King Kong

| 2005

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Main Plot

In Peter Jackson's "King Kong," an ambitious filmmaker, Carl Denham, leads a crew to the mysterious Skull Island to shoot a new movie. Among the crew is Ann Darrow, an out-of-work actress who becomes the film's leading lady. Upon arrival, they encounter a primitive tribe and a host of prehistoric creatures. The crew soon discovers the island's most formidable inhabitant: a giant gorilla named Kong. Ann is captured by the tribe and offered as a sacrifice to Kong, who surprisingly forms a protective bond with her. The crew manages to rescue Ann and capture Kong, bringing him back to New York City to be exhibited as a spectacle. However, Kong escapes, leading to a dramatic climax atop the Empire State Building. The film explores themes of beauty and the beast, the consequences of human exploitation, and the tragic nature of Kong's existence.

Characters

  • Naomi Watts plays Ann Darrow, a struggling actress who becomes the love interest of the giant ape and is central to his capture and tragic fate.
  • Carl Denham, a filmmaker, leads an expedition to a mysterious island to capture a giant ape, ultimately causing chaos in New York City.
  • Adrien Brody plays Jack Driscoll, a playwright who becomes an unexpected hero, rescuing Ann Darrow from the island's dangers and ultimately confronting the giant ape.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Peter Jackson's "King Kong," the climax unfolds atop the Empire State Building in New York City. King Kong, having escaped captivity, climbs the iconic skyscraper with Ann Darrow, the woman he has formed a unique bond with. As dawn breaks, military biplanes are dispatched to neutralize the giant ape. Despite Ann's desperate attempts to save him, the planes relentlessly attack. Kong valiantly fights back but is ultimately overwhelmed by the sustained assault. Mortally wounded, he gazes at Ann one last time before plummeting to his death. On the ground, a crowd gathers around Kong's lifeless body. Carl Denham, the filmmaker who orchestrated Kong's capture and brought him to New York, somberly remarks, "It wasn't the airplanes. It was Beauty killed the Beast." This line underscores the tragic nature of Kong's demise, emphasizing that his downfall was not merely due to the physical attacks but also the inherent tragedy of his love for Ann and his displacement from his natural habitat. The film closes on this poignant note, reflecting on the consequences of human exploitation and the tragic beauty of Kong's story.

Peter Jackson Action Adventure Romance Naomi Watts Jack Black Adrien Brody