Released in 1995, Gamera: Guardian of the Universe began a trilogy of films that successfully resurrected the Gamera series. Starting the series and the character completely from scratch, Shusuke Kaneko does a spectacular job updating Gamera for a new generation of fans. Giving Gamera a darker, more mature edge, while staying true to his classic “Friend of all children” roots, Kaneko-san has created three of the most entertaining and competent kaiju films ever made. Sporting some of the best special effects ever seen in kaiju films at that time, Gamera: Guardian of the Universe is an absolute treat from beginning to end.
“Ooh! Is that a beer?” My only complaint would be the obligatory environmental propaganda, which seems to have been thrown in as an afterthought. I’m not entirely sure when the whole kooky Japanese environmental movement started, but it is getting really old (Now that I think about it, its getting pretty old over here in the States, too). Not to mention that it its also tarnishing perfectly good giant turtle films.
This is kind of an “arty” shot for a giant turtle film, don’t you think? My Favorite Scene: When Gamera first appears in Fukuoka, he spots a Gyaos coming right at him. In a truly hilarious (and probably fairly realistic) moment, Gamera rears back and slaps the snot outta the poor reptile, tossing it hundreds of feet through the air.
-Derek Miller
4/26/06
Interesting Facts
- Ayako Fujitani, who plays Asagi Kusanagi, is Steven Seagal’s daughter. Despite the fact the she is acting in her first movie, she manages to display more charisma and acting ability than her father ever will (Just my opinion, sorry to bash on your dad Ayako, but seriously, he sucks a nut).
“I'm smiling because my dad is totally going to kick Derek's ass.”
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