winner55 When this Japanese sci-fi monster-action -comedy first reached the US, it very nearly developed a cult following. That it didn't probably had to do with the widespread distribution of anime, Japanese sci-fi fantasy thriller cartoons intended largely for adults.The manga-anime phenomenon has disturbed me ever since I first bumped into it in 1973. back then, Japanese cartoons had absolutely no stylistics variance whatsoever. Ever face by every artist looked exactly same, the stories all followed the same formulae, regardless of writer - to be fair, there was a cultural ethic at work in this - at the time, many Japanese actually felt that individualistic styles projected a kind of arrogance. It wasn't until about 1990, with a whole new generation of Japanese artists, heavily influenced by material from America, that individual differences and variations became first tolerate, and then admired. Still, even today these differences and variations occur within very restrictive limits. And, perhaps not surprisingly, the more individualistic the artist's style, the more violent and offensive the material presented - to have an individualistic style is still recognized, to some extent, as transgressive and rebellious. However, the curious thing now, is why many Americans - from whom the Japanese learned to be rebellious - have grown attached to the variation-less similitude of traditional manga.It is well to bear this in mind when approaching Zeram. The film - not animated by the way, and employing surprising little CGI - is a curious blend of sameness and difference. The female alien bounty-hunter who is the real hero of the film is actually derived from a fairly well-known manga type; unlike her cartoon sisters however, she has a real sense of humor, and her strength is not portrayed as in conflict with her femininity, but a part of it.Her Earthling sidekicks are also remarkably different from the usual dumb-earthling sidekicks of the common manga. They fumble and bumble their way into the story, but they have their own kind of intelligence and their own kind of bravery - enough so that these contribute to the film's finale in a decisive manner.But if there is offensive transgression to be found here, it certainly involves the title character. As rubber-monsters go, she is extremely violent. this sort of violence has become quite typical for manga (and one reason Japanese comics are not for kids); but most manga monsters are overtly sadistic, usually laughing when their victims suffer. Zeram is really a ruthless, but emotionless, unstoppable force. One can easily be shocked and disgusted with her, but one can't really feel any hatred or pity. despite the organic matter used in her construction, she is pure machine, with one function - the destruction of everything in her path that lives. Which is exactly why our unlikely team of heroes really need to have a sense of humor. Their situation would be unbearable if they didn't.After an ultra-violent pre-credit sequence, the first 15 minutes of the film are a little dull, but that's because, unlike manga and manga-influenced action films, our heroes here have real personalities to be developed. Part of what will decide whether or not the viewer likes the film is whether the viewer likes these people, and I confess I do.The film depends a lot upon - and is served well by - its editing and its soundtrack. There are also a couple of truly disturbing moments when the film forces us to confront the question of what it might really mean to be 'organic', i.e., human. And the bounty hunter has a computer-assistant with a dry slacker-like sense of humor ("yeah, whatever").Over all, sci-fi entertainment beyond the usual from Japan.PS: there is a sequel out, but it's pretty much like sequels everywhere; I do not recommend it.

Zombified_660 The plot line of Zeram is also the basis for an excellent anime OAV series. Although the film is a lot of fun, it has almost no plot or story exposition, often leaving the viewer totally in the dark as to any wider context other than the main characters escaping the monstrous Zeram and eventually defeating him. The anime series has a deeper plot and much more of an ongoing storyline, but as a cheesy alien blast-a-thon Zeram delivers the goods.The two bumbling male lead characters are sympathetic, if at times annoying protagonists. Personally I've never had the opportunity to see this in it's own language so I can't really tell if anyone's a good actor or not. The dub is good, largely trimmed of any excessive Americanised dialogue or pointless swearing, marking it out as a rarity in Manga Video's dubs, as something of half decent quality. Certainly Zeram has faired better then Gunhed on this front. The voice actors are decent, especially the voice-over for leading lady Iria.Physically, acting is good, both solid and convincing despite the amount of plastic and rubber paraphernalia going on, and the Iria actress and the dudes in the alien suits obviously know what they're doing fighting wise, giving the admittedly stodgily directed action scenes a much needed shot in the arm with some impactful fighting moves. The effects are impressive for a low-budget too, especially the monster suits and transformation sequences.Still, Zeram's lack of depth is self-evident from minute one. I admire the decision to focus on kicking things and blowing stuff up, but I wish there was some story to sink my teeth into. After the last rubber alien's been blown up and Iria's kicked in her last head, Zeram is instantly forgettable, and that's it's biggest downfall, it doesn't really grab you at any point. It's a shame, because as the anime series shows, bigger things could have been done. Check this out if you want a blast of dumb action, but definitely check out the anime first. You'll probably like this more if you do.

ndwhite I have always had a soft spot for anime-esque films. Zeram was both entertaining and indulging. I have no idea what the budget of this well produced film was, but the initial battle scene between Iria and Zeram was staggering. Those who appreciated the Kryptonian battle in 'Superman 2' will love this piece of cinematography. Kuddos.Zeram's plotline is simple, the actors are fun to watch, and the action is a blast, the villain is more elemental than 'evil'. What else does the action-adventure viewer expect?Thumbs way up.

Ted-77 Zeram is a very good movie that shows that dubbed movies can be fun and exciting in a good way. The movie has good special effects that will surprize you at first then jump out and get you. The creatures are amazing in this film.