General Information

Director: Noriaki Yuasa

Writer: Niisan Takahashi

Cast: Tsutomu Takakuwa, Kelly Varis, Katherine Murphy, Sanshiro Honoo, Junko Yashiro, and Kon Omura

Composer: Shunsuke Kikuchi

Release Date: 3/21/1970

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Overview

After a giant statue is removed from Wester Island, Jiger—a giant, reptilian kaiju who vaguely resembles a triceratops—begins wreaking havoc on civilization. Despite his attempts to thwart Jiger, Gamera is paralyzed by a tail spike and presumed dead by the people of Japan. Only two children, one American and the other Japanese, can save Gamera from Jiger’s deadly attack.

Gamera vs. Jiger (also known as Gamera vs. Monster X) is an underwhelming entry in Daiei’s Showa-era series. Specifically, kaiju eiga buffs may wish to avoid this film for its unengaging characters, goofy creature battles, awful special effects, and shameless appeals to young children.

Pros

After Jiger infects Gamera with a parasitic monster, two small boys decide to commandeer a submarine, enter Gamera’s digestive tract, and remove the creature before permanent damage can ensue—a clever, kaiju-themed twist on the premise for Fantastic Voyage; and one that may intrigue fans of the body horror genre.

Cons

Gamera vs. Jiger may induce cringing for its annoying, if not thoroughly insufferable, sound effects. Especially obnoxious are the high-pitched whine of an ancient whistle; the beeping of a sonar device; and the roaring of Jiger and her offspring.

Audiences may also question how two ordinary children—apparently more intelligent and resourceful than every adult character in this film—succeed in piloting a submarine, restoring Gamera’s health, and outsmarting Jiger before she can spoil Expo ’70.

Analysis

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Concluding Comments

A cartoonish and poorly written kaiju offering, Gamera vs. Jiger will likely fail to captivate the majority of Japanese monster enthusiasts. Young sci-fi/horror fans may, however, enjoy this film for its campy and child-friendly atmosphere.

Overall Quality: 3/10

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