Jungle Holocaust (1977)

Jungle Holocaust (also known as The Last Cannibal World) is an Italian exploitation horror film directed by Ruggero Deodato, infamous for its gritty and controversial depiction of survival and cannibalism in the wild. The film follows the story of a group of travelers who are stranded in a remote jungle after their plane crashes. As they struggle to survive, they find themselves caught in a violent and horrifying encounter with a tribe of cannibals.

The main protagonist, Robert Harper (played by Massimo Foschi), along with a few others, is forced to rely on his wits and resilience as they attempt to escape the jungle, all while being hunted by the indigenous tribe. The tribal people, who live by violent and brutal customs, subject the survivors to terrifying rituals and gruesome experiences. As tensions rise, the group’s survival instincts are pushed to their limits, leading to a shocking and disturbing conclusion.

Jungle Holocaust is notable for its shock value and its portrayal of extreme survival horror. The film is part of the “cannibal genre,” which became popular in Italy during the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its graphic depictions of violence, nudity, and taboo subjects like cannibalism and human sacrifice. Though criticized for its exploitation of such themes, the film has gained a cult following over time, primarily for its intense atmosphere and its stark portrayal of human desperation.

While the film is not for the faint of heart due to its disturbing content, Jungle Holocaust is considered a key entry in the exploitation cinema genre and remains a significant piece of controversial filmmaking.