Japanese Monster Film #7: Evil Brain from Outer Space Review - 1964

Film #7:  Evil Brain from Outer Space Review - 1964

Rated: Unrated   

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Evil Brain from Outer Space was released in 1964 and is actually a combination of three shorter films from the Japanese series Super Giant. Originally released in Japan, these short films were edited and made into one feature film for the US market.  The film is not really a Japanese giant monster film but more of a super hero film that would be an influence on future Japanese super hero films and TV shows such as Ultraman.  The film opens with a council meeting on the emerald planet in which they decide they must send their hero, Starman, to stop a plot by the brain of Balazar, an evil creature from the planet Zemar.  Balazar's work is being done by his followers on Earth.  Despite the somewhat jumbled plot, the film is actually incredibly amusing due to a fair amount of action as well as ridiculous and often laughable costumes.  Definitely a lot of fun, giving this film a viewing will not disappoint.

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Japanese Monster Film #6: Destroy All Planets (Gamera vs. Viras) Review - 1968

Film #6:  Destroy All Planets Review - 1968

Rated: Unrated   

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Destroy All Planets (Gamera vs. Viras) was released in 1968 and is the fourth film to star Gamera, the giant turtle.  The film starts off with Gamera fighting an alien space ship on its way to earth to begin colonizing the planet.  Gamera defeats the ship but more Aliens are signaled to invade with Gamera labeled as their enemy.  The aliens manage to capture Gamera by using a brain wave controlling device.  Although initially Gamera goes on a destructive rampage, he is eventually freed with the aid of two boy scouts.  At this point, the aliens combine themselves to take the form of a giant, squid-like monster named Viras.  After this transformation, an epic battle ensues!   One of the downsides to this Japanese giant monster film is that roughly 15 minutes of the film is stock footage detailing Gamera's previous battles which is shown as aliens probe the giant turtle’s mind.  Despite this, the film is still enjoyable and the ending fight is tense and gripping!  On that note, the film is still recommended for viewers of who have seen previous Gamera films … and to those who haven't as well!

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Japanese Monster Film #5: Monster from a Prehistoric Planet (Daikyojū Gappa) Review - 1967

Film #5:  Monster from a Prehistoric Planet Review - 1967

Rated: Unrated  

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The year 1967 saw the release of Monster from a Prehistoric Planet, a Japanese giant monster film, about an expedition to a small south Pacific island where the team discovers a prehistoric "bird-lizard".  At the start of the film, a magazine publisher sends a group of people to Obelisk Island to collect wild life for a soon to be opened theme park.  The people on the expedition find a gigantic egg.  The egg hatches and releases a large baby creature that looks like a mix between a lizard and a bird.  The baby is brought back to Japan, however much to the dismay of the expedition team, the baby's recently awakened parents soon follow and begin destroying major cities!   The film was originally supposed to be a satire of other Japanese giant monster films, but a lot of the humor was lost in translation when it was brought overseas.  The film is very amusing, especially the monsters that look like Godzilla with a pair of wings and a beak.  These creatures are enough to make anyone chuckle.  If you have enjoyed other films in this genre, you won't want to miss out on this lighthearted affair.

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com


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Japanese Monster Film #4: Attack of the Monsters (Gamera vs. Guiron) Review - 1969

Film #4:  Attack of the Monsters Review - 1969

Rated: Unrated  

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Attack of the Monsters (Gamera vs. Guiron) was released in 1969 and is the fifth film about Gamera, the giant turtle.  Unlike the previous Gamera films, a large part of this film does not take place in Japan or even involve monster battles in Japanese cities.  The film revolves around Gamera’s attempt to rescue two boys who are taken to an alien world.  Gamera’s opponent in this film is Guiron, a semi lizard-like monster with a giant blade on its head.   The monster relies on this blade as its primary way of defeating foes.  You will not see tons of people running and screaming from monsters as they trash Japanese cities in this one, but you will still see the monsters demolish the remnants of the once thriving civilization on the planet Terra.  The film is fun and somewhat silly in nature but as long as you know this going in, you will have a chance to experience another fine Japanese giant monster film.

