Ada in the Jungle (1988)

Ada in the Jungle Poster
Original Title: Ada dans la jungle

A dying man Lord Gordon asks his niece Ada to find his son in Africa whom he left many years ago.

Summary
"Ada in the Jungle" is a French movie directed by Gérard Zingg which was released in 1988. The film is among the rare ones that concentrate on the unusual theme of a child making it through in the wilderness alone and the impact on her psychology and behaviour as an outcome of it. This motion picture explores the principle of the intrinsic human impulse for survival and the extensive effects of social seclusion.

Main Plot
The story focuses on the lead character, Ada, who lives alone in a jungle. Her presence revolved totally around enduring the daily challenges of fending for herself with very little resources. Ada's life takes an extreme turn when she comes across two tired travellers, lost in the jungle. On coming across people after a prolonged period of solitude, she takes them in and offers them assist.

Major Themes
A huge part of the film highlights the battles of living in isolation. While numerous films of this category concentrate on the external risks of wild animals or unpredictable weather condition, "Ada in the Jungle" is far more focused on the psychological aspect of isolation. This viewpoint is masterfully presented through Ada's character whose psychology has actually been deeply affected, leaving her fundamentally wild and practically lacking communication abilities.

Character Analysis
Ada, the main character, goes through various changes. In the start, she is timid and practically animal-like, constantly based on her instincts for survival. As the movie extends, and with the introduction of other human characters, we see a gradual shift in her behaviour. She gradually starts to restore those human characteristics that she lost due to her solitary existence in the jungle. Her transformation highlights adaptability and durability to ecological aspects.

Elements of Surrealism
Among the essential aspects of the movie is its airy sense of surrealism. This plays a big part in how the audience perceives the story. It is this usage of modernistic technique that blurs the truth in regards to the jungle and its environments, developing a sense of dream that just adds to Ada's abstract characterization.

Ending
Towards the end of the film, Ada's interaction with the two tourists leads her to finding a herd of elephants. This has been indicated as the representation of liberty and open large spaces. Amazingly, Ada doesn't pick to entrust the travellers however rather, discovers peace within her jungle. The movie ends on a touching note that highlights Ada's connection and attachment to nature and solitude.

Total Critique
"Ada in the Jungle" is not just a story of survival however is an expedition of human psychology and the effect of isolation on it. The direction of Gérard Zingg, the amazing cinematography and the wonderful yet surreal environment developed in the film, makes it an extraordinary experience. Despite certain uncertainties, it is highly symbolic and highlights the human impulse of versatility and strength. Overall, it is a surreal, psychological exploration of a woman's solitary existence in the wild and her journey towards self-realization.

Top Cast

  • Richard Bohringer (small)
    Richard Bohringer
    Ergomir Pilic
  • Victoria Abril (small)
    Victoria Abril
    Carmen
  • Isaach De Bankolé (small)
    Isaach De Bankolé
    Bumbo
  • Bernard Blier (small)
    Bernard Blier
    Major Collins
  • Philippe Léotard (small)
    Philippe Léotard
    Rudi
  • María Luisa Mosquera
    Ada
  • Charley Boorman (small)
    Charley Boorman
    Nancy
  • Manfred Andrae (small)
    Manfred Andrae
    Le capitaine allemand
  • Robert Stephens (small)
    Robert Stephens
    Lord Gordon
  • Bibie
    Lola
  • Katrine Boorman (small)
    Katrine Boorman
    Eva