Community Rating
Director: Ishirô Honda
Writers: Takeo Maruta, Ishirô Honda, Shigeru Kayama
Stars: Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata, Akira Takarada, Momoko Kōchi
Runtime: 1h 36m
MPAA: NR
Released: November 3, 1954
Created from fears of the atomic age in post-war Japan, Godzilla personifies the destructive power of atomic weaponry that the country experienced first hand. Its concept was spurred on ultimately by the Lucky Dragon No. 5 incident in which a Japanese fishing vessel experienced radioactive fallout from the Castle Bravo test of the United States. This symbolism has created a character that moves past being a simple rampaging monster into the realm of political and cultural commentary.
Without believable effects there would limited perceived threat in Godzilla. Fortunately, the character of Godzilla is brought to life with incredible special effects work directed by Eiji Tsuburaya. Many monster films of the day used stop motion, like King Kong over two decades earlier. However, in Godzilla they use “suitmation”, or simply someone in a costume. Haruo Nakajima and Katsumi Tezuka are the men inside the suit here. The technique works well to show the terrifying scale of Godzilla as he rampages through Tokyo.
This scale is shown through the excellent use of miniatures. Intricate models of Odo Island and Tokyo have been made for Godzilla. Recognizable landmarks from Tokyo have been used to further this effect. Masao Tamai’s cinematography also does a lot to sell these scenes. The nature of black and white film even works to make the scenes with Godzilla more believable. Thankfully there are only a couple of moments that really show how dated the film is. They happen very quickly and do little to take away from the film as a whole.
These special effects are paired with a great script. Takashi Shimura is Dr. Kyohei Yamane, a zoology professor who insists Godzilla’s radioactive resistance should be studied rather than killed. Akihiko Hirata plays Dr. Daisuke Serizawa, a scientist who has created a weapon that could possibly destroy the monster. Both scientists clearly want the best for mankind and wish for their research to be used for good.
Momoko Kōchi is the astute Emiko Yamane. Despite being arranged for engagement to Dr. Serizawa, she’s in love with Hideto Ogata, who is played with stoic strength by Akira Takarada. These four main characters work well to create an interesting human element. Each of them have believable interactions and stories that greatly improve the narrative weight of Godzilla.
Importantly, these characters are written into a story that feels perfectly believable despite the incredible circumstances of having a giant irradiated prehistoric monster stomping around. The actions of Dr. Yamane, Dr. Serizawa, Emiko, and Hideto all feel logical to their character. Similarly the actions of government officials and the press is also very plausible. This makes the overall tone of Godzilla one of serious introspective contemplation.
It is for this reason that the movie remains completely serious whenever Godzilla appears. He is a terrifying force that wages destruction onto the Japanese people. His breath flashes against the bodies of his victims like that of an atomic bomb, subsequently leaving the city of Tokyo burning. Heart wrenching moments of despair are shown as innocent civilians become victims. Some of the darkest scenes of loss are incredibly bleak and visceral.
These themes are paired with an equally impactful score. A now timeless soundtrack from Akira Ifukube adds greatly to Godzilla. What would eventually become Godzilla’s theme combines a sound of triumph with desperation. Slower moments depicting the destruction wrought by the monster are paired with somber tracks, helping to create some truly emotional scenes.
The sound design is also well done for its time. Dialogue is clear when present. Where it sounds very impressive is in the chaotic destruction sequences. They are satisfyingly loud while maintaining clarity. Importantly the film also got the roar of Godzilla perfectly. It is a distressing sound that is somewhere between animalistic and industrial. Fitting considering what Godzilla represents and the message of the film.
Passion exudes from Godzilla. Ishirô Honda and the crew around him worked hard to deliver a monster movie that should be taken seriously. With it they created a figure that could hold deep meanings as a symbolic creature. Since 1954 many Godzilla movies have been created, each with its own message, tone, and quality. Though some films have come close, none have quite topped the weight and magnitude of the original. Godzilla is a monster masterpiece.
★★★★★
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