It's on Netflix and you have to see it: directed by Peter Jackson, it won three Oscars and is a remake of a Hollywood classic.

In 1933 , Hollywood's golden age witnessed one of its greatest cinematic milestones with the release of King Kong , an adventure that left its mark thanks to its revolutionary special effects. That giant gorilla animated using stop-motion technology won over audiences and critics alike , climbing to the top of the Empire State Building with Ann Darrow in his arms and forever entering cinematic history. With models measuring just 45 centimeters, rear projections, and scale models, King Kong achieved the unthinkable: bringing an impossible creature to life.

The idea was born from producer Merian C. Cooper's desire to portray his fascination with wild animals, such as baboons and Komodo dragons, on the big screen. Thus was born the legend of the ape who ravages New York for love , a sort of fable about the clash between nature and civilization , reinforced by an ending as tragic as it is iconic. The roar of Kong, a blend of lion, tiger, and elephant, became a symbol of an era. And the image of the monster atop the skyscraper, attacked by biplanes, became one of the most recognizable in classic cinema.

Decades later , in 2005, Peter Jackson , fresh off the runaway success of The Lord of the Rings , decided to pay homage to this gem. He did so in a big way, with a three-hour blockbuster that updated the myth with meticulous fidelity and cutting-edge visual effects. The result was a new King Kong that kept the spirit of the original intact , but added epic spirit, tenderness, and dazzling technical expertise. Now, this version is available on Netflix, and there's no excuse not to relive this classic with a modern twist.

From the jungle to New York: this is the story of the new Kong

During the Great Depression, Ann Darrow, an out-of-work actress, crosses paths with the eccentric Carl Denham, a film director desperately searching for a leading lady. The two embark for an uncharted island with screenwriter Jack Driscoll, under the guise of filming a movie. But what they find there surpasses any script: prehistoric creatures, tribal rituals, and a colossal gorilla that dominates the jungle . Kong, feared and revered, kidnaps Ann, but instead of killing her, he protects her.

Jackson enhances the emotional connection between woman and beast, humanizing the gorilla and turning their relationship into the narrative's linchpin. The story, though familiar, gains in scale and emotion. The return to New York and Kong's subsequent capture lead to a tragic chase through Manhattan , culminating atop the Empire State Building. Kong, with his last breath, looks at Ann once more before falling into the void. An ending that maintains its symbolic power intact more than 70 years later .

Critics at the time were mixed. Most praised Jackson's direction, the special effects , which earned him three Oscars , and Naomi Watts' performance, particularly for her ability to interact with a computer-generated character. Others, however, pointed out its lengthy running time and some sentimental excesses. Despite this, the film managed to combine adventure, excitement, and spectacle , earning its place among the great cinematic revisions of the 21st century.

A top-notch cast for a cinema legend

The cast, led by Naomi Watts, shines in this modern version. She embodies Ann Darrow with sensitivity and charisma , building a believable relationship with Kong despite the technical difficulties of filming with a digital creature. Jack Black plays director Carl Denham with a mix of ambition and cynicism, while Adrien Brody , as writer Jack Driscoll , brings a more introspective tone to the ensemble.

'King Kong' is not only a tribute to a golden age of cinema, but also proof that classics can be reborn with a vengeance.

Motion capture expert Andy Serkis was tasked with bringing Kong to life . His physicality and expressiveness are crucial for the viewer to connect with the character. The rest of the cast, which includes Thomas Kretschmann, Colin Hanks, and Jamie Bell , complements the ensemble story with well-defined supporting characters. They all help elevate a film that, while remaining a visual spectacle, respects the tragic and mythical essence of the 1933 original.