Yes, I was a fan of the original GIGANTOR series; and the more recent anime reincarnation(s), as well; but I was genuinely surprised to discover this all-but-unknown live-action gem. That it's so superbly crafted is likewise surprising. For the first time ever, the sight (and sounds) of giant robots slugging it out in the middle of a major metropolitan city street is truly believable. (The cgi work so well here, in part, precisely because these are giant robots going toe-to-toe.) Their movements are ponderous but plausible. A little less exposition and a little more action might've helped, but, all things considered, this is a balanced presentation that is, frankly, an amazing achievement. (One need only go back and sit through disappointments like DRAGONHEAD and GUNHED- among others- to realize just how bad this one could've been.) Now, if I can only get my hands on a copy of ROBOMAN HAKAIDER...
Review of Tetsujin niju-hachigo
