Godzilla

IMDB
First time viewed: No
Current Release: No
Watched With: Kate, Andrew, Jess, Jim

The original classic, before America chopped it up and filmed a whole bunch of new scenes to make an american the protagonist. Watched it on my big screen from the restored criterion bluray. Looks great! And the only way to kick off a Godzilla Marathon.

This film is completely different to any of the other Godzilla films I know about. I've only seen 3 or 4 but they were very much aimed at kids and families, with a bunch of kaiju fighting each other and humans cheering on.

This film is not fun though. It's positively grim. From beginning to end. Godzilla, an ancient forgotten creature has been awakened by hydrogen bomb testing and the only way to stop the devastation on Japan is to unleash an even deadlier weapon that will destroy the whole of Tokyo bay. This is a creature born of the fear created by the powers science was unlocking at the time. And it's still as relevant today as ever. That fear is palpable through the final act. More so than the fear of the monster himself.

The destruction is anything but fun. It's only 10 years after the war and Japan is still coming to terms with just exactly what happened. There's a real sadness, a sense of loss that is not in any of the other films. That short scene with the mother comforting her two kids hiding amongst the rubble is unbelievably dark, especially if you are only aware of the latter films.

It's also very slow moving. Not just the monster. The melodrama in between the destruction is a little tedious. And a little overly long.

But it's a joy watching the old-school effects and nice matte paintings. And hearing that iconic score too. Much in need of a refresher with this one, so really great to catch up with again.