Jungle Cry
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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Jungle Cry
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Jungle Cry is a sports drama based on a true story with valuable lessons about teamwork and always believing in yourself -- even when it comes to achieving the unthinkable. The movie is in both English and Hindi (with English subtitles). When a group of 12 Indian boys, many of whom are orphans and live in poverty, take up rugby -- a sport they had barely heard of -- the odds are stacked against them. Yet with belief and hard work they are able to achieve their goals. The kids are also taught the right lessons; to enjoy themselves and to do themselves proud, irrespective of the result. When the kids travel to the United Kingdom to take part in a rugby tournament, the locals are welcoming, taking the kids into their homes and communities. There is also a female lead, Roshni (Emily Shah), who is the team's physio. While it's positive to have an important woman at the center of the narrative, the film can be a little guilty of highlighting her knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport in a somewhat condescending way. There are some on-field scuffles on the rugby field, but it's fairly tame.
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Inspiring Family Film
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What's the Story?
JUNGLE CRY is the true story of how 12 under-resourced Indian boys -- born into poverty and some orphaned -- defied the odds and competed in an international rugby tournament in the United Kingdom. Led by coach Rudra (Adhay Deol), and helped along by the team's physio, Roshni (Emily Shah), the team surprise everyone by excelling at a sport they hadn't even heard of before, let alone played.
Is It Any Good?
This is a film that has a comforting familiarity to it, following all the classic beats of an uplifting sports drama. On the one hand that can be somewhat tedious, but on this occasion, given the feel-good factor of the narrative, Jungle Cry plays out exactly as you'd hope. As you might expect from a film dealing with an inspiring story that breeds such positive messages, the narrative does veer into the realms of sentimentality and cinematic cliches. Yet despite this, it's hard not to invest, care, and ultimately root for the kids at the heart of the story.
The film is lacking within the dressing room though. While Deol as coach Rudra and Shah as physio Roshni inject some life into proceedings, it feels like more personality from the team is needed, as so few of those within the side seem to have any true character arcs, or really much to do at all. That said, it's an enjoyable, easy-to-watch film that is hard not to appreciate, and at times, be a little moved by too. Go on the Jungle Cats!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the positive lessons and messages in Jungle Cry. What did you take away from the movie? What character strengths were on display? How could you apply these traits to your own life?
Discuss the background the kids in the movie were from. Did the fact that the film was based on a true story impact how you felt about it? If so, how?
What did you know of the sport of rugby before watching the film? Would you like to play it? What other sports do you enjoy?
How familiar are you with the country India? Did you learn anything new? Why is it important to learn about different cultures?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 20, 2022
- Cast: Abhay Deol, Emily Shah, Stewart Wright
- Director: Sagar Ballary
- Studio: Jungle Cry LLC
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 117 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: May 20, 2022
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