This is not Barney and Friends, bitches
Kaiju: Kaiju is the Japanese word for "Strange Beast." Contrary to popular belief they are not strictly relegated to identifying ugly ass monsters. It's a very broad word that you could easily use to describe creatures in general that has very unique attributes.
In the weird world of Japanese television. These totems are grander than the Burj Khalifa and are usually presented as viscous animals. Predatory by nature, they often look for cities to destroy. For reasons unknown these creatures are attracted to Asians, specifically Japanese.
Lucky for the Japanese, in 1954 they have finally came to their senses and got tired of getting squashed like ants. With their desperation, they created Godzilla. A motherfvcker so bad that he takes on 3 or 4 monster at a time and literally causes more damage than Superman playing tag with Zod.
Godzilla might be the most popular of the Kaiju's but he's not the only one. Mothra, Rodan, Gappa, King Kong and others have had their spotlight at some point in time.
You see lots of red right?
Mechas: Mecha is Japan's main science fiction genre. In 1956, animator Mitsuteru Yokoyama decided to create a Giant Robo genre. With the creation of Tetsujin 28-go or Gigantor, Japan's fascination with giants just got bigger.
Giant Robo stories usually involves an idiot who happens to luck out and find a robot, a never ending war, an oppression, Metrosexual heroes, an alien invasion etc..... Most of the stories that have been crafted usually have these elements and are interchangeable to get variety of results in terms of quality. But there is one constant in this genre that really pumps the blood.
THE CONSTANT SHOWCASE OF MANHOOD AKA GAR
That and yelling out your attacks. That's mecha staple.
What is GAR exactly?
We look to the internet's bible Urban Dictionary:
This is GAR. He will yell at that. Either he gets eaten or that shit chickens out.
GAR: A term used towards male characters and individuals who are so overwhelmingly manly that your own masculinity is absolutely *buried*, leaving you naught but a whimpering, swooning girl-child before them. "
Other mecha staples also includes, capes, drills, will to win, very good vocal cords, the color red, oil, boobs, and bigger drills.
Now after combining these two genres you are now able to create a very awesome Tokusatsu piece!
Monsters vs Robots Del Toro has always spoken about his inspirations in the interviews. Always referencing Lovecraft, Kaiju, Tokusatsu. But a mecha genre fan= knows where exactly he got all his inspirations:
The Drift:
A neural bridge concept that enables the mind to meld with the machine. As seen in shows like RahXephon, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and G Gundam. It's nothing new or complicated but it is rather cool to see on live action.
Dual Pilots:
This concept was definitely taken from shows like Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Getter Robo, Diebuster to name a few. In return this was definitely an inspiration taken from the aviation industry, from the Wright Brothers to your F-22 Raptors. You have at least 2 pilots.
2 is better than 1.
Deadbeat Protagonist:
It's always a must to have a deadbeat, mentally unstable lead. How else is he gonna scream and shout and taunt his enemies. Smart Guys have Brains, Dumb Guys have Balls.
Rocket Punch:
This was kind of obvious from the very beginning. It's the grand daddy of mecha that inspired the move. Mazinger Z. But the movement was more like Big O as the punch doesn't launch and home in on enemy torso and blows them up.
Well that's all for now. Hopefully this educated you and get you excited about Pacific Rim.
If you'd like to add on to the history please post onto the comments section. All insights are appreciated.
Thank you for reading once again.
As promised Godzilla's boyband.
G and his boys chilling when they ain't fvcking up Tokyo