Starting Fresh with Gamera: Guardian of the Universe

Here we are, folks. It’s the 1990s. The Heisei era has officially begun.

I know nothing about the Heisei Gamera trilogy. But I am vaguely aware of its pedigree. From what tidbits I’ve gathered, these movies seem to be considered the GOATs of the franchise.

Or so I understand. There’s only one way to find out. But after the terrific flop of the last few Showa era films, it won’t take much to impress me.

A research expedition to Himigami Island has disappeared. Their last received transmission carried only a single word: “Bird.” When a team arrives to investigate, they find the island empty, its denizens and the researchers devoured by a trio of familiar flying monsters: Gyaos. Despite the obvious danger, the Japanese government decides not to exterminate the creatures, but to capture and study them.

Meanwhile, an enormous undersea object rises to the surface. When a team arrives to investigate, they find a stone tablet with an inscription in an ancient language. In touching this, they unwittingly awaken another monster: the Earth’s ancient protector, Gamera. But will the enormous turtle be seen as friend or foe?

This was the first great surprise of the movie: themes. Beneath all the giant monster action, ‘Gamera: Guardian of the Universe‘ asks some interesting questions about environmental preservation and destruction. At what point is it moral to destroy an endangered but deadly predator species? Is Gyaos really any worse than humanity, who cause just as much harm to the environment as the giant monster does to them?

A kaiju movie that actually has something to say? Oh, we are eating good tonight!

This movie is a complete reboot of the Gamera franchise. No more aliens, no more child actors (in the main cast, at least), no more Scooby Doo chases or silly songs. This is a whole new thing.

A much darker thing. It always surprises me how gruesome these Gamera movies can get. It’s a kaiju horror movie!

What truly blew me away was the characters. Because they’re actual characters! They have thoughts and feelings and personalities beyond delivering plot exposition! Sure, they aren’t especially deep or memorable; if you put a gun to my head and told me to name one, I would shrug and tell you to pull the trigger. But I’d rather follow actual people than cardboard cutouts.

One detail I absolutely loved was the general public. Throughout the film, we get occasional glimpses into their various reactions to the kaiju events occurring around them. Children and teenagers are excited by the creatures. Some people simply try their best to ignore it and go on with their day-to-day routines.

Right up until the monsters come to them. Again: horror movie.

Visually, this movie is a much needed breath of fresh air. The leap in technology from the 70s to the 90s has done this series a world of good! Most of the film is shot on location, all the props and sets look gorgeous, and the miniature destruction work is some of the best in the genre! This movie is a treat on the eyes!

Even if some of the camera movements and edits are a bit silly. Hope you like slide transitions and awkward zoom-ins. Because every scene will have at least one of the two. Both, if you’re lucky. Sometimes you even get a side of clunky slow-motion!

In fairness, some shots go hard as fuck. Like the scene of Gyaos nesting on the ruin of Tokyo Tower with the sunset at his back. Not every frame is a painting, but the few that are look absolutely incredible!

The kaiju suits are all fantastic. Sure, the Gyaos trio look a bit silly with their googly eyes, but they’re still creepy and unsettling, and the actual suits look great in motion. Besides, once we’re down to one fully-grown Gyaos, any goofiness is dead and gone, and we’re left with a monster equal parts badass and terrifying.

Yet he still has nothing on our leading turtle! Gamera has never looked better! With a full animatronic head to animate his facial movements, this movie brings the giant turtle to life! There’s a shocking amount of detail, both in the costume itself and in how it looks in motion! He still looks fantastic over thirty years later! They even managed to make his flying cool again!

Oh, and let’s not forget that we’re in the 90s now. Which means the practical effects are accompanied by early days CGI. Thankfully, this film leans much more on the former than the ladder. But the ladder is still obviously dated and stands out like a sore thumb.

To end on a positive note: the music in this movie is outstanding! Gone are the cheesy children songs and out of place 70s rock. In its place, we’re treated to a grand sweeping orchestra! Each track fits the given scene like a glove, from the quiet thoughtful tunes to the bombastic dramatic tracks! Gamera’s theme is the biggest stand-out; I’ve had it stuck in my head ever since I finished the film!

‘Gamera: Guardian of the Universe‘ is a very strong first showing for the Heisei era! It’s a great kaiju flick, perfectly balancing fun kaiju fights with a surprisingly dark and gruesome story. Intriguing themes, great special effects, it’s got it all! I had a blast from beginning to end!

The real question is: will this new era keep the momentum up? Or are we in for another Showa era disaster? Only time will tell.

God, please, just give me two good movies in a row. The constant push and pull of the Showa era was exhausting.