The War of the Gargantuas (1966) Movie Review
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
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I'm one of those kids who saw it multiple times on television in the 1970s. Watching it again recently, I still loved it, but could also see how the nostalgia factor influenced my enjoyment of it.
I was one of Japanese kids who saw this movie at the time (Yeah I'm very old). Even now, when we have a chance to talk about the past at a place like a bar with same generation, we say this. We still have a nightmare because of this movie.
My second favorite Jap monster flick (alongside the original '54 Godzilla). Firstly, THIS is one of the few Jap monster flicks that I actually find SCARY. There's some pretty frightening scenes, including the one shown in this video at 5:57. There's also more of a DRAMATIC STORY to why the monsters in THIS one FIGHT. In most of these movies they just fight for no discernible reason. I also like how the monsters actually appear to be HURT by the weapons, as opposed to the usual invincible nature of Godzilla and other kaijus. And I just IGNORE that Frankenstein business, and just take it completely as its OWN flick.
My second favorite Jap monster flick (alongside the original '54 Godzilla). Firstly, THIS is one of the few Jap monster flicks that I actually find SCARY. There's some pretty frightening scenes, including the one shown in this video at 5:57. There's also more of a DRAMATIC STORY to why the monsters in THIS one FIGHT. In most of these movies they just fight for no discernible reason. I also like how the monsters actually appear to be HURT by the weapons, as opposed to the usual invincible nature of Godzilla and other kaijus. And the SUIT technique actually WORKS here (for a change) because, as this reviewer acknowledges, the monsters here are already humanoid anyway, as oposed to being a big lizard, bug, bird, monkey, turtle or whatever. And I just IGNORE that Frankenstein business, and just take it completely as its OWN flick.
I know what you mean-l grew up watching this movie in the late 1970s and’80s and found it enjoyable.
You needed to see it as a child. Of all the giant monster movies, this one made a huge impression, especially the eating of people and spitting out the clothing.
I was affected by how fast Gaira could run at the airport when the sun came out.
My second favorite Jap monster flick (alongside the original '54 Godzilla). Firstly, THIS is one of the few Jap monster flicks that I actually find SCARY. There's some pretty frightening scenes, including the one shown in this video at 5:57. There's also more of a DRAMATIC STORY to why the monsters in THIS one FIGHT. In most of these movies they just fight for no discernible reason. I also like how the monsters actually appear to be HURT by the weapons, as opposed to the usual invincible nature of Godzilla and other kaijus. And the SUIT technique actually WORKS here (for a change) because, as this reviewer acknowledges, the monsters here are already humanoid anyway, as oposed to being a big lizard, bug, bird, monkey, turtle or whatever. And I just IGNORE that Frankenstein business, and just take it completely as its OWN flick.
"On Earth he is known as "Gydara but here he is "Monster Zero!"
Good point.
The scene where the guys on the boat look over the edge and see the monsters image under the water (shown at 5:57) is pretty frightening too.
To me, this movie is a MASTERPIECE! There's Monster Action in the first five minutes, then it rarely lets up! I first saw it at the drive-in in 1970 (with Monster Zero), then KTLA Channel 5 Movie Theater showed it numerous times in the '70s, and of course, I tried to watch it EVERY single time! I am definitely a diehard fan; this is one of my favorite movies of all time. And I'll always remember: "The words get stuck in my throat!"
Hell ya Its a classic I love this movie so much I had to buy figures of both of the Gargantuas which cost me $500.00 But I had to have them. Like you said this movie is a masterpiece!!!!
My favorite Kaiju movie. The song was a bit of unintentional humor with her just about becoming stuck in Gaira's mouth.
For me it’s the greatest monster I’ve ever seen and in how the actor did his movements. I had many nightmares where the green one would come into the city and I would be running everywhere looking for a good place to hide. But people would be huddled in every hiding spot so I was screwed.
Yea. I had a similar dream. In the American version his footsteps had a unique sound. I would hear that sound and knew he was coming! But wear could I hide?I finally settled on hiding inside the dryer!
Your pronunciation of Japanese is fluid and impressive. A heartfelt, comprehensive and enthusiastic review. Very enjoyable.
A childhood favorite of mine. It's the only Kaiju (well the green one, Gaira) that you saw that actively ATE its victims (pretty intense for an 8 year old to see back then). The battle Royale at the end was like Wrestlemania with buildings.
Yep I remember this too as a kid.
Yes,for a kaiju movie this one is quite graphic.
Thanks for this exhaustive review of one of my childhood favorites! Indeed, that song "The words get stuck in my throat" gets stuck in my head! Once I recall it, it takes hours, DAYS for me to stop hearing and softly singing it. Ha! So impressive when you see it as a kid, it's hard to understand its influence on the world today!
OMG, I was JUST talking about this movie with friend on Friday. I've also wanted to adapt this movie into a stage musical. As a gift, I took my brother to a screening of this movie a few years ago at the New Beverly Cinema. Sitting behind us was Quentin Tarantino. Apparently the print that they showed was his own, personal 35mm copy. The band DEVO did a cover of the "The Words Get Stuck in My Throat." Also, Nakajima-san loved playing the green gargantuan because you could see his eyes.
