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6.3/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.3/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. King of the Jungle remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, you probably already know if you want to see this. If you enjoy vintage cinema where the dialogue sounds like it was written for a stage play and the jungle sets look like they’re made of cardboard, you’ll have a ball. Everyone else? You’ll likely find it painfully slow and a bit silly. 🦁
Buster Crabbe is the main draw here, and he really commits to the whole "I was raised by lions" bit. There’s a scene where he’s trying to handle a dinner party that is just pure, awkward gold. He looks so uncomfortable in a tuxedo, like he’s waiting for the floor to turn back into forest moss.
The circus scenes are where the movie gets weird. The lions look bored, and honestly, I don't blame them. One of the trainers spends a lot of time just standing there, looking like they are praying the cat doesn't decide to snack on someone mid-scene. It’s got that raw, slightly dangerous energy that you just don't get in modern CGI stuff.
I couldn't help but compare the pacing to something like Sunrise, though they are obviously totally different beasts. This movie doesn't have that kind of artistic ambition, but it has a weird charm. It feels like a fever dream you’d have after eating too much cheese before bed.
The writing feels like a committee of four people trying to agree on a plot while half-asleep. Characters pop in and out just to explain the plot to the audience. It’s not subtle. Sometimes, you just have to lean into the chaos.
Little things I noticed:
It’s a strange little relic. If you’re a fan of old-school adventure stories, it’s worth a look. Just don't go in expecting anything profound. Sometimes a man fighting a lion in a circus tent is enough, right?
It’s far from perfect. It might even be a bit of a disaster. But at least it isn't boring. And in this day and age, that’s saying something. 🎬
