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Up From The Depths Reviews | Every Godzilla Movie (So Far)

Up From The Depths・165 minutes read

Gojira is a groundbreaking kaiju film that explores themes of atomic power and portrays Godzilla as a force of destruction, with subsequent films in the franchise varying in quality and themes. Despite some shortcomings, Godzilla films offer entertaining monster action and explore deeper social and political issues through the iconic monster's presence.

Insights

  • Gojira is a groundbreaking kaiju film that influenced Japanese cinema significantly, portraying a giant radioactive dinosaur symbolizing the end of the world.
  • Director Ashiro Honda's war experiences shaped the film's realistic and haunting style, complemented by special effects maestro Ijai Suburaya's impressive destruction sequences.
  • Godzilla, the star of the film, is depicted as an evil force of mass destruction with iconic features like his atomic breath and invulnerability, accompanied by a memorable roar by Akira Ifukube.
  • Gojira delves into themes of mankind's pursuit of super weapons and the dangers of atomic power, presenting Godzilla as a deity punishing humanity for its sins.
  • King Kong vs Godzilla marks Godzilla's transition to a more light and campy character, engaging in a playful rivalry with the subdued Kong, reflecting a satirical critique of capitalism.
  • "Mothra vs. Godzilla" refines existing monster movie formulas, setting a gold standard for future films despite some shortcomings.
  • "Son of Godzilla" introduces Minya, Godzilla's son, a controversial creative choice aimed at younger audiences.
  • "Destroy All Monsters" serves as a grand finale for the Godzilla franchise, featuring 11 monsters and elaborate set pieces of destruction.
  • "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" is noted for its trippy visuals and surreal elements.
  • "Godzilla vs Destroyer" marks the end of the Heisei series, focusing on Godzilla's impending demise.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the film "Gojira" in Japanese cinema?

    It is a groundbreaking kaiju film that influenced Japanese cinema significantly, portraying a giant radioactive dinosaur symbolizing the end of the world.

  • Who are the key figures behind the success of "Gojira"?

    Director Ashiro Honda, special effects maestro Ijai Suburaya, and composer Akira Ifukube.

  • How did "Godzilla Raids Again" compare to its predecessor "Gojira"?

    "Godzilla Raids Again" fell short in delivering impactful monster action due to a lackluster production.

  • How did "King Kong vs Godzilla" mark a transition for Godzilla's character?

    It marked Godzilla's transition to a more light and campy character, engaging in a playful rivalry with King Kong.

  • How did "Godzilla vs Destroyer" serve as a conclusion to the Heisei series?

    It marked the end of the Heisei series, focusing on Godzilla's impending demise and providing a satisfying conclusion.

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Summary

00:00

"Gojira: Influential kaiju film with iconic monster"

  • Gojira is a groundbreaking kaiju film that influenced Japanese cinema significantly, portraying a giant radioactive dinosaur symbolizing the end of the world.
  • Director Ashiro Honda's war experiences shaped the film's realistic and haunting style, complemented by special effects maestro Ijai Suburaya's impressive destruction sequences.
  • The human characters in Gojira, portrayed by actors like Akira Takarada and Takashi Shimura, offer relatable simplicity, grounding the extraordinary events.
  • Godzilla, the star of the film, is depicted as an evil force of mass destruction with iconic features like his atomic breath and invulnerability, accompanied by a memorable roar by Akira Ifukube.
  • Gojira delves into themes of mankind's pursuit of super weapons and the dangers of atomic power, presenting Godzilla as a deity punishing humanity for its sins.
  • Godzilla Raids Again, a rushed sequel to Gojira, introduces Godzilla's first foe, Anguirus, but falls short in delivering impactful monster action due to a lackluster production.
  • The film's human characters are forgettable, with Hiroshi Koizumi being the most recognizable, and the special effects work by Ijai Suburaya remains a highlight despite the film's shortcomings.
  • Godzilla Raids Again fails to build tension or narrative purpose, resulting in a flat and uninspired movie lacking genuine dramatic stakes.
  • King Kong vs Godzilla marks Godzilla's transition to a more light and campy character, engaging in a playful rivalry with the subdued Kong, reflecting a satirical critique of capitalism.
  • The film balances human and monster scenes effectively, with standout performances by Ishiro Arashima and a well-paced narrative, despite Kong's distracting appearance and plot inconsistencies.