I love your sense of humor and the way you spot both the strengths and absurdities in these old monster movies. I saw this film many times as a kid in the 70's and although it wasn't my favorite, I did think it was one of the scarier films in the genre, particularly the scenes (both of which you mentioned) where the gargantua is seen looking up through the water and later is seen through the fog. There's a CZcams video with TCM's Ben Mankiewicz discussing this film and the five alternate titles that were considered, all using the name "Frankenstein". And I remember being awfully confused trying to connect this film to the Boris Karloff monster, especially after Sanda and Gaira were added to the mix. 45 years later, it's nice to know I wasn't alone. 🙂
Nick Adams, unfortunately, did not have long to live by this point.
Adams was a talented actor and an equally troubled man.
The scene where The Green Giant steps into the electrified river is great 👍 That looked painful!!
Great music too.
Yea! That actor did a great job! Both of them had to be in really good shape!😄
I really enjoyed this review! This is one of my favorite monster movies! Incidentally, the sailor who survives the boat attack is played by actor Ren Yamamoto, who played "Masaji", the sailor in the first Godzilla film who washed ashore on Odo/Oto Island. The reason for naming the mountain monster "Sanda" might have to do with the suffix "san" being attached to the names of mountains. For example, Mt. Fuji is called "Fuji-san" by the Japanese. Assistant special effects director Teruyoshi Nakano, who later directed the effects for the Godzilla films of the 1970s, passed away last month at the age of 86. There's an alternate version of this film with English dubbing that was done in Hong Kong. This version is on CZcams free with ads. The original US version, which is edited differently, was released in 1970 on a double bill with MONSTER ZERO aka INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER.
Again, thanks for another great review!
Ah, re: Hong Kong free version, that’s why the amazing music from the original is missing during the epic army vs Green gargantua in forest battle at the middle. No wonder she got bored there.
The original music is incredible and exciting with a looming sense of tragedy - and why this is my fav of all the Japanese monster films - the music!
Johnny Sokko a close 2nd.
I first saw WOTG, to use the hip cool kid contraction, when I was a young boy watching the week long monster fest on television that happened every summer vacation. I first watched it with the awe and reverence of a child who loved to see giant creatures beat each other to a pulp all the while getting the pohgees blown out of them by a great big Japanese Defense Force artillery barrage with lightning guns and mason cannons thrown in as garnish. And for some reason even after attending film school and acquiring an overblown sense of self aggrandizing artistic hubris, I still love it. You are completely right from a technical observation of the film that it is lackluster at best, but for some reason it sits in a special place in my cinematic heart. Great review. Cheers.
This movie freaked me out when I was a kid…
Yay! I was among those eagerly awaiting this review and it did not disappoint. Apparently the story was part inspired by the Japanese folk tale of feuding brothers Umihiko the sea boy and Yamahiko the mountain boy. Now I am not usually one for gossip but I believe Nick Adams did not return for this one because his fling with Kumi Mizunu ended badly. Also there is an episode of Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated that features a bad lounge singer performing "The Words Get Stuck in My Throat" before she is attacked by a monster. Apparently Devo also covered the song.
It’s great you selected this film to review. I think it’s fantastic. I saw this for the first time back when I was growing up in the 70’s. It wasn’t an easy movie to find on tv way back then. Several years ago I splurged on the Blu ray from Japan for a hefty price. I had to have it in my collection. I recently saw it was available on HBO and CZcams now. A must watch!
I'm 70. I don't see the world in 4000p or 1080p. I see the world the way your camera does and thank you for that. Probably 480.
Saw this at the drive-in when I was a kid. Thanks for the memories👍!
You are so right that this title has nostalgic appeal for kids who saw it in the 70s. As a little boy, this is one of three TOHO films I had to ask my parent’s permission to stay up late to watch in its prime time TV premier. It came on at 8:00 pm on one of the major networks in the Northeast US (very different from most other kajiu films, which I caught on local stations usually in the afternoons). The other two films I saw at their prime time network television premier were Monster Zero (later retitled Godzilla vs Monster Zero for video) and Destroy All Monsters. I recall loving War of the Gargantuas. The colors were so vibrant, the spectacle was huge, the music and weaponry was just like a Godzilla film! The opening scene with a storm at sea rocking a boat, then a giant octopus attacks the boat…then a huge green ape-like beast takes out the octopus AND the boat…that whole sequence just kicks butt when you are a small boy staying up past your bedtime to see a new TOHO film for the first time.
No Johnny Sokko and his Flying Robot?
Very nice to hear your Gargantua review finally. Now most kids that grew up in Los Angeles during the 70s were introduced to this movie by watching it FIVE nights a week on the KTLA Channel 5 Movie theater. They would actually show the same movie five nights a week and War of the Gargantuas would show like this several times during the year so if you ever meet a person in their 50s that grew up in Los Angeles in the 70s there is almost a zero possibility that they have NOT seen this movie. Another note, during the 70s , they did not televise the dub where the two Gargantuas are referred to as "Frankensteins". We got an entirely different dub.
