Definitely not one of Spike Lee's best films, and definitely a bit dated after 15 years. But it still holds some interest. It's a whole mishmash of racial issues, of the director and of the actors (many scenes seem to be improvised) dealing with their own thoughts. Often Lee shows his own prejudices. In 1991 at least, it doesn't seem like he thought black people and white people should be involved romantically. When Lee was promoting the film at the time, he implied that people of two different races were only attracted to each other because of stereotypes they had in mind. I think we still have a ways to go, but I think a lot of the barriers that may have been in place in 1991 have crumbled. The two main characters, played by Wesley Snipes and Annabella Sciorra, are fairly weak. I don't think either of them are especially good actors. Snipes has always been rather mediocre. The film is much stronger with its supporting characters. Samuel L. Jackson was much lauded for his performance as a crackhead. He is very good, though I think Lee makes him a bit too humorous at times (though certainly he is downright frightening at others). I also thought John Turturro was excellent as the boyfriend Sciora dumps for Snipes. Honestly, I don't think Turturro can do any wrong. The film ends on the silliest note possible. Still, I rather liked it for the most part.
Review of Jungle Fever
