From out of the arctic comes a gigantic flying, fire-breathing turtle that sets its sights on destroying Tokyo.
“THE SUPER-MONSTER EVEN THE H-BOMB CANNOT DESTROY…”
As giant monsters rampaged through the Japanese cinematic landscape in the fallout from GODZILLA (1954), Daiei Studios spawned a new kaijū, Gamera, to compete with Toho Co’s world-stomping franchise. An unexpected box office sensation, the giant turtle was embraced as an endearing and enduring tribute act, acquiring its own passionate fanbase across 12 havoc-strewn feature films and multiple other outlets.
GAMERA: THE GIANT MONSTER 大怪獣ガメラ | Daikaijû Gamera (1965) is an origin story that swiftly establishes Gamera’s signature powers: an appetite for and ability to breath fire; the capacity to turn into a spinning, rocket-powered flying saucer; and – strangest of all! – a natural affinity with children… Shot in black and white to save money, GAMERA: THE GIANT MONSTER remains the only monochrome entry in the Gamera series, but that gives the film added gravitas.
GAMERA: THE GIANT MONSTER was re-edited and released in the USA as GAMERA THE INVINCIBLE (1966), replacing dodgy ex-pat acting and downgrading child star Yoshiro Uchida. We’re showing the original version that helped launch Daiei Studios’ strange beast into stratospheric superstardom. Just don’t blame us for exposing you to Gamera’s earworm anthem…
Polite notice: We are showing GAMERA: THE GIANT MONSTER (1965) in Japanese with English subtitles from the best available digital source.
Part of ATOMIC ORIGINS, an apocalyptic season of sci-fi films unleashed by the monstrous power of the atom bomb. Hosted by queer film fanatic Token Homo (creator of BAR TRASH and QUEER HORROR NIGHTS), all films screen in the Members’ Bar with an introduction, intermission, and subtitles/captions (where possible!). Tickets £8 (£5 for Picturehouse members). Adults 18+ only. Follow @tokenhomo on Instagram for news and updates.