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Japanese Monster Film #3: War of the Monsters (Gamera vs. Barugon) Review - 1966

Film #3:  War of the Monsters (Gamera vs. Barugon) Review - 1966

Rated: Unrated       

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The second Gamera film, “War of the Monsters” (Gamera vs. Barugon), pits the giant turtle, who was thought to be defeated, against a monstrous lizard foe called Barugon.  The film was released in 1966 and starts off showing how Gamera manages to survive his defeat from the first film (I won’t give anything away in case you haven’t watched the first one yet).  Gamera then returns to Japan.  At the same time, a group of thieves travel to an island in the south pacific.  The chain of events that transpire from there leads to the unleashing of a giant lizard monster, Barugon.  Barugon possesses several abilities, such as a freezing tongue spray and a rainbow ray he shoots from his back.  He wastes no time in using them to destroy the city of Osaka, Japan.  Gamera is attracted to this action and from here on battles ensue between Barugon, Gamera, and the military.  The film features the “suitmation” that is standard many Japanese giant monster films along with miniature city sets and military vehicles.  The film is full of action between the three opposing forces and is sure to keep you entertained.  Enjoy this quality and classic film today!

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Japanese Monster Film #2: Gammera The Invincible (Gamera) Review - 1965

Film #2:  Gammera The Invincible (Gamera) Review - 1965

Rated: Unrated      

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"Gammera: The Invincible" (Gamera in Japan) is a Japanese giant monster film from 1965.  This film was produced by the Daiei Motion Picture Company who aimed to cash in on the success of the Godzilla movie franchise.  This would be the first in a series of films about the giant turtle.  A Japanese expedition into the arctic witnesses an aerial fight between Soviet and American fighter planes in which the Americans shoot down the soviets.  The plane that was shot down happened to be carrying a nuclear bomb, which detonates and wakes the giant turtle from its frozen slumber.  Gamera is seen flying around and heads to Japan where it subsequently wreaks havoc!  The film bears a large resemblance to the original Godzilla film in many ways including the monsters indestructibility.  The film is full of buildings being smashed to bits and battles between the turtle and the military.  The battles seem kind of silly but this is what makes the film fun to watch.  If you have got some free time and don't know what to do with yourself, think about spending it watching this classic Japanese monster film!

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Japanese Monster Film #1: Yongary, Monster of the Deep Review - 1967

Film #1:  Yongary, Monster of the Deep Review - 1967

Rated: Parental Guidance      

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South Korea attempted to take advantage of the Japanese monster hype with the 1967 film “Yongary, Monster from the Deep”.   Earthquakes rock South Korea but the source of the shockwaves is unknown.  All too soon do the people discover that they were caused by the awakening of the horrid monster Yongary!  Before the people of South Korea know it, the monster is in their city and drinking their oil.  Can the military and a local youth stop this horrible beast? 

Although the film has cheesy effects and a monster suit that can be best described as hilarious, Yongary is a decent film for the time in which is was made.   This was obviously meant to be South Korea’s answer to Godzilla.  However, this monster’s suit makes the original Godzilla suit look amazing.  This is an interesting film with a fun plot and much camp appeal.  Check it out today!

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Week 3 of THEME MONTH is JAPANESE MONSTER FILMS - Daily Reviews and Film Postings

 
 
Although I tend to refrain from making any reviews or features at all personal, for a change, I would like to say that the Japanese monster film genre is one close to my heart.  It is a genre that would change the image of a nation and capture the imaginations of millions of children around the world, including myself.
 

  The first and most well known of the Japanese giant monster films would be 1953's Godzilla.  This film spawned a myriad of sequels that are still being made in the present day.  The character would become an icon of Japan whose likeness would be turned into everything from stuffed animals to candy!  After the success of Godzilla, many more Kaiju (translated literally as strange beast) films were made.  Another highly successful monster would be Gamera, a giant turtle who could retract his appendages and fly while spinning in a circle.  Originally created by a rival film company to compete with Godzilla, Gamera became a popular series spawning an entire line of related films.  Some other examples of popular monsters from kaiju films would be Rodan and Mothra.  With the success Kaiju films, the genre expanded into Yokai films (which were focused on spirit or demon like creatures) and Kaijin films

(which were focused on super villain type characters).  Due to the success of the Japanese monster films, other countries, such as South Korea, would attempt to copy the genre and cash in by marketing them as Kaiju films.

    Though over time Japan's film industry would shift more towards animated films (anime), which now accounts for 60 percent of Japanese films, Japanese giant monster films are still being produced as both Godzilla and Gamera have seen releases after the millennium.  Take some time and enjoy some of these delightful films that capture the imaginations of children and adults from all over the world.

written by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com