Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Jungle Book (Episode 6)

Having wandered into the jungle at but an innocent helpless wee age, little Mowgli (Sabu) finds sanctuary amongst wolves, who in turn rear him as if he were one of their pups, generous and watchful, an unorthodox family thrives.

While aggrandizing within the jungle Mowgli learns its forbidden ways, how to communicate with the different animals, find food, and rest and play.

The most imposing local tiger is none too impressed with this eccentric man cub, and swears he will one day indeed devour him, should he be caught wandering unaware.

But the other animals are quite fond of him and he gradually gains swift skill and strength, having enigmatically adapted, to the oldest school of raw existence.

Unfortunately, one inauspicious day, he's captured by the local village, which instinctually marvels at his wild heroics, and somewhat begrudgingly takes him in.

He quickly irritates its proudest unsurpassed vain boastful hunter, who had held the most ferocious standing, until Mowgli's sudden arrival.

Mowgli cares not for social prestige and simply seeks to freely co-exist.

Unconcerned with myth or legend.

Buldeo (Joseph Calleia) scurrilously haunts him.

Another look at The Jungle Book more intently focused on village life, since it was created long before spry special effects and doesn't rely on animation.

Many real animals are found within alongside giant puppet-like creations, the live shots aren't particularly elaborate, but may still have seemed cutting-edge at the time.

It examines stories from Kipling's book that aren't found in Disney's cartoon, nor Mr. Favreau's stunning rendition, worth checking out if seeking to learn more (reading the book also recommended).

It menacingly captures the aggrieved dynamic perennially narrativized between man and nature, as a young man harmoniously exists in the wilderness, while the older exploits technology to gain repute. 

Harmonious wilderness existence doesn't teach Mowgli sociocultural strategies, which Buldeo also knows how to exploit, as competing bucolic forces clash.

Compete is perhaps the wrong word since Mowgli isn't seeking recognition, but finds himself caught in a preexisting paradigm that hasn't been placated through democratic reckoning.

The man cub raised by wolves proves to be much more civilized than those seeking glory.

Who adopt disgraceful methods to pursue him.

And his caring animal neighbours. 

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