardship, while some reviewers noted a lack of depth in character development.
- Accolades: The film received nominations for technical categories at various international film festivals, though it did not secure major mainstream awards.
Related Topics
- Survival film genre (e.g., 127 Hours, The Revenant)
- Adaptations of true‑life adventure memoirs
- The Amazon rainforest in cinema
- Daniel Radcliffe’s post‑Harry Potter filmography
- Yossi Ghinsberg’s other works, including his speaking engagements on wilderness survival
Note: All information presented is based on publicly available and verifiable sources up to the knowledge cutoff date.