The Legend of Tarzan (2016) – A New Take on the Classic Jungle Hero
The Legend of Tarzan is a 2016 action-adventure film directed by David Yates, known for his work on the Harry Potter series. Starring Alexander Skarsgård as the iconic jungle hero Tarzan, Margot Robbie as Jane Porter, and Christoph Waltz as the antagonist, this film offers a fresh and action-packed interpretation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic character.
Plot Overview
Set a decade after Tarzan (now known as John Clayton III) has left the jungles of Africa and settled into a civilized life in England, the story picks up with him living a quiet life with his wife, Jane Porter (Margot Robbie). However, when he is invited back to the Congo as a trade emissary for the British Parliament, he discovers a dark plot orchestrated by the villainous Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz).
Rom, in league with a brutal local warlord, has a plan to exploit the Congo’s resources and enslave its people. Tarzan is thrust back into the jungle, where he must reconnect with his primal instincts and fight to save the land and its inhabitants. With the help of his loyal ape companion Kala and the courageous George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), Tarzan faces formidable challenges and reclaims his legacy as the king of the jungle.
Key Themes in The Legend of Tarzan
- Identity and Legacy: The film explores Tarzan’s struggle with his dual identity as both a civilized Englishman and the wild Tarzan of the jungle. His journey is about reconciling these two sides of himself.
- Colonial Exploitation and Resistance: The narrative highlights the exploitation of Africa’s resources and people by colonial powers, presenting a critical view of colonialism and celebrating the resistance of the indigenous people.
- Heroism and Redemption: Tarzan’s return to the jungle symbolizes a quest for redemption and the reclaiming of his heroic status. His actions demonstrate bravery and selflessness as he fights against tyranny and injustice.
Why You Should Watch The Legend of Tarzan
- Modern Visuals with Classic Appeal: The film combines modern special effects and cinematography with the timeless appeal of the Tarzan story, offering a visually stunning experience.
- Strong Performances: Alexander Skarsgård brings depth to the role of Tarzan, while Margot Robbie and Christoph Waltz deliver memorable performances as Jane and Rom, respectively.
- Action-Packed Adventure: With thrilling jungle sequences, intense battles, and breathtaking visuals, the film delivers on action and adventure, keeping audiences engaged throughout.
Critical Reception
The Legend of Tarzan received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the film’s action sequences and the performances of the lead actors, particularly Skarsgård and Robbie. However, some found the plot to be formulaic and felt that the film did not fully capture the complexity of its characters or the essence of the Tarzan legend.
The film was noted for its impressive visual effects and exciting set pieces, but opinions varied on its storytelling and character development.
Box Office Performance
The film grossed around $356 million worldwide, performing well at the box office despite mixed critical reviews. It was appreciated for its entertainment value and visual spectacle.
Where to Watch
The Legend of Tarzan (2016) is available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. It’s a great choice for fans of action-adventure films and classic literary adaptations.
Similar Films:
- Tarzan (1999): The animated Disney version of the Tarzan story, known for its memorable music and family-friendly adventure.
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017): A modern adventure film with jungle settings and action-packed sequences.
- The Jungle Book (2016): A live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic, offering a blend of adventure and visual effects.
For more details and to stream The Legend of Tarzan, check out HBO Max or Amazon Prime Video.