1. JoeB666

   Jul 13, 2013

   10

   Disclaimer: I loved this movie. I watched it twice, back-to-back, in 3D.
   
   I loved the action and the spectacle. The battles, despite the one absurdity of giant robots fighting alien invaders had sense of realism that was rather unnerving. Everything but that (minor detail) was eerily plausible. I also liked the other messages found throughout. Mostly, though, I loved how it all came together as a kind of celebration of the value science and technology when coupled with human courage, ingenuity, innovation, self-sacrifice, individualism (when appropriate), and cooperation (when appropriate).
   
   It's the many minor messages within the movie that made it stand out from mindless summer action movie fare (which are fine, on occasion).
   
   First, what I like the most: I liked abiding theme of science and technology being tools for human salvation. There are literally no scenes without some object of human ingenuity in view. The giant robots are man-machine saviours that aid humanity in fighting against grotesque organic monsters.
   
   (As an aside: I like nature. I was raised in a rural area, and I enjoyed camping. But make no mistake, nature can be brutal, and it is only human scientific, technological, social, and other developments that can keep the monster at bay. If you doubt me, try surviving alone and without man-made equipment for a week in virtually any natural environment. You may not be dead, but you'll almost wish you were. Where I live (just outside a city of 1 million), you’d be dead in less than 5 hours without winter clothing, six months a year. Nature can be subservient to us, but it must never again be our master. Precambrian humans had an average life expectancy of 31 years. Also, like the monsters in this movie, any number larger wild animals would kill a human without a second thought. A bear will rip a child to shreds. Wolves (prior to their gradual domestication by killing the more violent ones over the centuries), were a particularly large threat in Europe. An elephant will gore a grown man. And so on. **It is solely our scientific, technological, and social advancements made possible by an appropriate mix of individual initiative and group cooperation that keep the nightmare at bay.** The movie Pacific Rim acknowledges this. Unlike the technological luddism of, for example, the Terminator movies or Avatar [which both partially denigrate technology and science], this movie celebrates human achievement and progress. And movies could use more of that.)
   
   I liked that movie (unlike almost all American blockbusters) takes place in several locations, none of which are large American cities. The United States comprises about 5% of the global population, and it’s nice to see that represented in an American blockbuster. And how many times do you really want to see New York destroyed, for instance?
   
   I appreciated the message that both cooperation and individual initiative are prudent and necessary. The fight against (for instance, there are several instances of insubordination and deviations from military procedure, but they mostly involve serving the greater good).
   
   I liked the love story component. The lead man was not a handsome male Brad Pitt lookalike, and the female love interest was not the typical American supermodel of action flicks. Rather, she was an English-speaking Chinese national who models the very best traits of many females from that culture. She is polite and respectful, yet stands up for her beliefs non-confrontationally, and she is obviously intelligent. She is "equal but different" from the main male protagonist.
   
   I appreciated the cursory mention of the cause for the alien invasion: global environmental degradation, the (spoiler) reason for the alien invasion.
   
   Although there is much "apocalyptic porn" (hey, I like it too), the body count is actually quite low. While we see entire skyscrapers destroyed, because civilians are evacuated in shelters, the number of civilian casualties is less than 100. (Contrast that with "Man of Steel", which had a casualty count of six or seven figures).
   
   It was nice to see scientists portrayed are heroes. The two scientist characters literally risk their lives to test a theory and gain evidence that is crucial to a positive outcome. This world needs more scientists and technologists. Even the characters' stereotypical eccentricity is endearing: they have their foibles, but they are each aware of it. Sometimes, human foibles are unavoidable, and condemning people for (relatively) harmless quirks that they cannot change serves no purpose.
   
   I did like that movie avoids many Hollywood clichés (for the above reasons).
   
   If I had one complaint, it's that the movie is too short. It's 2 hours and 10 minutes. However, there is less action than I would have liked. It's not that there is too much "non-action" content. It's just that another 30 minutes or so of giant robot battles would have been swell.
   
   In short: see it.… Expand

   • 37 of 43 users found this helpful
2. ZombieWhosoever

   Jul 19, 2013

   10

   Incredible! Just one of the many words to describe this film overall. The emotional depth of the characters was deep and sincere, creating attachment to each unique individual as the story progressed with a captivating intensity rarely attained in movies of this epic caliber. The visual effects were beyond breathtaking with some of the most monumental battle scenes in movie history. In the end, this is without a doubt, a great achievement in cinema, and has a heart and hardcore attitude that'll please any moviegoer and have them cheering in elation.… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
3. Moviefan536

   Jul 12, 2013

   9

   Pacific Rim is another wonderful brought to us by Guillermo del Toro, as this film is a visual masterpiece with great acting and a terrific story. But most of all, it is undeniably a fun ride at the movies… Expand

   • 13 of 19 users found this helpful
4. sheng

   Jul 15, 2013

   8

   Remind me much of the animated series Gundam (sorry for the spelling). Its like an animated movie come to life, with some touches of Daimos and Voltes V. :)
   Such a great action packed movie! I love it :D… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
5. Steamcausedthis

   Jul 20, 2013

   8

   This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Walked in with my disappointment cap on, lost the cap somewhere in the first 20 minutes of the film.
   
   I was pleased at the facts they;
   1. didn't ruin it with a love plot
   2. kept me entertained with different robot designs and monster "abilities"
   3. didn't throw some whining runt as the main protagonist.
   4. using the rule of fighting robots always save the best weapon for last.
   
   I was dissapointed with;
   1. Scientist Duo (ya corny comedy relief)
   2. The apparent and confusing day and night jumps from a few select scenes
   3. Action time 2/4 robots received while they were deployed.
   (you would think a three armed Jaeger with a formation called the Thundercloud wouldn't go down in the span of 2 minutes right?)
   
   Overall a good film to watch just be prepared to be blown away literally from the amazing sound.… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
6. LaMagiadeVirue

   Jul 19, 2013

   7

   Con unos magníficos efectos 3D, la película se hace disfrutar. En algunos momentos es predecible, pero es muy entretenida si a uno le gusta lala acción y la ciencia ficción.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
7. calueldes

   Oct 5, 2013

   0

   You can see a lot of different movies or series here. You can see the old japanese metal warrior (Changemen, Flashman, Jaspion, Ultraman), Transformers, the anime Evangelion and even Lord Of The Rings (The "You canot pass" scene). But you canor see anything new. Tre script is shallow: Giant Robots have to destroy Giant Monsters, but there is a complication, not too complicate.
   The movie tries to be an action movie, emotional, dramatic and more... fails in everything. And it"s too long. Seriously, it is a crap full of especial efects.… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful

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