The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

The Legend of Tarzan (2016) is a visually spectacular and action-packed reimagining of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic character, blending adventure, romance, and colonial intrigue. Directed by David Yates and starring Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie, Christoph Waltz, and Samuel L. Jackson, this jungle epic breathes new life into the Tarzan saga. In this movie review, we explore why The Legend of Tarzan is a must-watch for fans of action-adventure films, romantic dramas, and historical epics, delivering a thrilling tale of love, nature, and rediscovery.

A Return to the Jungle’s Heart

Set years after Tarzan’s jungle upbringing, The Legend of Tarzan follows John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke (Alexander Skarsgård), who has adapted to a civilized life in London. Lured back to the Congo Free State under false pretenses, he becomes entangled in a deadly scheme orchestrated by the ruthless Captain Léon Rom (Christoph Waltz), a Belgian envoy driven by greed. As Tarzan reconnects with his primal instincts, he must protect his wife, Jane (Margot Robbie), and the jungle’s inhabitants from colonial corruption. Joined by George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), a war veteran exposing colonial atrocities, Tarzan battles through treacherous jungles, facing mercenaries, wildlife, and his own conflicted identity.

The narrative weaves raw action with emotional depth, exploring themes of love, heritage, and resistance against oppression. The tagline, “The jungle called. He answered,” captures the film’s essence—a hero’s journey that balances personal stakes with epic adventure.

Stellar Performances That Roar

Alexander Skarsgård embodies Tarzan with a brooding physicality and quiet vulnerability, showcasing both his aristocratic restraint and primal ferocity. His transformation from Lord Greystoke to jungle warrior is captivating, grounding the film’s larger-than-life action. Margot Robbie shines as Jane, delivering a fierce, intelligent performance that redefines the character as more than a damsel, her chemistry with Skarsgård fueling the romantic core. Christoph Waltz is chillingly charismatic as Captain Rom, his menacing charm making him a formidable villain. Samuel L. Jackson brings humor and gravitas as Williams, his historical role adding a layer of social commentary on colonial exploitation.

The ensemble, including Djimon Hounsou as a tribal chief, elevates the film’s emotional stakes, making Tarzan’s fight feel deeply personal and universally resonant.

Breathtaking Visuals and Jungle Atmosphere

Directed by David Yates (Harry Potter), The Legend of Tarzan boasts stunning cinematography by Henry Braham, capturing the Congo’s lush jungles with sweeping vistas and visceral action. The animal sequences, blending practical effects and CGI, bring gorillas, lions, and elephants to life with thrilling authenticity, rivaling The Jungle Book (2016). The action set pieces—from vine-swinging chases to brutal hand-to-hand combat—are choreographed with heart-pounding intensity, immersing viewers in the wild chaos.

The sound design, with roaring wildlife and tribal drums, paired with Rupert Gregson-Williams’s soaring score, amplifies the jungle atmosphere. The pacing balances action, romance, and historical drama, though some transitions between London and the jungle feel abrupt.