Review: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Gowron (1982)

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Gowron is a 1982 science fiction film directed by Nicholas Meyer, based on the 1967 Star Trek TV episode Space Seed. The film follows the aging crew of the USS Enterprise as they investigate a distress signal coming from a nearby planet, only to find the planet’s inhabitants have been taken over by a genetically engineered super-race called… The Klingons! The Enterprise crew must then fight to stop the Klingons from destroying the planet and taking over the galaxy.

Robert O’Reilly as the titular Chancellor Gowron completely overshadowing his aging, increasingly irrelevant cast mates.

The film features a powerful performance from actor Robert O’Reilly as the titular Chancellor Gowron, a ruthless and cunning villain who seeks revenge against the Enterprise and its crew. The Wrath of Gowron is widely regarded as one of the best Star Trek films and a classic in the science fiction genre. It explores themes of power, morality, Klingon ridges, and the consequences of playing god.

The film’s stunning visual effects and intense action sequences make it a thrilling watch for fans of science fiction and action movies alike. Overall, The Wrath of Gowron is a masterpiece of science fiction cinema that still holds up today.

The Klingons are a force to be reckoned with in The Wrath of Gowron. They are a genetically engineered super-race that has taken over a nearby planet and is now threatening to destroy it. The Klingons are ruthless and cunning, entranced by the powerful gaze of charismatic Chancellor Gowron. The film explores the Klingons, their culture, and their desire for power and dominance over others. The Klingons are a formidable opponent for the Enterprise crew, and the film’s climactic battle scene is a thrilling showcase of their strength and tactics. Gowron and his band of baddies are the singular highlight of the film and a testament to the power of genetic engineering.

The Wrath of Gowron is a must-see for fans of science fiction and action movies, and the Klingons are a prime example of why the film remains a classic in the genre.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

BONUS SECTION

TRIVIA

  1. The Wrath of Gowron was the first Star Trek film to receive a PG rating, due to its more violent and intense content.
  2. The film’s iconic final scene, where the Enterprise crew fights off the Klingon fleet, was actually shot in reverse to create a sense of chaos and urgency.
  3. The Klingon language used in the film was created specifically for the film by linguist Marc Okrand, and has since become a part of the Klingon culture.
  4. The Wrath of Gowron was the first Star Trek film to feature a new ship design, the USS Excelsior, which would go on to become a fan favorite among Trekkies.
  5. The film’s director, Nicholas Meyer, was initially hesitant to take on the project due to his lack of experience with science fiction, and ultimately his fears were proven valid.
  6. The Wrath of Gowron was originally intended to be the second film in the original Star Trek series, but producer Harve Bennett decided to retool the script into a standalone film due to poor test screenings for the first film.
  7. The film’s score was composed by James Horner, who would go on to become one of the most successful film composers of all time, with blockbuster hits like Titanic and Avatar.
  8. The Klingon battle cruiser featured in the film was actually a modified model of the USS Enterprise, with the saucer section removed and replaced with a new, angular bridge section.
  9. The film’s special effects were largely achieved through practical effects and miniature models, rather than CGI, giving the film a unique and grounded look.
  10. The character of Chancellor Gowron was partially inspired by real-life Klingon politician Indira Gandhi, who was known for her ruthless tactics and bulging eyes.

GOOFS

  • In the film, the Klingon battle cruiser is shown with a large, flat-bottomed hull, but in later episodes of Star Trek, the Klingon ships would have a more streamlined design.
  • In the film, the Klingon planet is depicted with a red sky, but in later episodes of Star Trek, the Klingon planets would have a blue sky.
  • The Klingon battle cruiser is shown with a large, gaping hole in its side in the film’s climactic battle scene, but in later episodes of Star Trek, the Klingon ships would have more streamlined designs with fewer visible seams.
  • The character of Chancellor Gowron is depicted with a scar on his forehead in the film, but in later episodes of Star Trek, his appearance would be changed to a more standard Klingon appearance without a scar.
  • The Klingon battle cruiser is shown with a large, rotating gun turret in the film, but in later episodes of Star Trek, the Klingon ships would have a different, more streamlined design without a rotating gun turret.
  • The character of Chancellor Gowron is depicted as a former human colonel in the film, but in later episodes of Star Trek, he would be revealed to be a genetically engineered super-human.
  • The Klingon planet is depicted with a lush, tropical environment in the film, but in later episodes of Star Trek, the Klingon planets would be depicted as barren, rocky worlds.
  • The character of Chancellor Gowron is depicted as a ruthless and cunning villain in the film, but in later episodes of Star Trek, he would be redeemed and become a hero.
  • The Klingon battle cruiser is shown with a large, flat-bottomed hull in the film, but in later episodes of Star Trek, the Klingon ships would have a more streamlined design.
  • The character of Chancellor Gowron is depicted with a scar on his forehead in the film, but in later episodes of Star Trek, his appearance would be changed to a more standard Klingon appearance without a scar.