From The Jungle Book To Tarzan, 5 Films That Capture Wildlife In All Its Glory

Wildlife is an essential part of our ecosystem and nature is full of wonderful creatures. As much scary we might find these creatures, each one of them has its unique qualities which makes them exotic and essential for the planet. Many of us grew up on stories about animals and the wild, laden often with messages about unity, bravery and intelligence. But over the years many films too have one over us and helped create an awareness about the mankind's ruthless attitude towards the wildlife which needs to change.

Didn't you love watching The Jungle Book which is based on Rudyard Kipling's book by the same name and imagining your life as the adventurous child Mowgli raised by a pack of wolves? Don't vines hanging off trees remind you of Tarzan, who was raised by a group of Gorillas? Remember how we used to wait for hours to watch these movies on the television after coming back from school? Films on wildlife do not only give us messages on co-existence and eco conservation, they fill our hearts with nostalgia.

Here are five films on wildlife that are memorable for their heartwarming characters, moving plots and adventurous spirit:

Born Free

This 1966 British film is based on Joy Adamson's biographical book by the same name. The movie revolves around George, who tamed three lion cubs. When Elsa, one of the three cubs, creates too much chaos for him, George sends her off to the wild. The film's cast includes Bill Travers, Virginia McKenna, Peter Lukoye, Geoffrey Keen among others.

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The Legend Of Tarzan

The Legend of Tarzan is directed by David Yates, is based on the fictional character of Tarzan which was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Released in 2016, the cast of the film includes Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L Jackson, Margot Robbie, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent, and Christoph Waltz. The film follows the adventures of Tarzan, a man raised by gorillas in the jungle after he moves to England in pursuit of love.

The Jungle Book

A tale that has been told many times on the screen and yet remains fresh, The Jungle Book is based on Kipling's collection of stories, initially published in 1894. It follows the story of Mowgli, a human child who is raised by a pack of wolves. Bagheera, the panther and Baloo, the bear helps him get out of the clutches of Shere Khan, the tiger. The film features Neel Sethi as Mowgli along with the voiceovers by actors Idris Elba, Jon Favreau, Scarlett Johansson among others.

The Lion King

The Lion King, produced and directed by Jon Favreau has been adapted from a 1994 musical drama film by the same name. Simba, the lion cub is forced to leave his homeland after his father, Mufassa is murdered by his uncle, Scar. This 2019 live-action film features voiceovers by actors Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner, Beyonce and John Oliver.

Into The Wild

The 2007-film is an adventure drama based on Jon Krakauer's non-fiction book by the same name. Christopher McCandless renounces his life as well as all possessions to journey across the United States. The film focuses on how this solo trip and the subsequent encounter with wildlife change the protagonist's life.

Views expressed are the author's own.