Article Overview
Radcliffe's 2017 movie received little attention from audiences, but it impresses survival expert Hazen Audel with its realistic depictions of survival scenarios.
Audel commends the movie's meticulous depiction of the challenges of surviving in the Amazon, including navigating treacherous rapids and handling perilous wildlife. The expert awards the film a flawless rating, praising its authentic portrayal of the perils found in the Amazon.
Survival expert Hazen Audel gives a perfect score to the 2017 Daniel Radcliffe movie, Jungle. Despite being known for his role as Harry Potter, Radcliffe has ventured into various genres after his Potter success. From the unconventional indie film Swiss Army Man to the action-comedy Guns Akimbo and the parody musical biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Radcliffe has consistently challenged himself as an actor.
Among his diverse filmography, Radcliffe starred in the often-overlooked 2017 survival movie called Jungle. While it may not have received much attention from audiences at the time, the movie expertly portrays realistic survival scenarios, as recognized by survivalist Hazen Audel. In a video feature for Insider, Audel commends the film for its accurate portrayal of whitewater rapids hazards and meticulous attention to Amazonian survival challenges such as foraging for food and encountering dangerous animals. He gives Jungle a flawless rating of ten-out-of-ten. Watch the clip below (around 2:50) to hear Audel's thoughts.
The Amazon is an immense region with diverse scenarios and various types of rivers. However, there are rivers that are exceptionally muddy and rocky, making navigation extremely challenging. It is evident that the watercraft constructed in this region were born out of necessity. It is important to note that these watercraft, although they do float, can still weigh hundreds or even thousands of pounds, rendering them far from agile.
The realistic depiction of the raft hitting the rock demonstrates a highly perilous situation. Wrapping around the rock puts one in great danger. If this maneuver were a last-ditch effort to avoid going over a large waterfall or traversing rapids that would surely prove fatal, it would be the only option. The individuals in this scenario were fortunate that they were positioned at the back of the raft when it struck the rock. Ordinarily, the raft would be pushed in one direction by the water, while one would be trapped between the rock and the raft as the raging water crushes or drowns them. Having experience and a clear understanding of the situation would be advantageous in such circumstances. In all likelihood, they made the right decision. It is impossible to swim against the current, but comprehending the intricacies of the rapids and eddy lines enables one to make the best possible attempt to reach the shore, even while knowing that they will still be carried downstream by the current. As a long-time professional whitewater guide, I was accustomed to facing challenges of this nature.
Exposure is the number one killer in survival situations, but injury and trauma can also be deadly. For instance, if you climb a tall tree and accidentally fall, you risk getting hurt or even dying. In such cases, it is best to try and shake the fruit off the tree using a big branch or a rock, ensuring it falls safely to the ground. However, desperate times may call for desperate measures when it comes to finding food.
The Amazon is a place I admire because every nook and cranny is teeming with life. Personally, I have an odd fascination with snakes and can usually identify the type and determine if it is dangerous or not. In one particular case, the snake appeared aggressive and was striking, but it turned out to be a harmless python. If it had been a venomous snake like a fer-de-lance, it would be crucial to keep a safe distance from its striking range. I found everything I witnessed to be entirely plausible, understanding the reasons behind their actions. This clip gets a perfect rating of 10.
Radcliffe’s Jungle May Be Ripe For Rediscovery
Jungle was only moderately successful with critics, receiving an overall score of 61% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Daniel Radcliffe's performance was highly praised in many reviews. Reel Film Reviews described his portrayal as "eye-opening" and "completely convincing," while Substream Magazine commented that Radcliffe was the perfect fit for a film like Jungle, and the film succeeded largely because of his talent. Time Out Sydney applauded Radcliffe for his dedication to the role, stating that he fully embraced the physical challenges it presented.
At the box office, Jungle grossed 1.9 million.
Jungle is a film that deserves to be rediscovered, as it showcases a remarkable lead performance from the consistently captivating Radcliffe. The story, which is based on true events, effectively captures the challenges of survival and is so realistic that even survival experts would be impressed. This overlooked gem resurfacing after six years since its initial release serves as a testament to Radcliffe's talent, proving that he is much more than the beloved wizard from the Harry Potter franchise.
Editor's P/S
As a fan of both Daniel Radcliffe and survival movies, I was thrilled to learn about Jungle and Hazen Audel's review. Audel's expertise in survival situations lends credibility to his praise for the film's realism, and I appreciate his detailed analysis of the challenges depicted in the movie.
Radcliffe's performance in Jungle is a testament to his versatility as an actor. He fully commits to the role, convincingly portraying the physical and emotional toll of surviving in the Amazon. The film's immersive cinematography and attention to detail transport viewers to the heart of the jungle, making the experience all the more intense.
Overall, I highly recommend Jungle to anyone interested in survival movies or Daniel Radcliffe's work. It's a gripping and realistic portrayal of a harrowing true story that will leave you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.