[ Rewatched/Reviewed on Letterboxd 5/07/2021]

Shusuke Kaneko and Kazunori Itō were given the monumental task of reimagining what was largely considered a “Godzilla knockoff” (and a cheap one at that) aimed at children, and getting a 90s audience to buy into the idea of a giant turtle monster fighting prehistoric (manufactured) birds of prey.

For everything Daiei Films’ "Gamera: Guardian of the Universe" had going against it (including its director being a Godzilla stan dying to direct a "Godzilla" film), Kaneko and Itō craft an origin story that capitalizes Gamera’s relationship with children (a teenager in this case) without becoming an overly confectionery narrative (ah-la "Gamera The Brave").

The movie balances the tones of humor, horror, and drama and features some of the best set and suit design for a mid-90s giant monster film. This is the kind of reboot "Godzilla 2014" wanted to be for Godzilla, but never achieved.