16:44

Evolution of Godzilla series through monsters.

  • Ashirohana, Ichai Suburaya, and Akira Ifakubi elevated the direction and special effects of tokusatsu to new heights.
  • Godzilla's battle with adult Mothra is a highlight, showcasing intense and realistic action.
  • The film loses momentum after the Godzilla-Mothra battle, with a less engaging fight involving two Mothra larvae and a random school kids' rescue mission.
  • "Mothra vs. Godzilla" refines existing monster movie formulas, setting a gold standard for future films despite some shortcomings.
  • "Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster" introduces a new monster, King Ghidorah, requiring Godzilla, Rodan, and Mothra to unite against it.
  • The film marks a shift towards more outlandish and campy storytelling in the Godzilla series.
  • The human storyline in "Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster" feels disconnected from the monster action, leaving viewers wanting more kaiju action.
  • King Ghidorah's impact is weakened by limited screen time, despite being a visually striking monster.
  • "Invasion of Astro Monster" features alien invaders controlling monsters to attack Earth, with a more engaging and well-integrated human storyline.
  • The film excels in character dynamics, special effects, and art design, despite minor issues like stock footage usage and monster placement.
  • "Ibera, Horror of the Deep" shifts the series to a more remote island setting, focusing on Godzilla's unusual behavior and a simpler monster, Ibera the lobster.
  • The film's lower budget is evident in its contrived plot, bland characters, and lackluster monster designs, marking a decline in quality for the series.

32:08

Godzilla Franchise: Monsters, Action, and Controversy

  • "Ebirah, Horror of the Deep" features two fights between Godzilla and Ebirah, with underwater fighting scenes being a first for the series.
  • The film's pace is commendable, thanks to John Fukuda's direction, ensuring energy and a constantly moving plot.
  • Despite a slow start, once Godzilla appears, he maintains a strong presence, connecting the film to prior entries.
  • The absence of Yumi and Emi Ito is notable, impacting the film's overall impact.
  • The movie, not originally intended as a Godzilla film, is considered the black sheep of the franchise.
  • "Son of Godzilla" introduces Minya, Godzilla's son, a controversial creative choice aimed at younger audiences.
  • The film's setting on a remote island with giant insects provides a logical backdrop for the story.
  • Despite Minya's questionable design, his relationship with Godzilla is heartwarming and entertaining.
  • The monsters, including Kumanga and Kamakuras, are well-puppeteered and add to the film's appeal.
  • Jun Fukuda's direction infuses the film with colorful energy, making it a fun and enjoyable entry in the franchise.
  • "Destroy All Monsters" serves as a grand finale for the Godzilla franchise, featuring 11 monsters and elaborate set pieces of destruction.
  • The film's action sequences, especially the big fight at the end, are entertaining and a celebration of the genre.
  • Godzilla and other monsters return with improved looks, maintaining a constant presence throughout the film.
  • While the monster action shines, the human drama is lacking, with characters being bland and uninspired.
  • The plot, focusing on aliens controlling monsters to attack cities, lacks depth and impact.
  • The special effects work in the film is exceptional, showcasing the artistry of tokusatsu and adding to the film's appeal.
  • Despite its basic plot and uninspired characters, "Destroy All Monsters" is a technical marvel and a must-see for Godzilla fans.
  • "All Monsters Attack" marks a shift in the Godzilla series towards a more child-friendly model, focusing on a young boy named Ishiro.
  • The film is considered one of the worst in the franchise, with recycled monster footage and a divisive portrayal of Minya.
  • Director Ishiro Honda adds depth to the film, exploring themes of post-World War II Japan and working-class families.
  • Structurally and thematically, the film is clever, questioning the reality of Godzilla within the context of a child's imagination.
  • Ishiro serves as a relatable protagonist, especially in the original Japanese version, offering a unique perspective on the franchise.

47:42

Mixed reviews for Godzilla films.

