Jungle 2017
Directed by
Greg Mclean
Made by
Momentum Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Jungle (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the early 1980s, an adventurous Israeli named Yossi Ghinsberg embarks on an exciting journey into the depths of the Amazon rainforest in Bolivia, hoping to explore uncharted territories and engage with indigenous tribes. While staying at an Israeli community hostel in La Paz, he befriends Marcus Stamm, a Swiss school teacher, and Kevin Gale, an avid American photographer. One day, Yossi encounters an Austrian stranger named Karl Ruprechter, who shares tales about a secretive tribe hidden deep in the jungle, claiming to be their guide.
Filled with enthusiasm about discovering the Toromonas, Yossi persuades Marcus and Kevin to join him on this quest, despite their initial reluctance. The following day, the trio meets Karl again, who surprises them by buying all the supplies for their trek, igniting Kevin’s excitement over the potential to capture rare photographs for National Geographic.
As they trek through the jungle in November 1981, they face unexpected challenges, including heavy rainfall that arrives two weeks early. Their journey leads them to a village named Asriamas, where it appears Karl has connections with the locals. After spending a night in the village, their challenges intensify—their expedition takes a toll on Marcus, whose feet are infected and sore, much to the irritation of Yossi and Kevin.
In a tense negotiation, Yossi and Kevin discuss their options, while Marcus proposes constructing a raft to expedite their journey downriver. They build the raft but encounter perilous rapids that test their resilience. When tensions arise between Kevin and Karl regarding the rafting controls, Karl opts to abandon the voyage and suggests Marcus join him back to civilization. Yossi and Kevin, determined to continue, forge ahead but soon face calamity as their raft is destroyed in the swift waters, separating them.
Alone and vulnerable, Yossi is swept away, starting a desperate fight for survival without tools or training. Struggling with his surroundings and a fierce internal battle, he fights despair as he scavenges for food, even resorting to eating raw eggs from birds. He attracts danger when a jaguar attacks, but Yossi bravely defends himself with a spray of lighter fluid. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including a troubling wound on his forehead, he summons the will to navigate through the jungle.
Meanwhile, Kevin is eventually rescued by locals and taken to Rurrenabaque, where he enlists the help of the authorities to find Yossi. Their first search via air fails, but Kevin remains hopeful, rallying local boat pilot Tico to assist him in the rescue mission. Miraculously, after being lost for 19 days, Yossi is found and brought back to Rurrenabaque, but is frail and severely malnourished.
The tale concludes with a haunting revelation about Karl, who deceived travelers for hazardous expeditions; he wasn’t just an unreliable guide but a fugitive with a dark past. Tragically, both he and Marcus vanished without a trace, prompting a dedication to Marcus in memory of his untimely end. This thrilling adventure underscores the fine line between exploration and peril in the heart of the wilderness.
Timeline
Track the key events of Jungle (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Yossi's Ambitious Journey Begins
In the early 1980s, adventurous Israeli Yossi Ghinsberg sets off on a thrilling journey into the Amazon rainforest of Bolivia. He aims to explore uncharted territories and connect with indigenous tribes, excited by the possibilities that lie ahead.
New Friendships in La Paz
While staying at an Israeli community hostel in La Paz, Yossi meets Marcus Stamm, a Swiss school teacher, and Kevin Gale, an enthusiastic American photographer. These friendships lay the groundwork for an adventure that will soon challenge their limits.
Encountering Karl Ruprechter
Yossi encounters Austrian stranger Karl Ruprechter, who captivates him with tales of a secretive tribe deep within the jungle. Karl offers to be their guide, igniting Yossi's adventurous spirit and the desire to discover the Toromonas.
Embarking on the Expedition
Yossi successfully convinces Marcus and Kevin to join him on the expedition, despite their hesitations. Their enthusiasm is boosted when Karl purchases all the supplies for their journey, significantly exciting Kevin as they envision capturing rare photographs.
Entering the Jungle
In November 1981, the trio treks into the unforgiving jungle, only to be met with unexpected challenges. Heavy rainfall arrives two weeks earlier than anticipated, testing their resolve and preparedness.
The Asriamas Village Stop
The expedition leads them to a village named Asriamas, where Karl appears to have connections with the locals. After spending the night there, Marcus's physical struggles begin to weigh heavily on the group as his feet become infected.
Deciding to Build a Raft
Yossi and Kevin find themselves in a tense discussion over their options. Marcus suggests building a raft to make their journey downriver easier, hoping it will alleviate their difficulties on the expedition.
