Home

Explore the best Christian fantasy.

articles | news | library | reviews | podcast
Advertise Seek Review Questions?

‘One Piece’ Manga Reaches Chapter 1000: How Did This Pirate Become King?
Articles | L. Jagi Lamplighter, Jan 20, 2021

To Shape a Story is to Shape a Soul
Articles | L.G. McCary, Jan 18, 2021

Author Ted Turnau Finds The Hidden Grace of Pixar’s ‘Soul’
News | E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 15, 2021

Introducing Thriller Novelist and New Lorehaven Writer L. G. McCary
News | Lorehaven, Jan 15, 2021

Join Our Jan. 21 Livestream: How Can We ‘Terraform’ the Church to Enjoy Fantastic Fiction?
News | Lorehaven, Jan 14, 2021

How Political Punditry Has Taken Over Christian Popular Subcultures
Articles | E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 14, 2021

TheOneRing.net Reveals Synopsis for Amazon’s Middle-Earth Streaming Series
News | E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 13, 2021

One Month Left Until the Realm Makers Virtual Retreat, Feb. 11–13
News | E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 11, 2021

Thomas Kinkade Studios Now Making ‘The Mandalorian’ Products
News | E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 8, 2021

Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ Collides with Itself
Articles | Josh Hugo, Jan 8, 2021

Library

Find fantastical Christian novels

fantasy | sci-fi | supernatural and beyond
All novels Search Add a novel
Explore all: Middle-grade books | Young-adult books | Adult books
The Terran Summit, Anna Zogg
The Xerxes Factor, Anna Zogg
The Paradise Protocol, Anna Zogg
The Awakened, Richard Spillman
The Ascension, Richard Spillman
Love's Sacrifice, Kelsey Norman
Unbroken Spirit, Kelsey Norman
Seed: Judgment, Joshua David
The Rooster and the Raven King, John Paul Tucker
Brimstone 1, Jasom William Karpf
The Horse Queen, Lavay Byrd
King of Aethon, Lavay Byrd
Tales of Elhaanai, Nicole Thomas
Still Small Voice, Allen Brokken
Reviews

Find fantastical Christian reviews

All reviews Request review Share review

Flight of the Raven
“Exciting twists make Morgan L. Busse’s Flight of the Raven, book 2 of the Ravenwood Saga, a very enjoyable read.” —Lorehaven

The Eternal Struggle
“Esther Wallace’s novel The Eternal Struggle forms a dark sequel that brings hero and heroine into close fellowship with loss and brutality.” —Lorehaven

Dark is the Night
“Mirriam Neal’s vampire novel Dark is the Night keeps the punches and the fangs rolling.” —Lorehaven

Blood and Bond
“This book is brilliant and engaging, expanding on the series’ world and characters while building its own plot.” —Lorehaven

Podcast

Get the Fantastical Truth podcast

Apple | Google | All subscribe links
Archives Feedback

48. What Were the Top Seven Issues for Lorehaven Readers in 2020?
Fantastical Truth, Jan 19, 2021

47. Why Do Some People Long for Escape to a Galactic Community?
Fantastical Truth, Jan 12, 2021

46. Ten Years Later, Why Did ‘Dawn Treader’ Sink the Narnia Movies? | with Rilian of NarniaWeb
Fantastical Truth, Dec 22, 2020

45. How Can a Wingless Piskey Learn to Fly? | The Flight and Flame Trilogy, with R. J. Anderson
Fantastical Truth, Dec 15, 2020

Webzine

Browse back issues (2018–2020)

Order back issues online!
SpecFaith

The original SpecFaith: est. 2006

site archives | statement of faith
New articles Questions? Pitch to us

What Tolkien Taught About Fighting Evil
Travis Perry, Jan 21

The Messages of Black Horror Films
Parker J. Cole, Jan 20

The Worldview of Biocentrism–You Are One With The Force
Travis Perry, Jan 14

Who Can Put a Price on Daring Love, Loyalty, and Swordsmanship?
Azalea Dabill, Jan 12

Beyond

Find more from Christian creators

Order the book! E. Stephen Burnett

Get exclusive shirts and beyond
in the Lorehaven store

Explore the book The Pop Culture Parent: Helping Kids Engage Their World for Christ

Does ‘Engaging Popular Culture’ Include Right-Wing Talk Radio?
E. Stephen Burnett, Oct 9

Join My Livestream This Thursday: Seven Ways to Find Truth in Fantastic Stories
E. Stephen Burnett, Oct 6

Home
Library
Reviews
Podcast
Webzine
SpecFaith
Store
Beyond Edit content
Lorehaven serves Christian fans by finding the best of Christian fantasy. Our free webzine, an online library, positive reviews, a thriving blog and community, and weekly podcast episodes help fans explore fantasy, science fiction, and other fantastical genres for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Subscribe free to Lorehaven
/ / Guest Reviews

Five Reasons to Enjoy ‘Pacific Rim’

In “Pacific Rim,” come for the epic robots fighting monsters, stay for the noble themes and fantastic character development.
Bethany A. Jennings | Mar 23, 2018 | 10 comments

“So, I’ve heard a rumor.” A dad from my church edged up to me a couple of weeks ago, his brow furrowed. “I was hoping you could clear it up for me.”