  • "All Monsters Attack" is criticized for reusing material and having inconsistent Godzilla looks.
  • The introduction of the new monster Gabra is seen as weak, serving as a bully character for Godzilla.
  • The film shifts from a Godzilla movie to slapstick comedy once Ishiro is kidnapped.
  • Despite its flaws, "All Monsters Attack" is considered sufficient given its low budget.
  • The movie is viewed as a good entry point for young children to Godzilla.
  • "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" is noted for its trippy visuals and surreal elements.
  • Hedorah is praised for being a unique and metaphorical foe for Godzilla.
  • The film's action sequences are criticized for being slow-paced and lacking excitement.
  • Characters in the movie are seen as one-dimensional, existing solely to move the plot forward.
  • Despite its flaws, "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" is acknowledged for its unique style and message about pollution.

01:02:41

Rubber monster battles entertain in Godzilla films.

  • "Godzilla vs Megalon" is a film that focuses on rubber monsters fighting each other, delivering what it promises without any extra frills.
  • The movie wastes no time in bringing action, with a final fight scene taking up a significant portion of the film.
  • The monsters in the film, including Godzilla, Jet Jaguar, Megalon, and Gigan, have distinct personalities that appeal to kids.
  • Despite its flaws like a nonsensical plot and cardboard characters, the film is entertaining, especially during the 2v2 monster fight.
  • The movie introduces Megalon and Jet Jaguar, two popular monsters in the Godzilla franchise.
  • "Godzilla vs Megalon" was not a box office success but still managed to entertain audiences, especially when watched with friends or kids.
  • "Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla" was created as a response to the failure of "Godzilla vs Megalon," introducing Mechagodzilla as a formidable foe for Godzilla.
  • The film features Mechagodzilla, Anguirus, and King Caesar, with Mechagodzilla's design and abilities standing out.
  • The movie balances human plots and monster action well, with a strong cast of characters and engaging monster fights.
  • Despite some plot weaknesses, "Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla" is considered a quality entry in the franchise, introducing a popular new villain.

01:17:31

"Godzilla's Dark Return: A Menacing Revival"

  • Godzilla's return in the film marks a departure from the kid-friendly heroics of the past, portraying him as a truly menacing and animalistic creature.
  • The film's tone is notably darker and more somber than its predecessors, with a focus on grotesque imagery and a realistic portrayal of the consequences of Godzilla's existence.
  • An explicit anti-nuclear theme is present, with a thoughtful exploration of the moral implications of atomic power within the context of the Cold War era.
  • Despite its thematic depth, the film doesn't shy away from delivering mayhem and destruction, featuring quality set pieces and a formidable adversary for Godzilla in the Super X.
  • The special effects in the film are significantly improved, making it feel more like a legitimate production compared to earlier entries.
  • However, the film suffers from sloppy editing, unconvincing special effects shots, and a lack of compelling characters, with only a few notable exceptions like Professor Hayashida and Prime Minister Mitamira.
  • The Return of Godzilla is hailed as a refreshing and realistic take on the character, signaling a much-needed change in direction for the franchise.
  • Despite its flaws, the film is recognized as a fantastic start to a new era of Godzilla films, offering a blend of thematic depth, action, and improved production quality.
  • Following the lukewarm reception of "Godzilla vs. Biollante," Toho sought to revitalize the franchise by reintroducing classic monsters like King Ghidorah in "Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah."
  • The film takes a sharp turn towards more fantastical concepts, incorporating time travel and exploring Godzilla's origin story, adding depth to his character and his complex relationship with Japan.
  • "Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah" blends serious storytelling with entertaining sci-fi elements, featuring a sizable cast of engaging characters and impressive special effects that elevate the monster battles to new heights.

