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Parents' Guide to

Gamera: Rebirth

By Jenny Nixon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Cult favorite kaiju animé is entertaining, but violent.

TV Netflix Anime 2023
Poster image for the anime series Gamera: Rebirth, pictured are several kaiju silhouetted against a cloud-filled red sky.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Gamera: Rebirth TV show screenshot 1: Three kids splattered with mud are pictured peering down at a large turtle held in their hands.
  • Gamera: Rebirth TV show screenshot 2: Two kaiju engaged in close battle: Gyaos, a red bat-like creature spewing fuschia mist from its mouth, and Gamera, a gigantic turtle creature with glowing aqua eyes.
  • Gamera: Rebirth TV show screenshot 3: A group of seven kids, pictured from behind as they stand on a rooftop in early evening, watching as fires burn in the distance across the city.
  • Gamera: Rebirth TV show screenshot 4: The kaiju Gamera, a gigantic turtle creature, pictured from chest up against a night sky. He has a menacing expression and glowing aqua eyes.

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What's the Story?

GAMERA: REBIRTH brings the cult favorite kaiju character to life via animation for the first time. In the summer of 1989, a ragtag group of kids find themselves, and our planet, in the crosshairs of an increasingly deadly bunch of bloodthirsty monsters. Special (and sometimes sinister) forces, including the military, try to stand up against the threat but soon find that it takes a monster to beat a monster. Thus, the gargantuan Gamera -- a mega-ton, razor-shelled, fire-breathing, flying turtle -- emerges to protect mankind.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This colossal flying turtle may not have the same name recognition as Godzilla, but fans will dig the true-to-form monster fights, wild creature design, and Easter eggs that hint at sequels to come. Gamera: Rebirth is easily the best onscreen depiction of the beloved creature since 2005's Gamera: The Brave, which likewise depicted the titular terrapin as a "protector of all children" who has an unearthly bond with tiny humans.

The animation budget clearly -- and smartly -- went to the kaiju fights, which pull no (monster) punches and showcase some impressive redesigns of classic Gamera foes like Gyaos, Zigra, and Jiger. The humans on the show may be more stiffly rendered artistically speaking, but are no mere afterthought. These kids are layered individuals who ground the series emotionally, and whose dynamic may even remind some viewers of films like Stand by Me. An engrossing (and occasionally gross) series best for older teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the friendship dynamic among the main characters. How did their relationships change after going through the events of this story?

  • Kaiju movies have been popular for decades. Sometimes a kaiju will fight other monsters to protect humanity, while in others the same character is portrayed as destructive and evil. Why are viewers so drawn to watching these giant creatures battle?

TV Details

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