Pacific Rim (2013)

Guillermo del Toro brought us Pacific Rim (2013), a thrilling American science fiction monster film. It introduces us to Kaiju, enormous alien monsters from another dimension that emerge through an interdimensional portal known as ‘the Breach’ located in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. These beasts proceed to attack coastal cities, prompting humanity to construct massive mechas called Jaegers. These machines require two or more pilots who are connected through a process called ‘Drifting’, allowing them to share the mental burden of controlling their Jaeger. Fast forward to 2020, and we see brothers Yancy and Raleigh Becket in action as they pilot the American Jaeger, Gipsy Danger, defending Anchorage from a monstrous Kaiju known as Knifehead. Unfortunately, Yancy is killed during the battle, causing severe damage to Gipsy Danger. Raleigh bravely takes down Knifehead and manages to make it back to shore before collapsing.

However, the trauma of losing his brother and shouldering the entire responsibility of piloting alone causes Raleigh to leave the Jaeger program behind. After half a decade, global leaders make the decision to cut off funding for the Jaeger program and instead invest in coastal defense walls. This shift comes in response to the rising frequency of Kaiju attacks and the limited success in building new Jaegers before they are destroyed. However, it soon becomes clear that the walls are no match for the formidable creatures. As a result, the remaining Jaegers are relocated to Hong Kong, led by Marshal Stacker Pentecost. He devises a plan to use a tactical nuclear weapon in an attempt to destroy the Breach, despite previous failed attempts. Raleigh, now employed in wall construction, is recruited by Pentecost for this risky mission. Upon arriving at the Hong Kong base known as the Shatterdome, Raleigh meets Mako Mori, who oversees Jaeger restoration efforts.