What is really funny is Russ Tamblyn did the movie to get paid and see Japan thinking pretty sure nobody would ever know he made this movie and little did he know that the movie would be shown at PRIME TIME in L.A, FIVE NIGHTS A WEEK. It's probably till this day the most shown movie during the 70s in Los Angeles.
Jerome please tell us you filmed yourself singing… “Andddddd the wordssssss get stuck in my throatttt…the words get stuck in my throat”. If so the Dec-22 bloopers are gonna be starting on a hilarious note! Keep up your great work! Your reviews are always refreshing!
Sadly, no! I ended up singing it a lot while I was editing, though, haha! :) Thank you!
@@Weiselberry Well you could always watch it a third time.🤪😵💫 lol. Then record it lol.
Frankenstein Conquers the World is a great favorite of mine. Also has my favorite Ifukube score.
Such a fantastic movie. The monsters Sanda and Gaira are great characters. I hope they get more attention in future movies. Either in ToHo movies or in the Monsterverse
My cousin and I saw this at a theater on a double bill with “Attack of the Mushroom People” and I remember how “adult” both films felt to me. Now I can see there are holes in the story and production but the stuff I loved is still there...I just make sure to use my 8 year old brain when I watch it.
As always a very charming review. And yes, I agree, the military scenes are rather repetitive and concluding the film with a volcano eruption is a bit unsatisfying. However, I saw War of the Gargantuas (or "Frankenstein - Zweikampf der Giganten" as it was called in Germany) as a child on TV and was very disturbed by the violence and the dark tone back then. In comparison to some other Toho kaiju films of that time this one has a rather low camp factor. I think it's that seriousness that makes it one of the more popular giant monster films.
Just in time before I went to bed! Literally I’m so sun burned and swimming a lot can tire you! Thank you Jerome for another episode
I liked your review. I watched this movie as a kid and loved it. I recently watched it after many years and forgot about the song. It was hysterical for so many reasons. However I still enjoyed the 70’s nostalgia.
This is one of my favorite movies. I remember seeing it at a Halloween sleepover and being terrified when the fishermen looked over the boat and saw that demonic face. He looks like Regan from the Exorcist! Sanda looks more like Frankenstein but in a good way and the Golden brown hair doesn’t hurt. I’m thinking that Green is probably a mutation of Sanda. That’s why he looks and acts so screwed up!
Hi Jerome! Great review, sorry for the extreme lateness but i actually enjoyed this film. The toku effects are really top notch as the fight between the kaiju brothers and the military and the city gets wreaked in it's toku glory! Yeah, the elephant in the room is Russ's role in the film really falls flat as he really shows he doesn't give a dang and gave a subpar performance. They really should have kept Nick Adams as he's way more likeable thanks to his roles in Frankenstein vs Baragon and invasion of astro monster. This is one of Haruo Nakajima's favorite roles in playing as Gaira (makes sense since the suit is way easier to move with) this is a important film as some elements do carry on into the Godzilla series as this is the first film to introduce basically one of the most famous military weapons the Maser Cannon. Yes the *OTHER* elephant is, the music, especially *THAT* song. Yeah the story does have flaws and not everyone's cup of tea but for me i do enjoy this one!
Came across your channel recently and love it.Very interesting reviews presented in an engaging and pleasant way.You inspired me to watch the Cabinet of Doctor Caligari which i found quite astounding.keep up the good work!
Thank you!! I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos, and it's great that you gave Dr. Caligari a try!
Gonna go on a limb w/The Words Get Stuck in My Throat' is a wink/nod to the monsters literally choking down some of the populace.
I just subscribed to your channel and I know I'm going to enjoy it! So rare these days to see a movie channel talking about older films, and monsters in particular!
Thank you, and welcome aboard! Glad to have you here. :)
An entertaining and informative review .
I look forward to watching this .
Thanks !
Glad you enjoyed it!
Seeing Godzilla do a jig or curl up and fly utilizing atomic breath is always fun. I'm not a big fan of the 2nd phase of the Tojo gems. For some odd reason (the film came to television about 1969) this film always fascinated me. It is straight up heartfelt and bizarre. I guess most are.
"Skadinky" So happy to have found your Channel. Been binding on your videos. Just loved this one as a kid. Your review was smart and funny.
Thank you!
Oh man, it’s about time you got to this one (I don’t mean that in a bad way, I’m just surprised you went through so many others when this one is so popular).
While I don’t think this is the best kaiju movie, I think it might be my personal favorite. I love the score (which, yes, sounds like a lot of other Ifukube scores), I love the introduction of the maser tanks, I love the personalities of the gargantuas, I love the idea of the weird regenerative cloning situation going on, I love that the monsters aren’t as invincible as something like a Godzilla, I love the giant octopus at the beginning…but I can totally understand your perspective, especially given that the characters don’t have as much to do as a lot of other movies, or as much personality. And I hate the musical number on the surface, but over time it has become infamous in a way that actually makes me appreciate it somehow. Don’t ask me to explain that, because I can’t.
And I laughed out loud multiple times during your review, but especially at the “volcano ex machine,” that was great.
Agree this one has best score and tips it to best of them all (Johnny Sokko a close 2nd).
But beware the free one on YT - a Hong Kong production with horrible music.
