DVD. Feature film. Dir. by Spike Lee. Rated R. Stereo. 132 min.
This critically acclaimed film explores the consequences of interracial relationships in this story of an African American architect who has an affair with his working-class Italian secretary.
Spike Lee's drama is a complex, multilayered, and volatile look at interracial romance in present-day New York City. Flipper Purify (Wesley Snipes), an up-and-coming African American architect, seems to have it all: a successful career, a nice apartment on a renovated street in Harlem, a beautiful, intelligent wife whom he adores, and a bright, loving daughter. The last thing he expects is to find himself in an affair with a blue-collar Italian American from Bensonhurst. But soon after Angie Tucci (Annabella Sciorra) comes to work in his office, the two end up staying late together and having intimate talks over takeout Chinese food. Inevitably a romance begins, leaving Flipper and Angie caught up in the fury and suspicion of the racial prejudice of their families and friends. As their lives unravel, so does their affair, and they wonder if their relationship ever had a chance from the beginning. As usual with Lee, he isn't content to tackle simply one issue in his films--in JUNGLE FEVER, he addresses, for perhaps the first time, the drug epidemic in the African American community. In this subplot, Samuel L. Jackson plays Gator, Flipper's crackhead brother, with an intensity that is almost too painful to watch.
Theatrical release: June 1991.
Shot on location in New York City.
The film is dedicated to Yusef Hawkins, a young African American who was murdered in Bensonhurst by a group of white youths who objected to his relationship with an Italian American girl.
Illeana Douglas and Gina Gershon's scenes were both cut from the picture.
Jungle Fever Reviews:
"...JUNGLE FEVER is a powerhouse - hotly erotic, brutally funny and profoundly disturbing..."
-- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
"...Consistently invigorating....[Sciorra] is a delight, a woman of guts and humor and enormous resilience....Lee joins the ranks of our best..."
-- Vincent Canby, New York Times
"...Technically tops and performed to the hilt, FEVER propels Lee into Martin Scorsese territory..."
-- Mike Clark, USA Today
"...Strong and powerful....No other filmmaker has the nerve to ask the questions that must be asked, to ask them so persistently, or so well..."
-- Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Customer Jungle Fever Reviews Customer Jungle Fever DVD Reviews
Average Rating: (4.3 out of 5 stars)
Great Movie This movie is real future classic,I enjoyed it. Has a bit of comedy as well as true life drama. Would reccommend this to anyone. Also puts a light on interracial relationships. Submitted by ThePeachO (New York City) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Reality It is quite lifelike. Submitted by a reviewer (Tuscaloosa, AL , USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Slowly Becoming A Classic Great movie, story, acting, and music(Stevie Wonder)! Add to that Samuel L. Jackson, who plays crack addict Gator and Halle Berry(her first real role) also plays a crack addict, Gator's girlfriend. Now that makes it a classic collector's item. Both actors were unbelievably great. Submitted by Percy (Charlotte, NC, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Reality check The subplot, for me, was interesting because it addressed the enabling behavior of one parent which creates problems for all. It is ongoing today in many families because one or two family members are in denial about addictive behaviors. The sub plot should be revisited for current viewers because the problem is still here. Submitted by cldunson (kansas city mo,usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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Jungle Fever DVD
Jungle Fever DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85 Letterbox - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Surround - English Dolby Surround - French Dolby Surround - Spanish Additional Release Material: Featurette Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer Text/Photo Galleries: Production Notes Biographies: Cast & Crew DVD-ROM Features: Weblinks
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