Jungle Fever Details

Spike Lee's take on interracial romance is typically controversial, but ultimately lacks the visceral power that he brought to Do the Right Thing. The attention this time is directed at a wider slice of life, where successful architect Wesley Snipes falls for his white temp Annabella Sciorra and decides to leave his wife for her. However, their relationship sees them swiftly ostracised by their family and friends. Lee's direction is wonderfully fluid and, as in most of his movies, he is superbly served by the striking cinematography of Ernest Dickerson and strong lead performances. However, there is a glibness to his script, which does not delve fully into the reasons for the animosity they experience — is it because of the bigotry of those around them or because of their infidelity? — and the subplot involving Snipes's junkie brother (Samuel L Jackson) is never successfully integrated into the main story. Nevertheless, Lee once again elicits great performances from the eclectic cast, which also includes John Turturro, Anthony Quinn, Ruby Dee, Tim Robbins and Ossie Davis.

Sharply observed drama of racism and prejudice that raises more questions than it attempts to answer.