Ganheddo

Ganheddo was produced by the same Japanese studio which brought us Godzilla, and it shows... but in a good way. Where many, higher-budgeted films of the time were moving to computer-generated effects, Toho stuck with scale models and stop-animation, giving this movie a gritty look not often found in films of similar provenance.

Though the plot is difficult to keep up with at times, it is still enjoyable, made especially the more so by the character of Seven. This movie will be a godsend for fans of the Mechwarrior/vertical tank type stories. The plot revolves around a group of scavengers who happen across a defunct lair controlled by machines, cyborgs, and their master, a central computer. The scavengers are after a rare power source which fuels the complex. Having detected their presence, the computer counts down to self destruct. Matters are complicated when one of the crew becomes incorporated into the machine's consciousness.

Good cinematography, decent acting, and a fantastic story all contribute to this film's warrants. It's too bad that CGI has taken the forefront -- I think modern filmmakers could learn a lesson from this one.

If you can surpass some of the crappiest acting in human history, the annoying brat that makes retarded noises, some questionable editing, disjointed story, slightly sluggish pacing and embarrassingly painful dialogue Gunhed is a pretty good movie. What make this movie stand out is its impressive set design, costumes, action and effects and does make up for the aforementioned flaws. But in the long run, I could only really recommend this movie to people who are fanatical cyberpunk enthusiasts because this movie is a train wreck. I hate kids.

Gunhed is by no means an Oscar contender, but if you are a fan of Japanese Fantasy Films, or even a sci-fi fan, I see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy it. Though the plot may be a bit convoluted at times, I find that after multiple watchings (at least twice) a lot more makes sense. What you can't make out of the plot, ignore it and watch the action sequences! A lot goes on with this movie, and it's some of the better "giant robot/machine" technology I have ever seen. I would like to address a few complaints I've heard/read regarding the film:

1. "It makes no sense!"- Remember, this is one of those sci-fi, neo-future, cyberpunk, check your brain at the door films. They can write their own history of technology.

2. "It wasn't anime!"- No, though the film was released through ADVFilms, which mostly produce Japanese Animation, they have obtained the rights to distribute some live-action Japanese films. If you didn't like Gunhed because it wasn't anime, or you only want to see anime, then you may also want to stay away from ADV's copies of Destroy All Monsters, and the Daimajin Trilogy.

3. "They should have used CGI!"- Keep in mind, this movie was made in 1989. Even the Americans weren't using much CGI back then!

Like I said, enjoy this movie for what it is!

I saw GANHEDDO (aka GUNHED) back in 1989 when it opened in Okinawa City, Okinawa. I had seen a write-up in NEWTYPE magazine and I just had to see this "giant robot" movie. Some buddies and I went on a quest to find it, and I was thrilled that we made the effort. I've seen the Japanese version of GANHEDDO numerous times, and I have to admit that I still don't understand the logic of Khyron's scheme to take over the world. I don't get why Seven's mouth glows, or why she needs to stand over the vial of Texmexium when the clock runs out. But that's okay. GANHEDDO satisfied my urge to see a kick-butt big robot movie. That half the dialogue was in English with Japanese "side-titles" was a bonus.

It's not a perfect movie by any means. And the horrendous dub job done for ADV's American video release just makes it worse. (For example: in the video, Brooklyn mutters "G** d*** f** you" to Sgt. Nim. In the original, he mutters silently. Was the nonsensical cursing necessary?) Still, the miniatures are impressive and Brenda Bakke's futuristic Lauren Bacall impression is enjoyable. My advice: seek out the LD or original Japanese DVD, and avoid any of ADV's versions.

I saw this movie, listed as "Gunhed" on Sci-Fi channel and complained often about how difficult it was to make out what was happening because the film is dark and has a green lighting to it retro-reminiscent, of Matrix. Also the cuts and scene transitions are seemingly random including some dotted dissolves early on which just don't work. So I was surprised at myself to want to check it out on DVD to view on my RP wide screen TV. I fully intend to. I love atmosphere heavy films and this is nothing if not that. It has a nice texture, good action and a remarkably good blending of mecho-maniac gadgetry and robotic "acting", without CGI. Some modern directors will not use CGI except for things which literally could not exist w/o such imagi-creation and this film deserves credit for doing so well w/o CGI.

Cyber-punk?... Decidedly! Plot?... yes, pretty much... well... some techno-scavengers dare an island, the smoking site of a robo-rebellion (since put-down) find a female soldier type person. One thief, the woman and some latter discovered child refugees struggle against a still surviving cyber-ruler program.

I couldn't sell this movie at gun point by describing it, but I still like it and believe viewing it will win over many who risk it. Just for reference, the first movie I ever bought was Blade Runner.