Cast
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Kōjirō Hongō
as Keisuke Hirata
Kyōko Enami
as Karen
Yūzō Hayakawa
as Kawajiri
Takuya Fujioka
as Dr. Sato
Kōji Fujiyama
as Onodera
Shō Natsuki
as Ichiro Hirata
Yoshirō Kitahara
as Professor Amano
Ichirō Sugai
as Dr. Matsushita
Bontarō Miake
as Self-Defense Force General
Jutarō Hojo
as Self-Defense Force Commander
Kazuko Wakamatsu
as Sadae Hirata
Yuka Konno
as Onodera's Lover
Eiichi Takamura
as Governor of Osaka
Kenichi Tani
as Lee
Kōichi Itō
as Metropolitan Police Superintendent-General
Crew
Director
- Shigeo Tanaka
Writer
- Nisan Takahashi
Producer
- Masaichi Nagata
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Fantasy/Action/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Gamera vs. Barugon distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Shigeo Tanaka brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1966, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Gamera vs. Barugon took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 33 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1966, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Gamera vs. Barugon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which focuses more on action than character development, Gamera vs. Barugon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Platoon explore similar territory, Gamera vs. Barugon stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 17, 1966
- Runtime: 1h 46m
Where to Watch
