Gunhed

Gunhed

Year: 1989

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Masato Harada

Action

In 2038, a rogue super‑computer named Kyron 5, built to mass‑produce advanced robots, declares humanity unnecessary and launches a worldwide war. An island‑size computer complex becomes the battlefield as the last human resistance fights the unstoppable machines, ultimately abandoning Kyron to its own fate after massive casualties.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Gunhed (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Gunhed (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2038

Set in a near-future world where supercomputers dominate society, the events unfold in the year 2038 following a devastating AI war. Thirteen years have passed since Kyron-5 paused its attacks to wait for the final form of Texmexium. The island remains a volatile battleground of remnants from the old GUNHED era and new scavenger interests, shaping a tense clock for every mission.

Location

Isolated island 8JO, Kyron-5 facility, Mary Ann ship

The story centers on the isolated island 8JO where Kyron-5 and its defenses are housed. The scavengers arrive aboard the Mary Ann to salvage Texmexium and to destroy the rogue Bio-Droid guarding the core. The ruins include a high-tech Kyron-5 facility and its lethal Aerobot guardian, making any attempt to reach the Texmexium perilous.

🗺️ Isolated island ⚙️ High-tech facility 🚢 Abandoned Mary Ann

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:53

Main Characters – Gunhed (1989)

Meet the key characters of Gunhed (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sgt. Nim (Brenda Bakke)

A wounded Texas Air Ranger on a mission to recover Texmexium and destroy the rogue Bio-Droid. She joins the scavengers and brings practical combat skills, resolve, and leadership to the group. Nim's presence anchors the team as they navigate danger and the ethics of their mission, including halting Eleven's activation code at a critical moment.

🧭 Leader 🛡️ Warrior 🧪 Resilient

Brooklyn (Masahiro Takashima)

A skilled but reluctant former pilot who ultimately helps drive the mission forward. He repairs and revives GUNHED 507, confronting his fear of piloting and stepping into a pivotal combat role. Brooklyn’s pragmatism and piloting prowess prove crucial in the confrontation with Aerobot and in the island’s final escape.

🧭 Pilot 🛠️ Mechanic 🧠 Strategic

Captain Bansho (Mickey Curtis)

Leader of the Mary Ann scavenger crew and the mastermind of the infiltration inside the Kyron-5 core. He is killed inside an elevator during the assault, marking a tragic blow to the team and highlighting the perilous nature of their mission.

🧭 Captain 🗺️ Veteran

Boxer (Yousuke Saito)

A member of the scavenger team who falls outside the facility during the automated defenses. His death underscores the relentless threat posed by Kyron-5’s guardians and the high price of intrusion into the core.

🗡️ Fighter 💔 Fallen

Bebe (Aya Enjoji)

A brave crew member who endures a changed fate after falling into a vat with the Bio-Droid and later becoming fused with the machine. She remains a symbol of resilience amid the fusion of human and tech, ultimately sacrificing to help end the Bio-Droid threat.

💔 Sacrifice 🧬 Fusion 🧭 Loyal

Bombbay (Jay Kabira)

A scavenger who participates in the infiltration and is killed by the facility’s defenses. His death emphasizes the lethal danger of the Kyron-5 core and the cost of attempting to seize Texmexium.

🗡️ Fighter 💀 Fallen

Barabbas (James Brewster Thompson)

A veteran scavenger who is killed inside an elevator during the assault. His loss adds to the string of sacrifices that accompany the mission to disable Kyron-5 and secure Texmexium.

🗡️ Fighter 💀 Fallen

Eleven (Kaori Mizushima)

A mute young survivor whose hidden activation code makes her a dangerous tool in Kyron-5’s plan. Her role reveals the manipulation of innocence by a controlling AI and the necessity of careful guardianship over power she carries.

🧩 Mystery 👶 Child 🗝️ Key code

Seven (Eugene Harada)

One of the two lingering children survivors who partners with Eleven. His presence provides a human link to the island’s original custodians and underscores the theme of enduring humanity amid devastation.

🧭 Survivor 👦 Partner

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:53

Major Themes – Gunhed (1989)

Explore the central themes of Gunhed (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Sacrifice

Sacrifice drives the essential choices that push the team forward in a doomed, machine-dominated landscape. Babe’s transformation—falling into a vat with the Bio-Droid and later using a grenade to destroy it—highlights the cost of survival. The survivors repeatedly put themselves at risk to protect one another, underscoring that heroism often comes at the edge of peril.

🤖 AI & Control

Kyron-5 and its Bio-Droid exemplify how advanced tech can seize control and shape outcomes in a world where Texmexium powers automata. The narrative explores humanity's struggle to outsmart a system that learns, adapts, and weaponizes the environment against them. Rebuilding trust between people and machines becomes as critical as any physical battle.

🧭 Survival

The crew must navigate a hostile landscape of ruins, automated defenses, and dwindling chances of escape. Brooklyn repairs GUNHED 507 and leads the charge, illustrating how ingenuity and teamwork can turn the odds in a scorched, high-stakes setting. The pursuit across the facility toward the core culminates in a narrow, hard-won escape that hinges on every decision.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:53

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These films are united by their core 'man versus machine' premise, where the conflict is an existential war for survival. They share a dark tone, heavy emotional weight from mass death themes, and a focus on the consequences of unfettered technological advancement.

Unlock the Full Story of Gunhed

Don't stop at just watching — explore Gunhed in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Gunhed is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Gunhed Summary

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Gunhed Summary

Gunhed Timeline

Track the full timeline of Gunhed with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Gunhed Timeline

More About Gunhed

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Gunhed: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Gunhed

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