The Jungle Book: A Visual Experience to be Had

If you're a long time Disney fan, like yours truly, you've probably grown used to the disappointments that come with the Disney live-action. Neither Maleficent nor Cinderella managed to live up to the hype, so when The Jungle Book was announced it was difficult to believe this would be an anomaly. Unlike Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, The Jungle Book isn't as widely celebrated. It is one most of us have read or watched, but it's not the movie one would imagine would become Disney's best live-action yet. Although Disney may have The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast and Peter Pan live-action in the works, it's quite difficult to believe it will surpass the masterpiece that was this movie.

The story is the same as the one Kipling brought to life on page (and Disney animation on screen). Mowgli is adopted by a family of wolves, to mother, Raksha and father, Akela. But when Shere Khan returns to the jungle and issues a hunt for Mowgli, he must leave with Bagheera, and it is adventure that follows during which he meets Kaa, King Louie and of course, Baloo. This household story is what Jon Favreau turns into a visual marvel to behold. Not only has the story been turned into a visual experience, but it's been given a depth that wasn't present in even the original animated movie.

The live-action is definitely a grown up version of the animated movie, but not in the way that is dark or gritty but rather it's become a coming-of-age movie. Throughout the movie, you get to see the characters grow and change - something absent in its predecessor. However, the movie takes the time out to pay homage to the original, as is evident from the song Bare Necessities playing in the trailer. The character of Mowgli, played by newcomer Neel Sethi, holds his own among the many animals of the jungle voiced by seasoned actors and actresses. In the first few moments of the movie it's difficult to focus on anything except how realistic the animals and the jungle look. The characters feel more real, and the voice actors did their characters justice. A personal favourite was Lupita Nyong'o who plays Raksha. The emotional core in this movie is much stronger. There are also great action scenes that are a highlight for the movie. The once cutesy story of a little boy in the jungle has been turned into one that made even grown adults in the theatre cry. And I'm not only speaking for myself here.