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A giant ape King Kong, which was shot and fell off the World Trade Center tower, appears to be alive, but is in coma for 10 years and desperately needs a blood transfusion in order to have an artificial heart implanted. Suddenly, in the rainforest, another gigantic ape is found – this time a female. She is brought to the USA, and the heart is successfully implanted. But then King Kong, having sensed the female ape, breaks loose.
Duration: 105 min
Released: 1986
IMDb Rating: 3.7/10 (3,416 Votes)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Dubbed Movies, Horror
Stars: Peter Elliott, George Antoni, Brian Kerwin, Linda Hamilton
Directors: John Guillermin
Writers: Merian C. Cooper, Steven Pressfield, Ronald Shusett, Edgar Wallace
Year: 1986
King Kong Lives (1986): A Detailed Exploration
"King Kong Lives" is a fascinating piece of 1980s cinema that blends elements of action, adventure, horror, and fantasy to deliver a unique experience for audiences who appreciate creature features and thrilling narratives. Released in 1986, this film is a sequel to the iconic "King Kong" of 1976, carrying forward the legacy of the legendary giant ape with new twists and heightened drama.
Plot Overview
The story of "King Kong Lives" picks up some years after the events of the earlier films. King Kong, believed to have died after a dramatic fall from the World Trade Center, is secretly kept alive in a hospital by a group of doctors who have implanted an artificial heart to sustain him. However, as the ape remains unconscious and weak, conditions necessitate finding a mate to help him survive. The narrative unfolds with the discovery of a giant female ape named Lady Kong, leading to a daring and action-packed mission to reunite the two primates. The film blends elements of adventure and horror, focusing on the relationship between the two colossal creatures while incorporating human characters caught in the chaos.
Main Cast
Direction and Writing
The film was directed by John Guillermin, an accomplished filmmaker known for his work in the thriller and adventure genres. Guillermin’s adeptness in handling large-scale productions is evident in the way he stages the dramatic sequences featuring King Kong's immense presence against urban and wilderness backgrounds.
The screenplay credits several writers, highlighting a collaborative effort. Among them are Merian C. Cooper, whose original King Kong story laid the foundation; renowned novelist and screenwriter Steven Pressfield; Ronald Shusett, who has contributed to other significant science fiction and action projects; and Edgar Wallace, a prolific writer known for thrillers. This blend of creative minds brought a multifaceted approach to the storytelling, combining classic monster movie sensibilities with modern adventure tropes.
Genre and Themes
"King Kong Lives" fits firmly into the categories of action, adventure, horror, and fantasy. The film uses suspense and dramatic tension to create horrific moments, especially when Kong confronts threats to his survival. The adventure elements emerge strongly as human characters embark on missions to save Kong and navigate complex situations involving science and military intervention.
Thematically, the movie explores the bond between living creatures, the ethical questions revolving around scientific intervention and animal captivity, and the enduring power of love, even in the context of giant creatures. It also reflects on humanity’s fascination and fear of nature’s wild side, embodied by Kong himself.
Special Effects and Production
Given that "King Kong Lives" was produced in the mid-1980s, the film utilized a mix of practical effects, animatronics, and suitmation techniques common at the time to bring the giant apes to the screen. The suit actor Peter Elliott played a significant role in delivering the expressive movements of King Kong. The effects, while dated by today's standards, contributed to an engaging experience for fans of monster movies and remain nostalgic for those familiar with 1980s cinematic techniques.
Reception and Legacy
While "King Kong Lives" did not achieve significant commercial success or critical acclaim compared to its predecessors, it holds a special place in the realm of cult monster movies. It carries forward the saga of one of cinema's most enduring monsters, offering fans a glimpse into what happens beyond the classic story of the ape’s initial capture and demise.
For enthusiasts of dubbed movies, especially Hindi-dubbed versions like the one in question, the film gained a unique audience in Indian markets. The addition of Hindi dubbing made it accessible to Bollywood fans who enjoy fantasy and horror, although it is not an original Bollywood production and thus does not feature song and dance numbers typical of Indian cinema.
Conclusion
"King Kong Lives" is a distinctive entry into the King Kong film franchise, offering action-packed sequences, adventure, and a touch of horror while exploring new dimensions of the beloved giant ape's story. With direction by John Guillermin and a cast led by Linda Hamilton and Peter Elliott’s physical performance as Kong, the film stands out as a noteworthy, if somewhat niche, 1980s creature feature. Its availability in Hindi dubbing has broadened its reach to diverse audiences, making it an interesting film for both monster movie aficionados and those curious about classic action-adventure cinema from the era.
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