High-concept Sci-Fi adventure about an island that actually is a computer called Kyron 5, itself created to design and manufacture super-advanced robots to be used as slaves for the rest of the world. One day Kyron decides that human beings are unnecessary, so it declares war on the world. But Kyron cannot be tamed, and after many lives are lost in the attempt, mankind decides to leave Kyron to its own devices.
Practical Effects
Full-scale Gunhed vehicle built by Tsuburaya Productions
Production
Miniature work rivals Hollywood blockbusters of the era
Costume
Ridiculous future-fashion that screams 1989
Director
Masato Harada
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Gunhed was originally conceived as a Godzilla sequel before Toho pivoted to original IP. The full-scale prop weighed 12 tons and required 12 operators.
This film represents peak 'bubble economy' Japanese sci-fi ambition—massive practical budgets that vanished by the mid-90s. It's essentially a live-action Gundam episode made by people who'd never heard of restraint.
JP