Always liked this one as a kid. It broke the mold of Toho/kaiju movies in some fun ways. Thanks for the review!
I love it that this movie is still getting a little attention today and that you got 4.8K views for this movie!
So the first review of yours I saw was for THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES. And now the second is WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS. I can only say that you are eclectic and I applaud you on that. Just thank God there was no giant octopus in THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES! Gotta love you!
Haha, eclectic indeed. :) Glad to have you aboard for whatever comes next!
Looking forward to listening to your review, Jerome Weiselberry! I very glad you first saw 'Frankenstein Conquers the World' (although 'War of the Gargantuas' is very much a 'stand alone' sort of sequel). WotG's a great favorite from childhood on -- mid-early '70's, UHF 43 (Akron/Cleveland, OH) would play this film (dubbed) VERY often. I probably have a FCtW or WotG dream every year or two. (I also have dreams about other giant monsters and about 'classic' monsters, especially werewolves).
Thanks for this cool review! 🙆♀️
A reaction for the time capsule, Jerome Reacts to the Gargantuas (When Beings and Humankind Get Together). I enjoyed and appreciated your commitment and dedication to the reaction.
Tarzan's Greatest Adventure from 1959?
So glad you got around to this. It was different as it wasn't your typical Kaiju monster flick These had human forms. And you had to love those shoulder pads lol ! Creepy was the green one especially when eating people. It was different from the usual Kaiju's. Fantastic review. Love your details on behind the scenes. Great stuff.
Hey JW !! It's so true that nostalgia factors heavily into the level of forgiveness one is willing to afford this film. Having seen this several times as a kid, I knew I was done for ! That's why I greatly appreciated your unbiased and fun take on this episode. The Dr. Zaius comment was classic ! One really cool thing about this review, is how many people are commenting that they loved this movie since they were little. And here I have gone through life being the only person in the room to have seen it. At last, I have found my crowd ! There you go JW, bringing humanity together one review at a time !! Later !
You're in good company here! :)
. . . . or, she sang so badly he decided not to chow down on her . . . .
So, when I was a child, there was a morning cartoon show I would watch before school, showing Popeye and other kinds of shorts. And you could you count on getting a commercial for what would be showing at the kiddie matinee that upcoming weekend. When Gargantuas was scheduled, they made SURE to show the scene where Gaira eats the airport cleaning woman, and spits her clothes out afterwards. They *knew* that was the scene that would cause a sellout!
It would often show on TV after that, and, while not a favorite, was certainly always intriguing and watchable. I'm surprised no one in Japan has tried to reboot it...
Thank you Jerome. I saw this when I was very little. It scared the crap out of me. I find it still very eerie. Yes it's goofy but still.... Supposedly, Tamblin couldn't remember his dialog when doing the dub track. He stated had a lot of difficulty during the process. Tamblin is very miscast in the movie. Nick Adams would have been a much better choice. Footie pjs? lol Yep. Your following the logic at 9:22 made me laugh very loud. :) Technically this keeps happening to Godzilla with his bits being dropped off everywhere. It is almost like a Simpson's gag. Thanks Jerome. Now that I think about it, there is a Simpson's gag about that scene.
This one has always been a favorite of mine. Not because of Tamblyn (whom I normally really like!), but the actors portraying the gargantuas did a marvelous job, the music score was excellent, imho, and I thought the specially created set pieces (both city and forest) were fantastic. To me, the movie is a visual treat. The nightclub song isn't anything special, but (imo) is made much worse by the singer, who sings it *very* poorly - w/out nuance or dynamic variance...and loudly.
That was a nice and entertaining review of my least favorite Kaiju film of all time. Your reviews have shared some fun films I've never seen or long forgotten. This one, I've seen twice. I could re-watch the H-man (which also has a nightclub song) or Matango (based on W.H. Hodgsons horror story) a dozen times, but not this one. Maybe it's me, but, it's memorable for all the wrong reasons (Russ Tamblyn, the odd story, Evil monster created by plankton, that song...) If only Gaira had gobbled up the singer with her high heels getting stuck in his throat, it would have validated that odd song. Also, nice nod to the amazing Connie Francis, first lady of Rock and Roll.
It’d be awesome if they appeared in the monster verse!
That is much too good an idea to acually happen. But we can dream, no?
As it happens, this is one of my favorite non-Godzilla kaiju movies. I'm pretty sure that Gaira was actually spawned from the hand that "Frankenstein" lost in "Frankenstein vs. Baragon" if my memory serves me. That infamous musical number is the only thing I don't like in the movie and it sticks out like a sore thumb. I like the interactions between the Gargantuas, too; the brotherly dynamic between them is clearly defined. Nakajima-sensei commented on how their fight scenes were based on pro wrestling and they must have had a ball choreographing them, from the look of it? I remember watching this on TV as a kid and it made a big impression on me then and I enjoy it to this day. Your notes and reactions were fun throughout, as usual!
Maybe that's the explanation in the American edit? I don't know. In the Japanese version I watched they definitely talk about him being generated from a piece of flesh that came off Frankenstein as he fled to the mountains. Besides, that lost hand ended up dying in the lab, didn't it?
