Gamera vs. Jiger (1970)

"Gamera! You're so cool!"

When watching Gamera vs Jiger it helps to remember that this was a 1970 Kaiju movie aimed at children. Gamera meets his match with Jiger and even gets impregnated! And yes, still a children's movie!

Two young boys are once again featured and do their part to save the world and Gamera from destruction. They weren't as annoying as some of the kids in previous movies so that was a win.

The film takes place at the Osaka Expo Center where 70 different countries have set up their science exhibits. One of the groups wants to transport an ancient statue from Wester Island to the Expo despite the protests from a chief that it is cursed. Doesn't take long to figure out what the curse is, because not long after they pull up the statue and cart if off Jiger appears and has it out with Gamera. The crew transporting the statue becomes mysteriously sick. Jiger takes Gamera down by propelling spikes into his elbows and knees leaving the big tusked turtle helpless on his back. After immobilizing his enemy, Jiger becomes a speeding hydroplane heading to Japan and destroying any ships in his way. Gamera is not one to stay down long and follows Jiger to Japan where he is rampaging. This time Jiger drives a long spike into the tusked hero, impregnating him with a Jiger larva and seemingly killing him. Didn't even buy the big guy dinner!

The kids and their mini-submarine take a Fantastic Voyage (1966) into Gamera's body to find the mini-Jiger. They, of course, discover how to destroy the giant Jiger and it has to do with the statue. They manage to reanimate Gamera and get him back into the fight.

Gamera vs Jiger was actually not bad for a children's Kaiju from this era. Even Godzilla was aiming his movies at kids during this time. Gamera had a formidable foe in Jiger. Jiger had numerous weapons, even one that could turn humans into skeletons! The monster suits were decent for this time period. The action was close to non-stop, the kids weren't annoying, and the monster fights were creative with the limited funds and limited special effects capabilities. Most of the acting was bearable as was the kids always riding to the rescue. It was a common theme in these old children's movies so best to roll with that aspect. You may grow tired of hearing the Gamera theme song repeatedly sung by the end, "Gamera, you're so cool!" Other than that, if you enjoy Kaiju movies from this era, Gamera vs Jiger is one to try if you can keep your expectations low. As always, I grade these old niche movies on a curve.


10/26/22

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