01:32:52

Godzilla vs. Mothra: Environmentalism, Monsters, Success

  • Toho initially planned a direct sequel to Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah but shifted to a Godzilla vs. Mothra script due to Mothra's popularity, leading to the return of Mothra after 25 years.
  • A meteorite awakens Godzilla, leading to the discovery of Mothra and her counterpart Batra, with Godzilla entering the battle, emphasizing fantasy elements and family-friendly themes.
  • Directed by Tako Akamura and written by Kazuki Amori, Godzilla vs. Mothra focuses heavily on environmentalism, with characters serving as thematic mouthpieces.
  • The film features quality monster action, introducing Batra as a dark twin to Mothra, with a compelling three-way battle between Godzilla, Mothra, and Batra.
  • Godzilla vs. Mothra benefits from solid direction, a fast pace, and a score by Akira Ifukube, influenced by Western cinema, particularly Indiana Jones.
  • The film is a commercial success, lacking technical and narrative sophistication but offering interesting ideas, cool monsters, and a fantastic score.
  • Godzilla vs. Mothra becomes the most profitable film in the franchise in decades, leading to a sequel featuring Rodan, Mechagodzilla, and the son of Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 2.
  • Mechagodzilla is created to defeat Godzilla, while Rodan and a baby Godzillasaurus add depth to the monster drama, with a focus on man vs. nature themes.
  • Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 2 balances monster and human drama, with a compelling score by Akira Fukube, despite some special effects flaws and minor character inconsistencies.
  • Despite initial plans to end the Heisei series, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 2's success leads Toho to continue with Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla, featuring an evil twin of Godzilla from outer space and Space Godzilla as the new threat.

01:47:40

"Godzilla vs Space Godzilla" and "Godzilla vs Destroyer"

  • Japan devises a plan involving a mech to combat Godzilla, a recurring villain in the series.
  • The film "Godzilla vs Space Godzilla" diverges in style from its predecessors, adopting a family-friendly tone.
  • Director Kensho Yamashita introduces romance and love themes, though they lack depth.
  • Characters like Mickey Sagusa and Koji Shinjo are well-developed, with Yuki standing out for his revenge plot.
  • Godzilla is portrayed as a hero for the first time in the Heisei series, with a focus on his relationships.
  • Space Godzilla emerges as a compelling villain with unique abilities and design.
  • The film's highlight is a three-way battle involving Godzilla, Moguera, and Space Godzilla.
  • Despite positive aspects, the film suffers from poor special effects and pacing issues.
  • The movie serves as filler due to the franchise's uncertain future, yet introduces new elements to the series.
  • "Godzilla vs Space Godzilla" is a flawed but worthwhile addition to the franchise, offering good characters and monster fights.
  • "Godzilla vs Destroyer" marks the end of the Heisei series, focusing on Godzilla's impending demise.
  • The film connects deeply with the original 1954 movie, creating an emotional and cathartic conclusion.
  • Godzilla's death is treated with reverence, emphasizing the destructive power of atomic energy.
  • Characters like Miki Sagusa and Dr. Kensaku Ijuin play significant roles, tying back to the original film.
  • Destroyer is a terrifying new monster, evolving throughout the film and posing a formidable threat.
  • Akira Ifukube's music enhances the emotional impact of Godzilla's death.
  • Despite flaws in special effects and certain resolutions, the film provides a satisfying conclusion to the series.
  • The film's ties to the original movie and its emotional depth make it a memorable finale for fans.
  • "Godzilla vs Destroyer" is a poignant conclusion to the Heisei series, honoring the character's legacy.
  • The film sets the stage for the American Godzilla film, marking a significant shift in the franchise's direction.

02:02:19

Godzilla Films: Effects, Scores, and Monsters

  • The special effects of Godzilla '98 are a mixed bag, with some shots looking great while others appear fake, despite fantastic miniature work and practical effects.
  • David Arnold's score for the film is good, adding mystery and awe, but the movie struggles with tone due to goofy one-liners and poorly timed jokes.
  • Godzilla '98 can be enjoyed as a generic American monster movie if viewed without expectations of a Godzilla film, offering cool monster action and an atmospheric first act.
  • Toho revived the Godzilla franchise with "Godzilla 2000 Millennium," focusing on the Godzilla Prediction Network and Crisis Control Intelligence battling Godzilla and a mysterious UFO.
  • "Godzilla 2000" feels like a response to the '98 film, offering atmospheric storytelling, familiar monster fights, and a mix of new storytelling and traditional techniques.
  • The film benefits from a solid cast, exploring Godzilla's regenerative abilities and introducing the bizarre monster Orga, though the CGI effects vary in quality.
  • "Godzilla vs. Megaguirus" follows a formulaic plot with a new weapon to eliminate Godzilla, introducing the Dimension Tide and Mega Newla, but lacks depth in characters and story.
  • The film's characters are one-dimensional, with Major Kiriko Tsujimori seeking revenge on Godzilla, and the film excels when the monsters are on screen, despite some CGI issues.
  • The battle between Godzilla and Mega Newla is visually compelling, but the film's special effects suffer from a reduced budget, with the soundtrack by Michiru Oshima standing out.
  • "Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack" alters classic monster origins in a story steeped in mysticism, offering a thoughtful, action-packed, visually stunning film.

