Originally published in 1894, The Jungle Book was a collection of stories by Bombay-born Rudyard Kipling. Published in magazines in 1893, they quickly gained popularity, hence why they were made into a book just a year later.
Due to Kipling’s upbringing in British India (he later move to England), his stories were influenced by animals and the wild magic of the jungle. The use of animals helped provide moral lessons and The Law of the Jungle was an anthem for the safety of all people near the beautiful danger of wildlife.
The Jungle Book
Technically, there are 14 chapters in the complete book. It is filled not just with the tale of Mowgli’s adventures with Baloo and Bagheera, but with Toomai, a ten-year-old elephant handler, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, the brave mongoose that fends off cobras, and Kotick, a white seal in search of a new home.
However, Mowgli’s story stuck out the most to film creators, more specifically, Disney. The first film was released in 1967, produced by Walt Disney Productions, just a year after Walt Disney himself died of lung cancer. The film was the 19th animated feature in the Disney Animated Classics series. It introduced kids to Mowgli’s story, including his friends Bagheera and Baloo, as well as his nemesis, Shere Khan.
It was so beloved by children and adults alike, that it was redone several times. A live-action remake was done in 1994, co-written and directed by Stephen Sommers. What made this one different, apart from being live-action, was its incorporation of The Second Jungle Book, also by Kipling.
The Second Jungle Book
The Jungle Book summary. Originally published in 1895, just a year after the first one, this book contains 16 chapters, and features Mowgli once again. This time, however, things are a little darker. Mowgli’s adopted parents are almost killed, while he is driven out of the human village for witchcraft. At almost 17 years of age, he’s restless and suffering from growing pains. He must decide between returning to the jungle or trying a new way of life.
The Jungle Book 2 was released in 2003, also by Disney. It is technically a sequel to the 1967 version. Rather than be based on The Second Jungle Book, for obvious reasons, it was a continuation of The Jungle Book. This was poorly received, since the general consensus was that it was a rehash of the first film, which should have just gone straight to video.
The Latest Movie Release
Perhaps this is why it was recently redone once more, again in live-action, but better. Released on April 15, 2016, the film features Bill Murray, Christopher Walken, Gianvarlo Esposito, Idris Elba, and Ben Kingsley. It was developed as a balance between the original animated adaptation from 1967, and Kipling’s original works, both books.
If it sounds difficult, that’s because it probably was, having to strike that perfect balance and all. Not to mention, Kipling’s stories were a little dark here and there. For a Disney production, it needs to be toned down wherever needed, while still maintaining that level of tension when the story merits it.
*Warning, spoilers ahead*
But upon watching the film, it becomes clear that the balance was found and executed perfectly. Mowgli is still the focus, being raised by wolves, until Shere Khan comes and puts his paw down: either they give him Mowgli, or everyone suffers the wrath of the great, burned tiger. Obviously, Bagheera won’t take that chance, having been the one who found him and took him to the wolves in the first place. He sees him not just as a friend, but as his own child. In an attempt to save him from the tiger, he leads Mowgli away from the jungle, but only makes it so far before trouble ensues: Shere Khan ambushes them, injures Bagheera, and almost gets Mowgli.
Mowgli escapes due to a herd of nearby buffalo. He finds himself face to face with Kaa, the python, who hypnotizes him and explains why Shere Khan is after him: his father burned his face with a torch, or as the animals call it, “the red flower.” Mowgli’s father was killed by the tiger, but Shere Khan was left with a large mark on his face.
Upon seeing what’s going on, Baloo comes into the picture and saves Mowgli from Kaa. He asks Mowgli to help him get honey, and Mowgli obliges. Working together, they get honey for Baloo’s “hibernation” before getting found by Bagheera, who kindly points out that bears in the jungle don’t hibernate. Upon finding out that Shere Khan is after Mowgli, and has already killed the wolf leader as a sign of retaliation for sending Mowgli away, Baloo is forced into a tough spot. While he loves Mowgli, he cannot ensure his safety. Pushing him away seems to be the best course of action, so Bagheera can take him to the man village.
But nothing is that easy, is it? Monkeys kidnap Mowgli, and take him to King Louie, a giant, singing orangutan played by Christopher Walken. While everyone is fearful of “the red flower,” Louie is thinking like a power-hungry mogul: if he gets the red flower, he becomes even more feared and respected. He becomes…King Louie, the king of the jungle.
Of course, Mowgli says no, and just then Baloo shows up to distract Louie and his monkey minions while Bagheera attempts to lead Mowgli to safety. Their plan is uncovered, and a chase ensues, ending with King Louie dying under his own collapsing temple. The monkeys go to his aid, and let Bagheera, Baloo, and Mowgli leave.
Meanwhile, Mowgli is upset. Before his death, Louie tells Mowgli that Akela, the wolf leader, is dead because of Shere Khan. Up to this point, Bagheera and Baloo hadn’t told him. This is the turning point, however, where Mowgli grows into his own, embracing his human trickery, and using it to kill Shere Khan.
In the end, Mowgli lives with the wolves once more, but he embraces his humanity and human tricks and inventions. No longer attempting to be a wolf, he comes to terms with his love and acceptance within the jungle, although he himself isn’t an animal.
*End Spoilers*
Summary
Despite being 122 years old, The Jungle Book is one of those classics worth revisiting time and time again. It may be filled with talking animals, but it isn’t just a story for children. It is a story filled with deeper meaning, life lessons, and adventure. It is exciting, thrilling, addicting, and heartwarming. It is through a series of talking animals that viewers and readers alike learn more about what it means to be human. It is not about being something you’re not, and it is not about being something to fit in. It is about embracing you for you, and applying that in ways that only you possibly can.