@@Weiselberry Wait, you're right! I'd forgotten that detail. Still a very cool movie, for me. 🙂
Only now has it occurred to you that these movies might perhaps be a little illogical? Hmm. Isn't this the one in which Tamblyn makes some "Aw, those kids must have been whacked out on LSD" comment? Yeah, I miss Nick Adams too. Points for the phrase "volcano ex machina." The thoroughly silly movie Congo ends with one of those. And, ouch, those lyrics. A microphone in her heart might just say LUB DUB -- LUB DUB -- LUB DUB. But, Rome, for what it's worth, I'll side with you opposite Tim Burton or Quentin Tarantino any day. The movie itself may not be so great, but I really enjoyed and appreciated this review. Thanks, and owl be seeing you.
That line must be one of the ad-libs in the American cut because I don't think it was in the Japanese version!
I saw this movie in 1970 in the theater as The War Of The Gargantuas, the English version released in 1970. I was 8 years old and I was and still is a lover of this movie. Too bad you didn't like this movie a little better. But what did you think about that fight scene between Green vs Orange as the actors went all out at the end without the heavy bulky suits slowing them down. I always thought one of the best fights between the 2 monsters were some of the best, throwing each other in the buildings like they did. Loved that scene with the Green's head just beneath the surface of the water, the music and I'm kind of partial of that song "Words get stuck in my throat" which I'm sorry as the words are now stuck in your head for a while, lol. I was sad about the Orange not surviving. I guess some good monsters die too. I still liked your review though. Keep them coming. Thank you.
Oh I forgot to ask, what are your thoughts about the new The Munsters trailer that just came out? A lot of people have been giving it heck but me....now I'm waiting to see this in the theater.
That's about when I saw it. Oddly, I still remember that it was part of a 'double feature' at the theater along with "Monster Zero". Fun times.
I think you're suggestion is right on target. It does look like they'd painted themselves into a corner. Otherwise that abrupt ending is difficult to explain.
I think it's popular because it's a straight-faced Kaiju film, more along the lines of the original Gojira rather than the goofiness of the later Kaiju movies. It has a good story and rather unusual Kaiju. I preferred "Frankenstein Conquers the World", though; I find it less corny without the whole brother thing.
That was an abrupt ending. I guess they should have sent down a volcano-proof submarine equipped with a large stethoscope, listened to their hearts, and pronounced them dead. "Has it been confirmed?" "Yes." The End. Thanks for this fun review, J.
The 'bits of flesh regenerating' scare previously exploited in the Danish 'Reptilicus' (1961).
I've got that one on my watchlist...
Do you ever use Shout Factory TV? I think you and your family will maybe enjoy it, it's a free streaming service (no dumb paywalls). It has classic retro TV shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Johnny Carson and The Lone Ranger. They also have a lot of 1970's Exploitation films including the movies directed by Jack Hill and of course there's all of the Ultraman TV shows (both old and new). That'll give you some future review material.
I haven’t seen The War of the Gargantuas unfortunately but I had heard it was a favourite of the Directors you’ve mentioned, I didn’t know it was one of the first Films Brad Pitt ever saw. I did see clips and was put off a bit and thought maybe it’s not for me although I often like weird films so I should see it with an open mind, then again I think we’re more open to liking or loving something that’s not very good if we’re introduced to it first as kids, probably true for Burton, Del Toro and Tarantino also, I still have a fondness for some not so good films I first saw as a child because of the memories they invoke. Ha! The brown Gargantua does look like Dr. Zaius ( Dr Zaius song from the Simpsons always pops into my head when I think of the character, curse you Simpsons lol ) You’re right, the green guy isn’t a looker although maybe to Kaiju’s he’s Gairy Grant lol, Kaiju’s hearing Gaira speaking with Cary Grants speech pattern to brown Gargantua “Hallo ol’ chum shall we scrap? “ while we the viewers here Ga Go Gua argh glrp! humidity is making my brain melt.
~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~
Hahaha, funny you should mention it: I ended up watching that Planet of the Apes Musical clip a few times while editing this. "Dr. Zaius! Dr. Zaius!" helped a lot when "The Words Get Stuck in My Throat" got stuck in my head. :)
@@Weiselberry Hahaha! It’s annoyingly catchy, and kinda great :)
Dr. Zaius! Dr. Zaius! 🎶
Troy McClure : Can I play the piano anymore?
Dr Zaius : Of course you can!
Troy McClure : Well I couldn’t before
Dr. Zaius! Dr. Zaius! 🎶
Troy McClure : I hate every ape I see,
from Chimpan-a to Chimpan-z,
No, you’ll never make a monkey out of me.
Oh, my God, I was wrong
It was Earth all along.
You finally made a monkey..
Apes : Yes we finally made a monkey..
Troy McClure&Apes : Yes, you finally made a monkey out of me! Lol
~ Thank you again Ms Weiselberry ~
Wow you are so well spoken and do an awesome job reviewing films/novels. Keep up the great work 👍🎥📽️📼👍
Thank you!!
That song holy shit I'm playing that rollin down the street
Meh, remember seeing it as a kid - its ok. I would rather rewatch "The Claw" - - and laugh when you see the creature for the first time......
