Ep 9. Yongary

Mystery Science Theater 3000 season 11 episode 9 is titled Yongary. In this episode, the crew of the Satellite of Love are forced to watch and riff on the 1967 South Korean monster movie Yongary, which follows the destruction wreaked upon Seoul by a giant lizard awakened from its sleep by nuclear testing.

As is typical of MST3K, the episode features a mix of irreverent humor and sharp critiques of the film's flaws, with the crew taking aim at everything from the poor special effects to the stilted dialogue to the stereotypical portrayal of the film's female characters. The running commentary from Jonah, Tom Servo, and Crow helps to make the film much more watchable (and enjoyable) than it would be on its own.

One of the highlights of the episode is the inventive way in which the crew engages with the film's many absurdities. From Yongary's inexplicable ability to shoot fire from his mouth to the government officials who prove to be more ineffectual than the giant lizard they're meant to be fighting, the film is full of bizarre moments that lend themselves well to the kind of riffing that MST3K is known for.

At the same time, however, the episode doesn't shy away from more serious commentary. The film's themes of nuclear destruction and the havoc it can wreak are a clear indictment of the real-life events that took place in Hiroshima and Nagasaki just a few decades earlier. And the episode doesn't pull any punches when it comes to critiquing the hubris that led to those events, as well as the continued reliance on nuclear power and weapons in the decades since.

Throughout the episode, the crew's affection for the film's many oddities is palpable. Whether it's the bizarre dance party that takes place early on in the film or Yongary's inexplicable tendency to stand around and swat at helicopters with his tail, there's a sense that everyone involved is having a genuinely good time with the material. And the jokes never feel mean-spirited or cruel; if anything, the good-natured ribbing only makes the film more endearing.

Overall, Yongary is an entertaining and thought-provoking episode of MST3K that offers a clear example of the show at its best. With a deft mix of humor and criticism, the crew manages to turn a cheesy monster movie into an enjoyable (and strangely poignant) viewing experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of MST3K or a newcomer to the series, this episode is sure to delight and/or confound in all the right ways.