Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris1999

99/100 This is going to be a long one. I could go on and on about this movie for hours. Its just so good in absolutely every way...even if it does contain a hentai scene. Other than that, though, its an absolute masterpiece. This movie's very entertaining, with some more variety than the usual Kaiju movie to its plot. The effects are better than ever, and are accompanied by a great soundtrack. Shinji Higuchi and Koh Otani really outdid themselves here. This movie switches back and forth between having a great sense of realism and being wonderfully ethereal. The main thing I like about this movie are its themes. Following his connection to humanity being severed at the end of last movie, Gamera has been consumed by hatred for the Gyaos, destroying Shibuya in what I consider the best scene in any Kaiju movie ever. However, Gamera's not the only one filled with hate, as one Ayana Hirasaka hates Gamera for killing her family four years prior. Due to this, she awakens the titular Irys, who manipulates her for his own gain. This theme of hatred is done very well, and leads to a fantastic climactic showdown between Gamera and Irys. In the climax, both Gamera and Ayana reach the height of their character arc during this fight. Ayana realizes Gamera's main goal was to eliminate the Gyaos and protect humanity, and also realizes Irys' destructive nature, managing to forgive Gamera. In return, Gamera also is able to forgive her and realize the consequences of his actions, reviving her when she's damaged by her separation from Irys, along with her boyfriend. He firmly takes a stand alongside humanity against the coming invasion of Gyaos, now no longer the shattered horrific beast we see him as throughout this film. This film presents faith as an alternative to hope, which is why I believe the cliffhanger ending, with the world's military and Gamera facing off an army of Gyaos, further expands on that concept. Gamera will win, if the audience believes he can, and personally, I believe in Gamera. This also ties into the film's Christian themes, which I don't believe I'm qualified to speak on, considering I'm not of that faith. However, this also leads me to a certain belief on Irys' origin. Several origins for Irys are proposed throughout the film, and the theory that he's a Gyaos mutation is given a lot of credence, but I think it's no coincidence that Irys is referred to as an evil god, which can just as easily be interpreted as a devil. This, in addition to his manipulative behaviour and almost single-minded pursuit of Ayana makes me think of a demon tempting man to sin. These themes not only further the movie, but more importantly, the characters themselves. Almost every character in this movie has a character arc. Even best boy Osako completes his. I love every character in this movie and how they further the story so much. I know I said it before at the start, but I need to say it again. This movie's such a masterpiece, and one of the best Kaiju movies ever made. Definitely one of the most underrated. Check it out if you like Gamera, Kaiju or just movies in general.