Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cult favorite kaiju animé is entertaining, but violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gamera: Rebirth
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
GAMERA: REBIRTH brings the cult favorite kaiju character to life via animation for the first time. In the summer of 1989, a ragtag group of kids find themselves, and our planet, in the crosshairs of an increasingly deadly bunch of bloodthirsty monsters. Special (and sometimes sinister) forces, including the military, try to stand up against the threat but soon find that it takes a monster to beat a monster. Thus, the gargantuan Gamera -- a mega-ton, razor-shelled, fire-breathing, flying turtle -- emerges to protect mankind.
Is It Any Good?
This colossal flying turtle may not have the same name recognition as Godzilla, but fans will dig the true-to-form monster fights, wild creature design, and Easter eggs that hint at sequels to come. Gamera: Rebirth is easily the best onscreen depiction of the beloved creature since 2005's Gamera: The Brave, which likewise depicted the titular terrapin as a "protector of all children" who has an unearthly bond with tiny humans.
The animation budget clearly -- and smartly -- went to the kaiju fights, which pull no (monster) punches and showcase some impressive redesigns of classic Gamera foes like Gyaos, Zigra, and Jiger. The humans on the show may be more stiffly rendered artistically speaking, but are no mere afterthought. These kids are layered individuals who ground the series emotionally, and whose dynamic may even remind some viewers of films like Stand by Me. An engrossing (and occasionally gross) series best for older teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the friendship dynamic among the main characters. How did their relationships change after going through the events of this story?
Kaiju movies have been popular for decades. Sometimes a kaiju will fight other monsters to protect humanity, while in others the same character is portrayed as destructive and evil. Why are viewers so drawn to watching these giant creatures battle?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 7, 2023
- Cast : Hisako Kanemoto , Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Aki Toyosaki , Saori Hayami , Mamoru Miyano
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Anime
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 13, 2023
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