You really put a lot of thought in this movie. It’s one of my favorite non-Godzilla movie. Yeah it’s long. It very Entertaining. It’s kinda violent. When the green one eats the woman from the airport. And spits out the flowers. Great Review. Thank god the green gargantua showed up . When the singer was singing. Lol 😂
Thanks for another great video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
J.W. This review was brutal .....no, I'm kidding, it was fair and balanced. 😁😁😁👏👏👏👍
I think reviewing the original Japanese film versions as the definitive is an error. Especially for American audiences.
The dubbing is pivotal to the character of the films. Also helps integrate the American actor scenes. And most importantly makes them funner to watch.
Not sure about the music in the Japanese version, but in the 🇺🇸 release it is fantastic and helps make it a fan favourite. It could be why the tragic epic battle scene bored you if the music wasn’t the same. In 🇺🇸 version it really made the epic battle in the forest (middle fight with army)exciting and also told of looming tragedy.
That said your reviews are classic in their own right.
I would recommend also Johnny Sokko tv series featuring his giant robot. The film version is Voyage into Space which is a few of the episodes patched together for a feature that works well.
Have you heard of it ?
It is also a fan favourite.
Thanks for a fun channel.
PS - Nick Adams in a fantastic Outer Limits episode that’s almost like a Predator movie.
Yeah, I just finished the Japanese version, because that's the only way I want to watch em, that's kind of irrelevant to my point but I always like to throw that in there. idk, why. LOL But yeah, anyway.... see for whatever reason I REALLY liked Frankenstein vs Baragon. It's in my upper echelon of TOHO favs probably, so I had maybe too high of hopes for this one. Not that I thought it was BAD or anything, it just didn't...grip me the same way for whatever reason. (Also, to be fair, I'm finding all of these movies online, as a means to watch them. I had to watch the first 5 mins. of this movie like 8 times before I found a Japanese version with English subtitles.)
Just substitute Bigfoot in the place of Gargantua. So you have Bigfoot Sanda vs. Bigfoot Gaira !!!🦍🦧
I do like this one, but I do think it's a little overrated. Some people really love it though.
The music is outstanding.
Childhood memories great review.
Have you seen the American version. That one has no reference to the Frankenstein film and they are simply referred to as Green Gargantua and Brown Gargantua.
No, I only watched the Japanese version. Sounds like referring to them that way might be less confusing, but also kind of a mouthful.
@@Weiselberry You also get a different soundtrack for large parts of the American version. I highly recommend it for a good old fashioned Saturday night TV monster movie fun.
Nick Adams got obsessed with kumi Mizuno who was married, that may had a part in why he wasn't asked to return lol
Devo used to perform that song in their concerts. Have you reviewed any non-Toho monster movies? "Majin the Monster of Terror" (Daimajin in Japanese) has a demon-possessed Giant Statue Monster. Popular enough to be followed by 2 sequels.
This lady is great and we must protecr her innocence at all costs
Well, they can't ALL be Godzilla films....
It's like a chocolate chip mint sundae
Haha...your "issues" with the look of the creatures, and the switching of theirs name, is really entertaining
I have seen this film 5 and 9 time This is not my favorite Kaiju film Either it's it's just out there the whole Frankenstein's creation as a giant monster thing does not work Frankenstein's creation works as a monster because originally what horrified people are not the creature being created being made from body parts of the deceased but my opinion a creature as a reject of society being their social and intellectual equal is horrifying
When I saw you were reviewing Gargantua's I knew you were my dream woman. Alas I'm far away. Anyhow for a future review try Dragonslayer. A very under rated film.
The Japanese DVD of Gargantuas is much better. Brighter colors, sharper image. Unfortunately it's also in Japanese without subtitles. TOHO trying to keep the best versions of its films available only in Japan as usual.
I love a girl that knows her Kaijus, you rock!
Big Jerome Weiselberry fan btw
Interesting, I wasn’t aware of the divide amongst the fans for this movie. I really hate saying this because I’m a HUGE Godzilla/kaiju fan but some of Toho’s giant monster movies are…shall we say… good on paper yet lacking in execution. From a far this looks like a good movie, however from your impression Jerome I get the since it’s far from good looking. I’ve been on the search for a certain kaiju movie not so dissimilar to your quest to find the perfect Jane Eyre adaptation in your eyes. Thus far on my journey to find the kaiju movie of dreams has been fruitless… but War of the Garantuas is still a curious case, I mean you mention big names that love this movie (some of which I can’t make a correlation) and others who love it for it’s unintentional humor. I suppose that’s the power of cringe. I just wish someone would make a good giant monster movie not played for laughs (intentional or not) coupled with an amazing cast of characters and a decent plot.
Wait. I'm confused. You said:
"I just wish someone would make a good giant monster movie not play for laughs (intentional or not) coupled with an amazing cast of characters in a decent plot".
Has there never been such a thing, in your opinion?
