Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bare-knuckle boxing drama has violence, language, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Jungleland
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
JUNGLELAND finds brothers Stanley (Charlie Hunnam) and Lion Kaminski (Jack O'Connell) with no money and no place to live. When they are given an opportunity for Lion to fight in a bare-knuckle boxing match with large prize money on offer, they make the journey across country to take part in the fight. However, there's a catch. They must deliver a young woman to a feared gangster on the way.
Is It Any Good?
Jungleland treads such a tried and tested path that ultimately it suffers from being too predictable. From the two underdog blue-collar siblings looking for a final payday, to the gangsters whose pocket they're in, there's nothing we haven't seen before. Yet despite the familiarity, the story -- which essentially takes the form of a road trip -- remains gripping, even if you're fairly sure you know where the final destination will be.
The film is also helped by strong performances across the board from three British actors, who not only manage to nail their U.S. accents, but also provide layered performances that give the film some much needed depth. O'Connell gives a subdued performance as Lion, a man who is also capable of brutal violence. In contrast, Hunnam's Stanley is the animated, happy-go-lucky older brother, whose reckless behavior gets them into increasingly dangerous situations. This includes being forced to ferry the sharp tongued, yet deeply sympathetic Sky -- brilliantly played by Jessica Barden -- from one gangster to another. Get past the cliched storytelling and you'll find a hard-punching -- if not knockout -- drama.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Jungleland. Did it seem realistic to you? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was sex portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How would you describe the relationship between Stanley and Lion? Did they seem close? Talk about your own relationships with your brothers or sisters. What do you think makes a good sibling relationship?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 6, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : January 12, 2021
- Cast : Charlie Hunnam , Jonathan Majors , Jessica Barden
- Director : Max Winkler
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Paramount Pictures , Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language, some sexual content, violence and nudity
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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