Fast-forward to 2006. For young Toru Aizawa, this will be his first summer without his mother, who died the previous year. While still saddened by the loss, life is returning to normal for Toru and his father (who, it is worth noting, witnessed Gamera’s final battle when he was just a boy). As his father re-opens his diner, Toru spends his days playing with his friends.

One day, Toru spots a strange flashing light coming from a nearby island. Little does he know, the island was the site of Gamera’s last stand. Swimming out to investigate, he finds an egg nestled atop a glowing red stone. The egg hatches in Toru’s hand, revealing an adorable baby turtle! Toru takes the diminutive reptile home and names him Toto (a nickname originally given to Toru by his mom).

Meanwhile, reports of missing ships appear in the news, and Japan’s “Unusual Organism Task Force” has been disbanded. Under Toru's care, Toto grows at an alarming rate. Not only does he exhibit unusual intelligence and a deep emotional bond with Toru, the little turtle can also fly! Even though Mai, the girl next door who is like an older sister to Toru, warns that Toto is somehow related to the giant monster Gamera, Toru is unfazed. When Toto grows too big for Toru to hide in his room, he moves Toto to an outdoor shed. When Mai checks into the hospital for a heart operation, Toru gives her Toto’s red stone as a good-luck charm. While flotsam from the missing ships is recovered from the sea, Toto seems to sense…something. Soon thereafter, the strange turtle disappears.

The culprit behind the shipping disasters is revealed when a huge, hungry monster, like a giant frilled dinosaur, attacks the village! When Toru and his friends are in danger, a giant turtle appears to challenge the lizard-like creature, named Zedus. While his father sees the turtle as Gamera, Toru recognizes him as Toto! After repelling the much larger Zedus, the injured Toto / Gamera is transported to Nagoya by the military. However, it isn’t long before Zedus surfaces in Nagoya harbor, spoiling for a rematch! Can the heroic young Gamera stand up to the vicious predator again? What is the secret of the red stone that may tip the balance of power to Gamera the Brave?

Gamera The Brave is the titanic terrapin’s 40th anniversary movie, and number twelve in the series. It establishes its own continuity, and is not a continuation of either the Showa series, or the acclaimed 1990s trilogy. It is, however, a return to form in that Gamera is firmly re-established as “friend to children.” Please don’t sell the film short before seeing it, though. Many viewers may be skeptical of its kid-centric tone (especially after the dark and mature Heisei trilogy), but it is a very effective combination of the children's POV of the Showa series, and the realism and visual impact of the Heisei films.

The special effects are excellent. (Yes, up to Heisei standards!) In a series known for its outrageously bizarre monsters, Zedus is Gamera’s most realistic foe to date. Though its body type is similar to Godzilla’s, Zedus is very slender, with authentic reptilian features. Neither it nor Gamera move awkwardly. Worthy of particular note here is the prologue. It’s a trend in recent kaiju eiga to feature exciting, knockout “money shot” sequences (Mothra’s appearance in Godzilla: Tokyo SOS comes to mind), and this is one of the best. The old Gamera is a battle-hardened warrior, and the CGI Gyaos are expertly realized.

The miniature work is very well done, and there is great attention to visual detail throughout. (Gamera now makes spiraling vapor trails as he flies). The performances are sincere and believable (especially from the young leads). There is a cute and funny nod to the Showa series, where little Toto faces off against Mr. Aizawa’s butcher knife. Even the “kiddie” scenes (such as the procession of children who relay the red stone to Gamera) are well done enough to avoid cheesiness. The one glaring misstep in the film is Toru pausing to lecture Gamera at a very inopportune moment. Unlike Rebirth Of Mothra II, this isn’t just a kid’s movie; it’s a family film anyone can enjoy. It would also be an excellent start to a new Gamera series. Grade: A-

Japanese Title: Chiisaki Yushatachi - Gamera (“The Little Heroes - Gamera”)
Director: Ryuta Tasaki (Masked Rider 555: Paradise Lost, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: Act Zero)
Original Release Year: 2006
Official Website: http://www.gamera.jp/