Navigating Dangerous Rapids
After constructing the raft, the trio faces perilous rapids that test their resilience and teamwork. Tensions rise between Kevin and Karl over the control of the raft, culminating in Karl's decision to abandon the journey.
The Raft Disaster
As Yossi and Kevin push forward without Karl, calamity strikes when their raft is destroyed in the swift waters. This catastrophic event leads to their separation, leaving Yossi alone and vulnerable.
Yossi's Struggle for Survival
Separated and disoriented, Yossi finds himself swept away, forced to navigate the treacherous jungle without tools or training. His struggle for survival includes scavenging for food and bravely defending himself against a jaguar attack.
Kevin's Search for Yossi
Meanwhile, Kevin is rescued by locals and taken to Rurrenabaque. Intent on finding Yossi, he enlists the authorities' help, but their initial search attempt via air proves fruitless, causing anxiety over Yossi's fate.
Rallying Local Support
Despite the setbacks, Kevin remains hopeful and partners with local boat pilot Tico to assist in the rescue mission. Their collective effort sparks a renewed determination to locate Yossi in the vast rainforest.
Yossi Found After 19 Days
After a grueling search that lasts 19 days, Yossi is miraculously located and brought back to Rurrenabaque. Although he is frail and severely malnourished, his survival story becomes one of resilience and strength.
The Dark Truth about Karl
In the aftermath of their harrowing adventure, it is revealed that Karl Ruprechter was not merely an unreliable guide but a fugitive with a dangerous past. Both Karl and Marcus disappear without a trace, leaving a haunting gap in Yossi and Kevin's journey.
Dedication to Marcus
The story of Yossi's adventure concludes with a poignant dedication to Marcus, reflecting on his untimely end amidst the perils of exploration. This thrilling experience illustrates the fine line between adventure and danger in the wild.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Jungle (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Yossi Ghinsberg (Daniel Radcliffe)
Yossi is a determined and adventurous Israeli who seeks the thrill of exploration in the Amazon rainforest. His journey transforms him as he struggles for survival, facing both the physical challenges of the jungle and the psychological toll of isolation. His character embodies resilience and the will to endure in the face of overwhelming odds.
Kevin Gale (Alex Russell)
Kevin is an enthusiastic American photographer who shares Yossi's passion for adventure. He is initially excited about the trek, but soon finds himself grappling with danger and tension within the group. His character's arc showcases the emotional toll of the perilous journey and the struggle to maintain hope amidst uncertainty.
Marcus Stamm (Joel Jackson)
Marcus is a Swiss school teacher whose cautious nature contrasts with Yossi's adventurous spirit. As injuries complicate their expedition, his character highlights the fragility of human endurance and the impact of adversity on mental strength. His journey reflects the challenges of navigating fear and pain in survival situations.
Karl Ruprechter (Thomas Kretschmann)
Karl is portrayed as a mysterious Austrian stranger who presents himself as a guide with insider knowledge of the jungle. However, his deceitful intentions unravel throughout the film, revealing his true nature and making him a pivotal figure in the story. His character serves as a warning against trust in unfamiliar faces.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Jungle (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1980s
The early 1980s was a period marked by social unrest and exploration in various parts of the world. During this time, adventurers sought to uncover uncharted territories, often leading to encounters with indigenous cultures and the unknown. In the context of this film, it highlights a time where the allure of the wild and the spirit of adventure drove people into the heart of nature.
Location
Bolivia, La Paz, Asriamas, Rurrenabaque
Bolivia is a vibrant South American country known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest. La Paz, the administrative capital, serves as a bustling hub for travelers seeking adventure. Asriamas is a remote village encountered during the journey, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region, and Rurrenabaque is a charming town known for its access to the Amazon and as a base for explorers.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Jungle (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
The theme of survival is central to the film, illustrating the physical and mental challenges faced by Yossi as he navigates the hostile environment of the jungle. His struggle against despair and his resourcefulness highlight the human spirit's resilience. The film emphasizes the thin line between adventure and danger, showcasing how quickly the thrill of exploration can turn into a fight for life.
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Friendship
Friendship is explored through the bonds formed between Yossi, Marcus, and Kevin during their expedition. Their relationship is tested by adversity, revealing the complexities of trust and loyalty. Ultimately, their camaraderie underscores the importance of companionship in the face of hardship and the impact it has on their survival.
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Deceit
The theme of deceit manifests through the character of Karl, whose duplicitous nature creates tension and conflict within the group. His betrayal serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of misplaced trust and the darker side of human ambition. The revelation of his true persona adds a layer of intrigue and tragedy to the narrative.
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