Cast
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Tamio Kawachi
as Hiroshi Kurosaki
Yōko Yamamoto
as Itoko Koyanagi
Yuji Okada
as Daize Tonooka
Kōji Wada
as Mashida
Tatsuya Fuji
as George Inoue
Keisuke Inoue
as President Funazu
Zenji Yamada
as Captain of the Kamome-maru
Bumon Kahara
as Elder
Kōtarō Sugie
as Reporter #1
Saburo Hiromatsu
as Hosoda
Toshinosuke Nagao
as Cmdr. Riku
Masaru Kamiyama
as The Professor
Kokan Katsura
as Saburo Hayashi
Shirō Oshimi
as Oyama
Yoko Oyagi
as Aihara
Crew
Director
- Haruyasu Noguchi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction/Action film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Gappa, the Triphibian Monster presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Haruyasu Noguchi 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 1967, 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 Gappa, the Triphibian Monster took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 40 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1967, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Gappa, the Triphibian Monster shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 1st Bite, which focuses more on action than character development, Gappa, the Triphibian Monster offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Inuyashiki and He's Out There explore similar territory, Gappa, the Triphibian Monster stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 22, 1967
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
