Early in the 21st century, an unparalleled super computer called Kyron 5 (which was created to supervise the production of giant Gunhed fighting robots on a remote island) tried to destroy the human race. Sometime later, a group of scavengers arrive on the now-desolated island in order to gather Gunhed parts, computer chips, and other valuables left behind. Unluckily for them, Kyron 5's security system is still in working order and most of the party is soon dead. Sole survivor Brooklyn (Masahiro Takashima) and stranded Texas Air Ranger Nim (TALES FROM THE CRYPT: DEMON KNIGHT’s Brenda Bakke) must somehow get topside, but they are several hundred levels below the surface and have little defensive capability. Their chances improve when tech wiz Brooklyn is able to partially repair and re-activate an abandoned Gunhed. They also meet up with two young orphans (Yujin Harada and Kaori Mizushima) who have managed to survive and know where necessary supplies can be found.

Like the hugely popular Transformers, the Gunhed has many advanced functions, including the ability to fold itself into an impressive looking tank, providing the impetus for some terrific miniature battles against Kyron 5's similar Aerobot. There are also some fabulously detailed sets and, while the debt to Hollywood pictures like BLADE RUNNER, THE TERMINATOR, and ALIENS is obvious, the execution remains unique enough that the film does not seem like an unabashed imitation. A key reason for this is the shrewd decision to have the characters speak their native language and be effortlessly understood by all, an approach no American movie would be bold enough to attempt. Another aspect that separates GUNHED from Western competition like ROBOT JOX and ROBO WARRIORS is the movie’s deliberate ambiguity in regards to what would seem to be key story points (eg. Brooklyn and Nim fight each other for possession of a metallic object, the importance of which is never really made clear). This is a common aspect of Japanese genre fare and the degree to which you are willing to go with the flow often depends on just how engrossing the movie is. GUNHED works when dazzling us with its robotic marvels, but the storyline never amounts to much and the cardboard characters are right out of a third-rate video game (though the tough and sexy Bakke still manages to make a positive impression).

Side Note: As mentioned, the original version of the film offers a mix of Japanese and English dialogue, with subtitles in the latter language where appropriate. That edition is offered on the DVD, but there is also a solely English language track that ADV created for the film’s release on VHS a few years back. Director Masato Harada was reportedly unhappy with this alteration, so his credit was removed and replaced by the infamous Director’s Guild of America pseudonym, Alan Smithee. As the DVD offers both versions, it retains the onscreen Smithee credit; the case lists Smithee and James Bannon as co-directors, though the latter apparently just co-authored the screenplay. Brenda Bakke went on to appear in SOLAR CRISIS, a Japan/US co-production, where the director (Richard C. Sarafian in this case) also ended up going the Alan Smithee route.