Yoshiro Kitahara Movies
In this Japanese monster opus, the awakening of a volcano brings with it the return of Gaos, a huge creature that resembles a gigantic bat with powerful lasers. The creature begins raising havoc all over the island, but Gaos makes the mistake of attacking a plane whose passengers include a small boy in psychic contact with Gamera, a powerful, jet-propelled flying turtle. The boy cooperates with a group of scientists who hope that by combining their technical know-how with the boy's ability to control Gamera, they can wipe out the destructive super-bat once and for all. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kojiro Hongo, Kichijiro Ueda, (more)
One of the most fearsome of the Japanese monsters to hit the screen in the early 60's makes his debut in sci-fi thriller. As tensions between America and the Soviet Union rise to a fever pitch, U.S. troops shoot down a Russian bomber which is flying low in an Arctoc region. The bomber crashes, and its payload of hydrogen bombs explode upon impact. The blast releases and awakens Gamera, a gigantic fire-breathing turtle which had been frozen under the ice since prehistoric times. The newly revived monster makes his way to Tokyo, Japan, where he begins to lay waste to the city. As emminent scientist Dr. Hidaka (Eiji Funakoshi) searches for a way to defeat the monster, a young boy named Yoshiro (Yoshiro Unchida) develops an unlikely friendship with Gamera. For the film's American release, additional scenes were added featuring U.S. actors Brian Donlevy and Albert Dekker. The spelling of the monster's name was also changed; he's Gammera with two M's in this movie, but just Gamera in the sequels which followed. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Albert Dekker, Brian Donlevy, (more)
- 1961
An Indian prince leaves his world of comfort and riches behind to wander and meditate for six years in search of spiritual enlightenment. Siddartha (Cojoin Hong) turns his back on the old religion when people are starving needlessly and holy rituals include human sacrifices. During his meditations, he is tempted by erotic dancing women, demons, and the evil machinations of his criminal cousin Devastate to attain the spiritual perfection and become the Buddha. He travels to convert followers by his kindness and wisdom, gaining a multitude of believers when he stops an elephant from crushing a local priest. Buddha of course goes on to become one of the great religious leaders of the world. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kojiro Hongo, Charito Solis, (more)