@@orinanime truthfully in my opinion, no. But that’s not to say there aren’t good Kiaju movies out there, for example: Gojira, Return of Godzilla 1984/1985, Rodan (1956), Mothra (1964) Godzilla v.s. Biolante, Godzilla 2000, Godzilla 98. The 90’s Gamera trilogy, GMK, Final Wars, Howl from Beyond the Fog, King Kong (2005), Godzilla against Mechagodzilla and Tokyo S.O.S. That is a short list of movies I that I enjoy for various reasons. However, none of them come close to what I seek. There are movies out there I’ve yet to see, so I haven’t lost hope. War of the Gargantuas now garnered a negative connotation by Jerome’s review however I still need to see it for myself. Is it what I seek? I doubt it yet I’m willing to keep an open mind about it.
@@panchovilla7769 you list the original Gojira in your examples.
I would say that it's:
A good giant monster movie.
It's not played for laughs.
It has a great cast and great cast of characters as well.
And it's got a good plot.
So I think that movie at least contradicts your assessment.
@@orinanime Perhaps, my opinion on Gojira is, yes the elements are there and it’s a good start for Godzilla however I still find the presentation to be left wanting. I walked away from it thinking “this is the genesis of Godzilla, a warning to humankind that war and its aftermath exist only to consume life, violence breeds violence.” The serous tone and the history behind the making of Gojira is very humbling once one gets a true understanding of it’s message. it’s rough around the edges and demonstrated the potential what a giant monster movie can be. The sequels after that rarely echoed its message; the quality of story telling and symbolism severely dropped. So I see Gojira as the start of something great. The sequels, I wouldn’t say tarnished it’s reputation but it definitely left me wanting more of the original and saddened to see that Gojira is the highest point for the Godzilla franchise in terms of my perfect kiaju movie. Again not to say the movie is bad for it’s a really good foundation of what I seek. Now some may a say shin definitely echoes the original with a modern concern of bureaucracy and it’s constant brick walls to not help the people it was created to serve and also getting in the way of itself. I agree, Shin is a good movie no real complaints there, and I’m on the boat the more I watch the more I like it. Now the reason why it doesn’t place higher than Gojira is because of what Godzilla does. In a previous comment I made I received a reply “Godzilla is minding his own business, having no real malice” (and I have to apologize to person who made that reply, I responded with a bit to much dogma on my end) and that got me thinking and I’m open to discussion about this; does Godzilla represent the spirit of the people, wanting to break free of rules imposed by society and possibly nature? Godzilla goes through radical changes to better suit its environment, I don’t think it cared what form it took so long as it survived. And when trouble finds it, it reacts violently not through malice but in self defense hence “violence breeds violence”. All Godzilla wants to do is survive just any sentient being and has a huge advantage of extreme metamorphism and we the pesky humans (which can be viewed as corruption )don’t like someone or something that can pose a threat to our rule as the dominant species. And those who want change in the world wish they can take in the world in there own way, adapting to the situation similar to shin (not necessarily changing ones physiology just adapting to what life may throw their way)to create a better tomorrow in their eyes. In contrast gojira represented war, the atomic bomb and the folly of humans fighting amongst ourselves. Ian Malcolm famously said “life will find a way.” And that’s my point why shin ranks lower than gojira because it’s about the corporation between the peoples of earth to destroy a form of life they don’t fully understand very similar to King Kong and feeling smug about themselves when they succeed. And I have a strong distaste for any loss of life in the preservation of someone(s) ego. Which is why I love Kiaju movies, they have the potential to teach powerful lessons or at minimum remind us how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. Which is why I am still looking for a Kiaju film to be serious and not to brushed off as another b movie. Just as a side note if your curious where the phrase “violence breeds violence” comes from, it’s a character theme recommended by a friend of mine for both Godzilla and King Kong “it has to be this way” Metal Gear Rising.
At one point Toho was genuinely planning a Godzilla vs Gaira & Sanda but it never got made.
I have the soundtrack to this and it includes an earlier version by a different singer of the Word gets stuck song and with a different tempo and singer the song is much better.
Sooo I'm curious, I know you think Russ was a bit awkward in this one but was there anything in Nick Adams' performance that specifically aided in his better fit than Tamlin?? (within the scope of this run)
I don't know how much it had to do with the actors themselves, but the character Adams played was more developed and interesting, while Tamblyn's character wasn't one we got to know that well. Adams had some light-hearted moments; Tamblyn, for the most part, did not. Had the character been written differently, perhaps Tamblyn wouldn't have seemed so stiff and out of place. But in general Adams seems to have been more comfortable on the Japanese set, and I think it shows.
I saw this when we when I was a child and gave me nightmares especially the part when directs the woman in the airport actually this is one of my favorite kind you movies what are the best I’ve actually easier than you work you were I love Godzilla movies but send me this one is my new place the Chi Chi movies as far as Kira and Santa I would love to see it in Blu-ray I’m supposed to get anyway I saw it to you as well child I still love it I’m seeing 1 million times never get tired of it COMPUTER to Tahoe 18:46
Such a great movie! Great review!
It came here in the states in the sixties, not the seventies.
I like this movie, but I don't love it. It is not one of my favorites. I don't have the nostalgia factor working for me - don't remember seeing it when I was a kid. Yes, I root for Gaila to eat Kipp Hamilton. That song is one of the worst songs that I've ever heard. I didn't hear you mention that Kipp is the sister-in-law of Carol Burnett - kind of an interesting fact. Russ Tamblin is also not very good in this. If this doesn't make someone ache for Nick Adams, then nothing will. As you said, the ending is weak and quite the coincidence. I like this movie for the same reasons you said - it is a little different than other kaiju films. Also, any movie with Kumi Mizuno can't be all bad.