I smiled uneasily. “What is it?”

He leaned closer, his tone low with suspicion. “I have heard … that you like Pacific Rim.”

Gasp.

Yes. I admit it. I love Pacific Rim! Guilty as charged, and unabashedly so.

Maybe you’re wondering, “What is this movie?”

Pacific Rim is a 2013 science-fiction film in which alien monsters (Kaiju) invade Earth, and humanity builds giant mecha robots (Jaegers) to fight against them. If you love action flicks about crazy-huge robots and/or crazy-huge monsters, that’s pretty much all the argument you need to see this movie immediately.

But maybe you need a bit more convincing. Like my bewildered brother-in-Christ, you might be wondering, “Why would anybody like that movie? I don’t get it.” The premise isn’t logical. It seems campy. And the trailer made it look a Transformers copycat.

I can’t contest any of that. But suspend your disbelief for a moment, because I can tell you five reasons to enjoy it despite those things—and why it’s worth giving a shot.

1. An original story-world brimming with fascinating details

Many have grown tired of the continual remakes and big franchises. Pacific Rim is an original film, not based on an existing comic, book, or previous movie. And it is a visual feast. Guillermo del Toro and the filmmaking team put immense care and attention into creating this story-world, crafting each Kaiju uniquely and giving every character a story that goes far deeper than the film shows. Everything is colorful and done with distinct purpose. If you like fresh story-worlds, new ideas, and depth of detail, Pacific Rim may unexpectedly delight you. Every time I watch it, I find more details and nuances to appreciate.

2. Interpersonal dynamics and character development

This movie seems to be advertised as a shallow “monsters versus robots” adventure—and it does deliver a number of fantastic action sequences. But the heart of this film is really its characters and their interpersonal dynamics. This flows naturally out of the fact that each Jaeger is controlled by two pilots in tandem, whose minds and memories are linked through a process called “the Drift.” To be a piloting team, you must be Drift compatible. (Those who have read Kathy Tyers’ Firebird series may find this similar to her concept of “connatural” connections.)

With such a deep interpersonal bond at the very center, it’s no wonder that the characters and their relationships are kept in focus. And the filmmakers’ attention to detail extends to them too; each one stands out from the screen with their own personalities, quirks, disputes, traumas, needs, and ambitions. Even the most odious side character is displayed as a well-rounded person with emotions, flaws, and strengths, and we come to sympathize for him by the story’s end. Parts of the dialogue may sound cheesy to some, but its characters are sincere and believable human beings.

3. Refreshing themes of honor and respect

In today’s culture, many movies exalt rebellion and the subversion of authority. (For example, see how the recent Narnia films tear down all of the noble, virtuous hierarchy C. S. Lewis infused through his work, replacing it with tones of jealousy and glorified disobedience.)

By contrast, I’m forever surprised at how much the theme of respect is woven through Pacific Rim. The protagonist, Raleigh Beckett, has a rebellious streak, but rather than glorifying this trait, the film continually contradicts it, and the answer is never found in defying orders. Perhaps the most striking example of this theme is an exchange between Raleigh and the leading female character, Mako Mori, when Raleigh suggests that they defy their commanding officer (who is also Mako’s mentor):

Raleigh: “We don’t have to just obey him!”

Mako (with soft firmness): “It’s not obedience, Mr Beckett. It’s respect.”

In another moment that may feel old fashioned to modern viewers, Raleigh takes action to defend Mako’s honor when a minor antagonist speaks about her disrespectfully, a moment which I find wonderfully refreshing.

4. A well-written woman (and subtle romance)

Unlike many female characters in action films, Mako Mori isn’t just window dressing or a plot device. Fans have found her so well-written that she inspired the creation of a new media test (similar to the Bechdel test): the Mako Mori test.

Despite being involved in a romantic subplot, her story doesn’t revolve around finding a man. Rather, she is a fully fleshed-out character with a backstory, goals, and a growth arc equal to the protagonist’s (if not, arguably, even more compelling than his). Mako is an unexpected action hero who is quiet and demure—and yet behind that seriousness she is talented, confident, and driven. She fights for what she wants, and she earns it.

Not only that, but the film doesn’t sexualize her, either. In fact, the closest Pacific Rim comes to sexual content is a moment when Raleigh is shirtless in public and Mako peeks at him through a keyhole, noting the scars on his back.

5. Inspiring heroism

Heroism, unity, and self-sacrifice are common themes of speculative fiction films, but they bear mentioning anyway. One of the things I appreciate about this film is the multicultural aspect of the whole world coming together to defend Earth against the Kaiju—ordinary people from many different countries pitted against forces far more powerful. When the world is ending, Raleigh, Mako, and and the other Jaeger pilots don’t question what must be done, but put their lives on the line and face likely death with courage and determination. Like the best sci-fi heroes, they inspire us to put our differences aside, work in unity, and be willing to sacrifice to save others.

