Gamera (1965) Review

CLAYTON'S CREEPY CINEMA!

WEEK 2: MUTANT MAYHEM

Gamera (1965)

Giant monster movies are beginning to make a resurgence in Hollywood, but in their heyday, the greatest giant monsters came from Japan, and one of the most memorable and underrated of all is the giant atomic mutant turtle known as Gamera.

Though Gamera is often overshadowed by Godzilla’s presence both in America and his native Japan, Gamera is just as awesome of a giant movie monster, and his first film is a classic of the genre, alternately known as Gammera: The Invincible, Gamera: The Giant Monster, or simply Gamera. The film wastes no time in awakening Gamera from his eternity-long nap with the spectacularly cheesy crash landing of a nuclear jet in the remote arctic tundra. Though the character is clearly inspired by Godzilla’s reptilian appearance, Gamera is different and unique enough that he doesn’t feel like a rip off. With an indestructible shell, jet propulsion, severe under bite, big tusks, and fire breathing/fire eating capabilities, Gamera showcases his many abilities in this first film, as well as his appetite for destruction. Something that’s hinted at but not fully explored until later sequels is Gamera’s affection for children. Though he’s clearly out to destroy humanity, he saves a young boy from a collapsing light house at one point in the film.

This was the last giant monster movie to be filmed in black and white, and the shadowy look to the film enhances some of the more serious elements. Yes, believe it or not, this film isn’t a total joke. They actually take the concept of a giant turtle attacking seriously, and though it doesn’t come close to the trepidation Godzilla instilled the first time he attacked Tokyo, Gamera’s raid on Japan is still epic and destructive. The special effects are on par with early Godzilla films, and even though it’s a man in a suit, Gamera still looks formidable as he destroys the miniature cities with ease. The human characters aren’t particularly strong, but they don’t get in the way of the action and aren’t too annoying. The highlight is Gamera’s radioactive rampage, and there’s plenty of that to enjoy.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 poked fun at Gamera and aided in his popularity in North America. Even though it’s an undoubtedly campy film, it’s still entertaining and good for its time. The plot starts off run of the mill, but thanks to the creativity behind the title monster, it’s made memorable and unique. The ending is one of the best solutions to a problem in a movie I’ve ever seen. Scientists create a trap which lures Gamera to a launch pad, where they capture him in a space shuttle and send him to mars. No joke. It’s over the top, it’s ridiculous, and it’s a blast. If you like giant movie monsters, you can’t go wrong with Gamera. I recommend checking out the original Japanese version over the heavily edited American cut, which shortens the overall run time, takes out scenes of Gamera’s destruction, and features a horrifically bad English dub. The English version does have a kickass Gamera theme song, though.