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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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Movie Info

A married black lawyer named Flipper (Wesley Snipes) begins an affair with Angie (Annabella Sciorra), his white secretary. When the news is leaked through an acquaintance, Flipper's wife (Lonette McKee) kicks him out of the house. Flipper decides to begin courting his mistress, only to be greeted by disapproval from friends, family and even strangers. The relationship continues to be strained in a society not ready to accept it, and people are hurt during its inception.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Spike Lee
  • Producer:
    Spike Lee
  • Writer:
    Spike Lee
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $31.7M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Universal Pictures, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby, Surround
  • Aspect Ratio:
    35mm

Cast & Crew

Wesley Snipes
Flipper Purify
Annabella Sciorra
Angie Tucci
Ossie Davis
The Good Reverend Doctor Purify
Spike Lee
Cyrus
Ruby Dee
Lucinda Purify
Samuel L. Jackson
Gator Purify
Lonette McKee
Drew
John Turturro
Paulie Carbone
Frank Vincent
Mike Tucci
Anthony Quinn
Lou Carbone
Spike Lee
Director
Spike Lee
Writer
Jon Kilik
Line Producer
Spike Lee
Producer
Monty Ross
Co-Producer
Terence Blanchard
Original Music
Stevie Wonder
Original Songs
Ernest R. Dickerson
Cinematographer
Samuel D. Pollard
Film Editor
Robi Reed-Humes
Casting
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Critic Reviews for Jungle Fever

All Critics (48) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (39) | Rotten (9)

View All Critic Reviews (48)

Audience Reviews for Jungle Fever

  • Dec 13, 2013
    not porn. DISAPPOINTED.
    Stevie S Super Reviewer
  • Apr 12, 2012
    For 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
  • Aug 03, 2011
    What 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
  • Feb 16, 2010
    This 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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