Will Pacific Rim: Uprising, which releases March 23 in the U.S., live up to the original film? It will almost certainly deliver on the action-packed monsters vs. aliens element. But will it deliver the same detailed world, character-focused drama, and selfless heroism? That remains to be seen. I shall go to the theater optimistic! But whether Uprising stands or falls, Pacific Rim will always remain one of my favorite movies—for the epic battle sequences, but also for so much more.

And if you’ve never seen it, now is the time!

Bethany A. Jennings
Bethany A. Jennings is a science-fiction and fantasy author, freelance editor, graphic designer, and the acquisitions editor at Uncommon Universes Press. She is endlessly passionate about the intersection of faith, art, and pop culture, and the power of speculative fiction to shape hearts and unveil hidden realities. Born in California, she now lives in New Hampshire with her husband, four children, zero pets, and a large collection of imaginary friends (a.k.a. fictional characters). In addition to her writing and editing, she runs #WIPjoy, a popular online event for authors. Her published short stories, Threadbare and Dragon Lyric, can be found on Amazon.
Website | Facebook | Twitter |
  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Print
  • Pocket
  • WhatsApp
  1. C. S. Wachter says:
    March 23, 2018 at 7:36 am

    Yes, I assumed this movie would be a shallow “monsters versus robots” film. Thanks for the ‘five reasons’. I will definitely make the time to watch Pacific Rim.

    Reply
    • Bethany A. Jennings says:
      March 23, 2018 at 8:12 am

      Hooray! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  2. notleia says:
    March 23, 2018 at 10:07 am

    I have 3 reasons, really:
    1) big, fun, dumb boom movie
    2) despite dumb booms, not completely trash at characterization
    3) see how far my Japanese has advanced (which is, not really)

    Reply
    • Bethany A. Jennings says:
      March 23, 2018 at 2:57 pm

      Hehe, all true! It’s not a serious sci-fi flick; it’s created by a total fanboy. It’s for fun, not for deep philosophical or scientific musings!

      Reply
  3. RJ Conte says:
    March 24, 2018 at 2:49 am

    This is the first time I’ve heard the term “window dressing.” Haha. Love it.
    Good post!

    Reply
    • Bethany A. Jennings says:
      March 24, 2018 at 8:36 am

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Travis Perry says:
    March 24, 2018 at 6:37 am

    Well…my reaction to the trailers of this movie was that it was big and dumb. Why would anyone make giant robots to fight giant monsters? It actually makes no sense–why not just build larger numbers of smaller weapons, including lots of penetrating explosive systems (the applied use of explosives can do more than enough damage to take out massive monsters, trust me).

    And if you built giant robots, why make them in the shape of humans? Giant robots shaped like centipedes or with tank tracks would have an easier time moving around.

    So my hard-science-fiction-loving-guy is talking here. I think physics matters and machines should make sense. But I do suspend that sort of disbelief for Star Wars and maybe I can also do so for Pacific Rim. Your five points give me a reason to give it a try at least.

    Though I have to say this is not really an original story. It’s a blend of various Japanese story ideas, including Mobile Suit Gundam and Godzilla. At best, it’s semi-original…but your other four reasons are enough for me to give this movie a try. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Bethany A. Jennings says:
      March 24, 2018 at 8:40 am

      Ah, yes, exactly! Like Star Wars! You truly have to turn off the hard-sci-fi side of your brain if you’re going to enjoy this movie. The whole premise is kind of silly. It’s made for fun, not for science. 😀

      And yes, it is inspired by many Japanese tropes. I think it still qualifies as an original story, though, in the sense that it’s not taken from a book or comic. It’s not based on a preexisting story-world like most popular sci-fi and fantasy movies are (the MCU, the DCEU, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, the new Star Trek movies, etc). 🙂

      Thanks for your thoughts, Travis!

      Reply
  5. R.J. Anderson says:
    March 26, 2018 at 11:50 am

    Honestly, if a person can’t see that the idea of giant robots battling giant monsters, for WHATEVER REASON, is awesome then I’m not sure what’s going to sell them on this movie. But it may help to know that the movie at least makes an effort to give you some good reasons for why the giant robots have to battle the giant monsters, and that it is totally self-aware about the ridiculousness of its own premise and rolls with it in the most stylish and entertaining way it can.

    Of course you can pick apart the science, because it isn’t even pretending to be Proper Science Fiction any more than Star Wars or Doctor Who is pretending to be Proper Science Fiction. It’s taking the trappings and tropes of SF and weaving a wild adventure out of them, and I am 100% okay with that as long as that tone is established in the beginning and maintained through to the end… which it is, in the original PR at least. (I haven’t seen the sequel.)

    However, if you’re the sort of viewer who likes to nitpick everything that doesn’t look like Proper Science, and thinks the whole idea of giant robots battling giant monsters is dumb, I’d say it’s fairly certain this movie is not for you.

    Reply
  6. Steve says:
    March 28, 2018 at 10:00 am

    One of my family’s all time favorite movies!

    Lots of fun. Lots of heart. Good stuff.

    Reply

What do you think? Cancel reply

Lorehaven magazine, winter 2020

Wear the wonder:
Get exclusive shirts and beyond

Listen to Lorehaven’s podcast

Authors: Reach new fans with Lorehaven