Movie review
June 29, 2016 · 109 min · PG-13
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
The 2016 Warner Bros. film follows Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård), now living as Lord John Clayton in London, returning to the Congo with Jane (Margot Robbie) after being persuaded by historical figure George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson) to investigate Belgian mining operations, enslavement, and atrocities under King Leopold II. The narrative centers on a classic jungle adventure with Tarzan allying with African tribes against colonial exploitation. It includes noticeable anti-colonial dialogue and plot elements critiquing European greed and resource theft, plus environmental harmony themes the director explicitly connected to present-day concerns, though these stay secondary to action and do not center modern identity politics or representation messaging.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The Legend of Tarzan.
Woke representation / casting
Samuel L. Jackson portrays real historical Black figure George Washington Williams in a role that fits the story and history with no mismatch or signaling; Tarzan and Jane casting follows source material exactly with no forced diversity or audience-visible identity emphasis.
Woke political dialogue
Recurring dialogue and scenes directly condemn Belgian colonial enslavement, diamond theft, and genocide in the Congo; director statements tie these to contemporary environmental and anti-oppression values, making the political layer clearly noticeable.
Identity-driven story themes
Core story is Tarzan as heroic white ally aiding African tribes against foreign oppressors plus jungle harmony themes; presented as historical adventure rather than modern identity-group advocacy, representation focus, or group-based grievance.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Strong, on-screen critique of Belgian state institutions as exploitative and genocidal; framed historically with noted present-day relevance but without reframing into current systemic critiques of whiteness, patriarchy, or Western capitalism.
Woke character or canon changes
Minor expansions adding real Congo Free State atrocities and active role for historical figure Williams to heighten stakes and relevance; Tarzan’s fundamental character, heroism, and jungle origins remain unchanged from Burroughs source.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some media and viewer commentary explicitly called out progressive or “woke” anti-colonial politics and updates; however, primary and louder criticism came from progressive sources attacking it as still too colonial/white-savior. No major defining anti-woke backlash.
Creator track record context
No relevant prior activist, identity-driven, or political work identified for director, producer, or writers.
Production
