Toho Kingdom

Gamera: Guardian of the Universe



So, I just looked through these pages and I didn't see a topic specifically for this so...

I really liked Gamera: Guardian of the Universe, it was still Gamera, but with origins of more interest, the return of one of his most famous enemies and this time it wasn't all about children.

I must say, I loved his fireballs, but what really got me was that Gyaos actually were SCARY; they were these monsters that flew around and ate people and animals without hesitation, and tore them apart. The feeling of the film was pretty dark, and the characters were all enjoyable.

What do you guys think?

I've seen the film only a couple of times and it is a good film and a film that the Heisei Godzilla films should've been. It had a good script, amazing speical effects and characters that people actually care about and though the Gamera suit looked a little friendly (well the eyes) it was an awesome design and Gayos was pretty bad ass.

I like how the action sequences are based around speed, which was a pretty radical change of the ponderous beam-warring status quo that the Heisei Godzilla films established. The final battle, while a little rougher then what would come after in the likes of Gamera 2 and Gamera 3, is just incredible.

Gamera 3 was my fave from this trilogy, but IMO I think this is one of the top 10 best Japanese monster movies ever made, and I've seen plenty of 'em. You cared for the characters, and the monsters were developed well also, something I like to see in these movies. 2 thumbs up for this one, and while I'm at it, 9/10.

I bought the Mill's Creek blu ray for Guardian of the Universe/Gamera 2 not too long ago, it was my first time watching a Gamera film. Personally I thought the characters were forgettable and not very fleshed out (much like the character interaction in Gamera 2) but it was very entertaining, more so than the Heisei Godzilla series excluding Return of Godzilla and Godzilla vs. Biollante.

One thing I find interesting about Gamera's character, which I wasn't very fond of at first, is how he seems like a bit of a pushover to the monster he's fighting then completely changes the tide of the fight by doing something extraordinary. Now I'm waiting for Gamera 3.

I've always loved the Gamera design and character growing up, even though I didn't see any Gamera films until about a month ago when I bought the Mill Creek Blu-Ray. I prefer Gamera: Guardian of the Universe over Gamera 2: Advent of Legion by far, despite the second installment's improved special effects and kaiju designs.

Biollante wrote:I bought the Mill's Creek blu ray for Guardian of the Universe/Gamera 2 not too long ago, it was my first time watching a Gamera film. Personally I thought the characters were forgettable and not very fleshed out (much like the character interaction in Gamera 2) but it was very entertaining, more so than the Heisei Godzilla series excluding Return of Godzilla and Godzilla vs. Biollante.

This.

I enjoyed this one. Seeing the Showa Gameras, I was surprised that it wasn't about kids and had a serious tone. The Gyaos were terrifying creatures, and final fight was one of the top monster battles I've seen. The battle is energetic and a pleasing mix of beams and TC. The way they handled the child connection was mature, in my opinion. We don't have Kenji and his shorts acting like Gamera's cheerleader, but a character that also suffers in her support of Gamera.

I love this movie. I think I might be a bit of a freak since this one's actually my favorite of the trilogy, rather than 2 or 3, which most people seem to prefer.

The heisei movies post-King Ghidorah should have been just like the Gamera Trilogy,except a heroic and incoherent Godzilla.

SuperMonsterZero wrote:I love this movie. I think I might be a bit of a freak since this one's actually my favorite of the trilogy, rather than 2 or 3, which most people seem to prefer.

You are not alone. I've heard plenty of people say that this was the best, and maybe it is. I personally didn't get into 2, and I've heard people say that 3 is pretty dry (Plus it leaves you with a great big WTF! at the ending ). Guardian probably is the better of the three in terms of SPFX and character development. I can't give a reason why I choose 3 over this one.

SuperMonsterZero wrote:I love this movie. I think I might be a bit of a freak since this one's actually my favorite of the trilogy, rather than 2 or 3, which most people seem to prefer.

Gamera 3 is a darker more mature kaiju film than any of the other Gamera films, but I totally get why you prefer 1 over the others. Its the most exciting and enjoyable one and therefore the most fun to watch. (2 was ok but probably my least favorite of the trilogy)

I thought the revamped origin for Gamera was perfect.

Showa Gyaos wrote:I thought the revamped origin for Gamera was perfect.

I actually think that was probably one of the best storylines in the movie. As I said before, I really like it when monsters get actual character development, and they pulled it off perfectly in this one.

Guardian of the Universe is a great movie, the character development, Gamera Origins, the gyaos went from
from none to a bigger threat , the monster scenes, everything great.

I didnt expect the movie to be that good but in the end, i Enjoyed it And that is what matters.

4 **** out of 5.

therealmccoy wrote:

Showa Gyaos wrote:I thought the revamped origin for Gamera was perfect.

I actually think that was probably one of the best storylines in the movie. As I said before, I really like it when monsters get actual character development, and they pulled it off perfectly in this one.

They took Gamera who was originally a basic Godzilla rip off in regards to hsi origins, and really made him his own character. GOTU is one of the best kaiju films.

This movie is living proof that if you have passion for the material, then a good movie can come out of it. That's exactly what this film has over later Heisei Godzilla films is sheer unbridled passion for the genre. Even though I actually enjoy Godzilla VS Mechagodzilla (1993), even I'll admit that film drones whereas Gamera: Guardian of the Universe is extremely quick and to the point. Gamera 2 is one of my all-time favorite kaiju films, but Gamera: GOTU still shells out plenty of kick-assery in the final act.

DaikaijuSokogeki! wrote: but Gamera: GOTU still shells out

ba dum tishhh

SuperMonsterZero wrote:I love this movie. I think I might be a bit of a freak since this one's actually my favorite of the trilogy, rather than 2 or 3, which most people seem to prefer.

It's my favorite of the three as well, but I can't put my finger on it as to why. It was a pretty solid trilogy. Maybe it has my favorite Gamera design. The end song by Bakufu Slump (Myth) might be another reason why. Almost 20 years on, I STILL can't find a translation of the lyrics!

Dr. Nishiyama wrote:

SuperMonsterZero wrote:I love this movie. I think I might be a bit of a freak since this one's actually my favorite of the trilogy, rather than 2 or 3, which most people seem to prefer.

It's my favorite of the three as well, but I can't put my finger on it as to why. It was a pretty solid trilogy. Maybe it has my favorite Gamera design. The end song by Bakufu Slump (Myth) might be another reason why . Almost 20 years on, I STILL can't find a translation of the lyrics!

That Song Is Awesome. I didnt know who sang it, thanks.

^That song was good. I also liked the one at the end of 3. It was kind of sad, but fit the movie well, just like the one in Guardian.