Gamera: Shōwa Era Films: Part Two (1969-80)

Gamera vs. Guiron (1969)

Dir. Noriaki Yuasa

NOTE: Shōwa Era: Part One is HERE.

Film number five features a trio of plucky under-tens investigating a spaceship that landed not too far from their location. The 'plot' develops and after much chicanery the blade-nosed Guiron goes pointy-head to turtle-head with the titular, heroic kaijū, who spends more time getting to the actual battle location than he does engaging in it.

There's flame-breath, boyish heroics and city destruction for kids; space-ladies in figure-hugging polyester for dads; and, no, there's nothing much of note for moms, unless reinforcing the belief that moms are the only women you can trust counts.

I've missed a golden opportunity. It's just occurred to me that I should've given each film a new, 7th-specific name. Maybe on my next viewing binge I can remedy it. FTR, this one would be: Space-Ladies Shaved my Head.

Gamera vs. Jiger (1970)

Dir. Noriaki Yuasa

Even after acknowledging a number of glaring contradictions in the story it’s still a lot better than the previous film.

The adults work alongside the children this time, balancing their learned pragmatism with unchecked intuition, which results in a more interesting film for all ages.

The introduction of the threat is good times and Gamera's response to it much quicker.

The rocky sets/locations are really excellent. The city one less so but is impressively huge by comparison, highlighted beautifully when Dir. Yuasa tracks along the entirety of it.

Overall, it’s far from perfect, but at least it tried to take a step in the right direction.

The 7th-specific name would be: Host in the Shell OR I’m Gonna Put My Seed in You.

Gamera vs. Zigra (1971)

Dir. Noriaki Yuasa

While the film is busy educating viewers on the importance of looking after the environment, particularly marine life, a crafty alien spaceship controlled by a lady with hands on hips and a glint in her eye slips into the ocean. Such sass and irony!

It threatens mankind in a notable 'shoe on the other foot' kind of way, but the flying chelonian hero is soon on the case, selflessly throwing rocks and fighting for the survival of all mankind.

Although not commented upon directly, if you use your noggin you can figure out a legitimate reason why the invading alien presence knows how to speak fluent Japanese. That's called progress, folks.

I know we're supposed to love the happy 'Gamera has arrived' theme tune, but I really don't. I did like the psychedelic ship interior, though.

There's no point stopping now, so the 7th-specific name: That Chick Sure can Click.

Gamera: Super Monster (1980)

Dir. Noriaki Yuasa

The final entry in the Shōwa era incorporates a ton of existing footage from the previous films and intercuts it with newly filmed footage, all the while pretending that the bouts Gamera is having with the half a dozen kaijū are current. It compensates for the shameful act by having a crazy story about a young boy who befriends a trio of upstanding ladies that own a magic van and henshin into costumed space-women. The women even have a decent role to play in the madness.

The two clips of anime footage used are Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999, respectively, but it's a complete mystery to me why they're even there.

File under: Skirts aren't for Fighting / Capes are for Flying.

Next month's Gamera post will be the awesome Heisei Era Films (1995-99).