Jungle Fever (1991)

"Jungle Fever" (1991) is a romantic drama film written, directed, and produced by Spike Lee. The film has an incredible cast starring Wesley Snipes, Lonette McKee, Annabella Sciorra, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Anthony Quinn. Stevie Wonder produced the film's soundtrack and earned a nomination for Best Song Written, Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television for the song "Gotta Have You."

"Jungle Fever" was Lee's 5th theatrical release, and several of the actors starred in previous movies by him. Lee tackled tough subjects in his films, so "Jungle Fever" was an extension of the director exploring his artistic visions. The baseline theme of the movie is a black man has an affair with a white woman. However, the film examines many topics, and he uses all 2 hours and 11 minutes to analyze these subjects. And I'm not going too deep into that rabbit hole. But if you're curious, he explores racism, infidelities, family dynamics, drug addiction, employment inequalities, marriage, relationships between black men and women, domestic abuse, and sexuality. I do not doubt I missed something.

Spike Lee is an artistic director whose movies always carry a message. "Jungle Fever" has some incredible performances, especially by Samuel L. Jackson. Halle Berry starred beside him in some scenes, her first theatrical appearance in a movie. Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee add a tremendous layer with their on-screen chemistry.

Director: Spike Lee

Writer: Spike Lee

Starring Wesley Snipes, Annabella Sciorra, Spike Lee, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Samuel L. Jackson, Lonette McKee, John Turturro, Frank Vincent, Anthony Quinn, Halle Berry, Tyra Ferrell, Veronica Webb, Veronica Timbers, David Dundara, Michael Imperioli, Nicholas Turturro, Steven Randazzo, Joseph D'Onofrio, Michael Badalucco, Anthony Nocerino, Debi Mazar, Gina Mastrogiacomo, Tim Robbins, Brad Dourif, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Theresa Randle, Pamala Tyson, Rick Aiello, Miguel Sandoval, Charlie Murphy

Storyline

A married black lawyer named Flipper (Wesley Snipes) begins an affair with his white secretary Angie (Annabella Sciorra). When an acquaintance leaks the news, Flipper's wife (Lonette McKee) kicks him out of the house. Flipper begins courting his mistress, only to be greeted by disapproval from friends, family, and strangers.