Kong: Skull Island – directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, and written by Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, Derek Connolly, and John Gatins – is beautiful to look at. That is to say, there can be no argument that it is one of the most visually stunning films of the year. From the colour palette, to the framing, to the movement of the camera, to the visual effects – this film is a veritable feast for the eyes. The sound is also impressive. What’s less impressive is the use of women in the movie.

The film begins in a manner quite unlike any other – with two World War II planes smashing headlong into the sand, their respective pilots having ejected. As the airmen float to the ground, we realise that one is American, and one is Japanese. Without dialogue, the two engage i...

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