That ''song'',.....has been ringing in my head since first hearing it in,.....um,...guessing early 80's,......and upon revisiting images of the Green ones face,....I realize how hideously ugly it is,....the scene of him looking up from the sea towards the boaters, has been stuck in my head equally as long as the ''song'',...oh yeah,......l.o.l., ...I'd ''become'' the green one with friends while pretend playing as a yongster,.....and if you'd remember,... they'd ''speak'', or grunt,... this strange,....''CHE'',...sound,.....I'd be saying this as I'd be wrestling w/ buddies,... & moms would loudly say ''STOP saying that!! 😆
Before I watched this review, I made the mistake of getting a nice cold Dr. Pepper- which I inadvertently choked on repeatedly whenever Miss Jerome made her insightful and very hilarious comments about being bored and that the monsters are "slightly less ugly" or just downright "Ugh Ugly" this lady is unbelievably funny and a real treat to watch, I think I'm gonna start watching all her videos - she's definitely fun to listen to & watch( just next time I'm not gonna try to drink anything when she's on- it's no fun wearing Dr. Pepper!)
Can you tell me they had two versions one where they said gargantuan any other they said Frankenstein I'd like to get the movie that says gargantuan I understand it's the same movie but they never said Frankenstein in the when I was a kid
Picked this movie up on DVD cheap a few years back.On a double bill with Rodan.Enjoyable.Got surprised one day when my
nephew was watching a Scooby Doo episode and a singer sings "The words get stuck in my throat" song.Of all the
places one might find a homage.Turning the conversation in a completely different direction.I hope you don't mind.
Recently I was scanning through a film reference guide when I randomly crossed paths with a title I knew nothing about.
The 1946(filmed in 1943) Devotion.You probably know about or have seen this one.I don't recall you mentioning it.
I searched your engine.I liked the idea of seeing Ida Lupino and Olivia de Havilland as respectively Emily and Charlotte Bronte.
I looked and found the movie available.I watched.I enjoyed.No classic but worthwhile.I am no Bronte expert but they appeared
to follow the historical basics.With many of the specifics probably Hollywood BS.The Yorkshire moors on a back lot.
Mr "Now Yoyager" himself Paul Henreid plays Arthur Bell Nicholls.The story portrays both sisters as pining for his affections.
I don't know about that one?Branwell is shown as a mean spirited drunk.I find it alarming how Branwell,Emily and Jane all
succumbed to tuberculosis in less than a year.Very sad.It was good to see Ida and Olivia portray the sisters.
I would be curious to know your opinions on this biopic.I probably should have stuck to the Gargantua's.Sorry.
Thank you.
I do know about the film Devotion, and I believe we even recorded it years ago, but I've never dredged up enough curiosity to watch it. Not that I think it's going to be bad (and it sounds like you liked it well enough, which is good), but the impression that I got from reading reviews was that it was kind of bland, in spite of its dynamic stars. It's still on my radar, though. :)
@@Weiselberry I would not consider Devotion as bland.Maybe not the most exciting or compelling
movie but I was suitably engaged.If you are interested in the Bronte's you can enjoy the references.
Thank you for not publicly calling me out for making the mistake of writing Jane instead of Anne.I really
do deserve a public flogging for that egregious error.When you were young did you not look up and catch
your brothers fighting.And did they not look like a couple of better looking Gargantuas battling for dominion?
Thank you.
YOU ARE AWSOME!!
In its defense, this was not the first or last movie that used the concept of a monsters live cells forming more monsters. Is there a Japanese version of this nightclub song?
Comparatively speaking, that part of it I don't really have a problem with, ha! Someone else mentioned that the concept appeared in Reptilicus, which I haven't seen yet. If there is a Japanese version of the song, I haven't come across it. That's another thing that's strange about the scene, at least in the original version: it's the only time English is heard in the film.
@@Weiselberry Yes, the concept appeared in Reptilicus, 1961. I don't know if that's the first time it appeared in a movie. It was used in "The Green Slime", which came after "The War of the Gargantuas". The idea of having a monster problem that you can't resolve with a sufficient amount of explosives goes back at least to the '50s. It's not unusual having a movie with a song that's in a foreign language. On the reverse end, I remember reading when the Germans dubbed "Cat Ballou", they substituted Nat King Cole's voice with a German singer. The article took them to task for doing such a terrible thing. "Cat Ballou" was Nat King Cole's last movie appearance.
i wanted to comment but the words got stuck in my throat
I love it
OH GIRL I SO LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR REVIEWS - IF YOU COME TO NYC PLEASE LET ME KNOW
I'm one of those '70s kids who absolutely loved this film. Some of it I still love, but overall it's rather a ridiculous mess that I can barely sit through. Ah, to be a child again and not care if the story is stupid as long as the monster fights are cool!
Gotta love those plastic toy soldiers and tanks! :D And yes, he should have eaten her!! LOL!! 😂