
Jungle Fever
1991, Drama, 2h 12m
48 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Jungle Fever finds Spike Lee tackling timely sociopolitical themes in typically provocative style, even if the result is sometimes ambitious to a fault. Read critic reviews
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Cast & Crew
Flipper Purify
Angie Tucci
The Good Reverend Doctor Purify
Cyrus
Lucinda Purify
Gator Purify
Critic Reviews for Jungle Fever
All Critics (48) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (9)
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The ingrained self-hatred of its characters reflect outward toward those who remind them of themselves.
June 23, 2016 | Full Review… -
However diffuse the movie's agenda, it is never less than thoroughly involving.
April 21, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Strong and powerful, Jungle Fever dares us to be disinterested, dares us to turn away.
April 21, 2015 | Full Review… -
It's all too much for Lee to handle. Jungle Fever is overlong, yet he hasn't found the screen time to give each of these people his or her reasons, and even the Snipes and Sciorra characters slip away from him.
April 21, 2015 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review… -
It certainly is something to see.
April 21, 2015 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Isn't it refreshing to talk about a thoughtful movie in a summer full of fluff?
April 21, 2015 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Jungle Fever
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Dec 13, 2013not porn. DISAPPOINTED.Stevie S Super Reviewer
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Apr 12, 2012For some reason I don't seem to ever watch a Spike Lee film in one sitting. The only ones I did were Do the Right Thing and Clockers. I did two sittings for this one, it's not a bad thing, but I just feel a lack of concentration when he does extended intimate portraits on his characters. Anyways, this 'joint' didn't feel like it dragged on, nor did it feel too short but I felt by the end of it that the central theme was slightly forgotten about. I think that's because all the supporting characters (especially Samuel L Jackson) are just so much more interesting than the central two.Hassan V Super Reviewer
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Aug 03, 2011What we have here is Spike Lee's thematic sequel to Do The Right Thing. While ultimately an exploration of inner city life for different cultural, economic, and racial groups, the main focus is on the consequences, repercussions, and attitudes towards interracial relationships. The film has noble ambitions and aims, but a lot of the strength is undermined primarily by some surprisingly untimely music cues from Stevie Wonder and a really bloated, meandering run time. I liked how the film explored the issue of mixed dating from different viewpoints, but I found it odd how it neglects to really capture the situation from the perspective of the two main parties: a well to do black architect, and his working class Italian secretary. Aside from mixed dating, the film does take a more general look at big city life, with special attention paid to crack addiction. The film is extremely well shot, with some well used camera moves (including a ripping long take), and, despite being flawed, does offer a great amount of substance and food for thought. It also contains some terrific performances from a notable ensemble cast, which includes names like Wesley Snipes, Anna Sciorra, Anthony Quinn, Spike Lee, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, John Turturro, and briefer appearances from Brad Dourif, Tim Robbins, Queen Latifah, Halle Berry (this being the debut for those latter two), as well as a breakout turn from Samuel L. Jackson as the crackhead Gator. All in all, the film is kind of a mess, but it does have its moments, so yeah, give it a go.Chris W Super Reviewer
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Feb 16, 2010This was made before I started sighing during Spike Lee movies. I thought the performances here were fabulous.John B Super Reviewer
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