Calling Java from Python

What is the best way to call java from python? (jython and RPC are not an option for me).

I've heard of JCC: http://pypi.python.org/pypi/JCC/1.9 a C++ code generator for calling Java from C++/Python But this requires compiling every possible call; I would prefer another solution.

I've hear about JPype: http://jpype.sourceforge.net/ tutorial: http://www.slideshare.net/onyame/mixing-python-and-java

import jpype 
jpype.startJVM(path to jvm.dll, "-ea") 
javaPackage = jpype.JPackage("JavaPackageName") 
javaClass = javaPackage.JavaClassName 
javaObject = javaClass() 
javaObject.JavaMethodName() 
jpype.shutdownJVM() 

This looks like what I need. However, the last release is from Jan 2009 and I see people failing to compile JPype.

Is JPype a dead project?

Are there any other alternatives?