The Jungle (2006)
4/10
Despite the Original Premise, It Is neither Funny nor Dramatic
5 July 2009
In Paris, Vincent Larchet (Patrick Mille) and Mathias Warkhevytch (Guillaume Gallienne) are best friends since their childhood and they share a rented apartment that belongs to Vincent's father, who is an important anesthetist of a hospital in Paris and with whom Vincent does not have a good relationship. Vincent does not work or study and he quited the Law School after being left by his girlfriend Alessia Massari (Olivia Magnani); he is a selfish liar, cheater, lazy and disloyal man that likes to criticize the others to protect himself. However, he is worshiped by Mathias, who misses his former girlfriend Natacha (Valérie Bonneton) and is working in a never ending thesis. On the day of Matthias's birthday, Vincent breaks in the apartment of his father to celebrate with his friends, but his father unexpectedly returns from a trip and finds a complete mess. He challenges Vincent and Matthias to survive in the streets of Paris for seven days and seven nights with seven Euros. They accept the bet and along the period, Vincent learns the value of the unconditional friendship and loyalty.

"La Jungle" has an interesting and original premise: how to survive for seven days with seven Euros in Paris. However, despite of the good premise, this movie does not work well since it is neither funny as a comedy nor dramatic as a drama; actually is shallow and boring in some moments. The greatest problem is the unpleasant and non-charismatic character Vincent – the guy does not have any good quality, actually he is a scum. Matthias saves part of the plot since this one is charismatic and attracts the sympathy of the audience. The writer and director Mathieu Delaporte wrote and directed with a too heavy hand this feature. My vote is four.

Title (Brazil): "Duros em Paris" ("Broken in Paris")
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