Cast
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Akira Takarada
as Ichiro "Ichi" Sakai
Yuriko Hoshi
as Junko Nakanishi
Hiroshi Koizumi
as Professor Shunsuke Miura
Yū Fujiki
as Jiro Nakamura
Kenji Sahara
as Jiro Torahata
Emi Ito
as Shobijin (Twin Fairy)
Yumi Ito
as Shobijin (Twin Fairy)
Jun Tazaki
as Editor Maruta
Yoshifumi Tajima
as Kumayama
Kenzō Tabu
as Prefectural Assembly Member
Yutaka Sada
as School Principal
Akira Tani
as Amimoto, Shizunora Village Leader
Susumu Fujita
as Head of JSDF Task Force
Ikio Sawamura
as Shinto Priest
Ren Yamamoto
as Sailor at the Dock
Crew
Director
- Ishirō Honda
Reviews
Skeleturtle
**The Definitive Giant Monster Fantasy**
Among the plethora of Godzilla sequels Mothra vs Godzilla is simply one of the finest. The best of the Godzilla films work by having a thematic purpose underneath the spectacle of kaiju mayhem. Godzilla, an unstoppable force of destruction against the benevolent Mothra, a fragile and delicate creature.
A frequent motif in the films of Ishiro Honda was the notion of the brotherhood of man. Here this is put to the test as greed and mistrust take a hold of our characters. Our human villain seeks to exploit Mothra for profit while the islanders of Mothra's island are reluctant to help humanity in their fight against Godzilla. In many ways it shares many similarities to it's predecessor, King Kong vs Godzilla, though this film executes its themes in a more thoughtful manner. Its story and characters may be simple, but the actors give charismatic performances that really make them enjoyable. The human villains in particular are some of the finest in the series.
Tsuburaya's effects are at their apex here. Godzilla's design is imbued with a menacing personality along with a fantastic performance by suit actor Haruo Nakajima. Mothra is once again is brought to life through some stunning wirework. Her wings, head, and legs all wiggle and bob making her feel alive. The film has some of the finest hand made tokusatsu craftsmanship of the original series. Add to that a phenomenal soundtrack by Akira Ifukube and you have what is undoubtedly one of Godzilla's finest moments.
Aug 17, 2020
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Mothra vs. Godzilla examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ishirō Honda brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1964, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mothra vs. Godzilla took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 49 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1964, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mothra vs. Godzilla shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Hidden Fortress, which focuses more on action than character development, Mothra vs. Godzilla subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Host and Rambo: First Blood Part II explore similar territory, Mothra vs. Godzilla stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 29, 1964
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Revenue: $10,000,000
Where to Watch