02:17:41

Godzilla Trilogy: Spiritual battles and epic fights.

  • GMK was a successful reboot of the Godzilla franchise, focusing on a more spiritual approach and portraying Godzilla as pure evil seeking vengeance for Japan's past actions during World War II.
  • The film emphasizes the human cost of Godzilla's destruction and condemns growing apathy towards historical pain.
  • GMK's design reflects a return to Godzilla's roots, with a more spiritual and menacing appearance.
  • Baragon steals the show among the kaiju, showcasing personality and engaging fight scenes.
  • Mothra benefits from a new warrior-like design, while King Ghidorah's appearance falls short.
  • The film's human side is divided between two main characters, a reporter and her father, providing a focused and brisk pace.
  • GMK impresses with strong special effects work, effectively conveying the size and weight of the kaiju.
  • Kao Otani's score is highlighted as magnificent, adding to the film's impact.
  • Despite its strengths, GMK's ending is criticized for being silly and lacking consequence.
  • GMK is praised as an excellent entry in the Godzilla franchise, offering a refreshing story, relatable characters, and captivating action scenes.
  • Toho's decision to establish a continuity with a planned trilogy led to the creation of "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla," featuring a biomechanical robot named Kiryu to combat Godzilla.
  • The film's premise is commended for adding a spiritual connection between Godzilla and Kiryu, with a twist involving Kiryu turning against its makers.
  • "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla" excels in execution despite its lack of originality, offering a fun and enjoyable viewing experience.
  • The new Mechagodzilla's design merges hard-edged menace with sleek sophistication, while Godzilla returns with a refined appearance.
  • The film's characters are elevated by solid performances, particularly from Yumiko Shaku and Kumi Mizuno.
  • Technically, the film impresses with consistent special effects work and exciting action scenes, enhanced by Machiro Oshima's score.
  • While formulaic, "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla" brings enough new ideas to the table to make it worthwhile, offering fun fights and entertainment.
  • The film is praised for its simplicity and focus on classic monster battles, despite lacking originality.
  • "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla" is deemed a decent monster movie that will entertain fans, supported by some enjoyable fights.
  • The film is highlighted for its connection to the original "Mothra" and its straightforward approach to monster action.
  • "Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S." serves as a direct sequel to "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla," continuing the story with Kiryu and introducing Mothra into the mix.
  • The film is critiqued for its derivative nature, focusing on action and spectacle with a weak story that fails to explore interesting thematic potential.
  • "Tokyo S.O.S." excels in its connection to the original Mothra, but falls short in developing its dramatic potential.
  • The action scenes and special effects in the film are praised, particularly Mothra's updated appearance and the well-shot kaiju battles.
  • The characters in "Tokyo S.O.S." are straightforward and lack depth, with minimal motivations driving the plot.
  • The film's pacing suffers during the climactic battle, dragging in certain places and relying heavily on past Godzilla vs. Mothra conflicts.
  • Despite its shortcomings, "Tokyo S.O.S." offers thrilling monster brawls and enjoyable action scenes, making it a decent entry in the franchise.
  • The film is criticized for its reliance on past elements and lack of originality in character development and plot.
  • "Tokyo S.O.S." is commended for its strong action scenes and special effects, but falls short in exploring its thematic potential.
  • The film is highlighted for its connection to the original Mothra and its straightforward approach to monster action.

02:33:08

Godzilla Final Wars: Spectacle Over Logic

  • Composer Michiro Oshima's music for Godzilla and Mechagodzilla themes is still impactful, now accompanied by a new theme for Mothra, distinct yet retaining feminine essence.
  • Godzilla Tokyo S.O.S. is a bare-bones film with a simple plot existing mainly to set the stage for monster fights.
  • Director Ryui Kitamura helmed Godzilla Final Wars, the most expensive and expansive kaiju movie, aiming to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary.
  • Earth Defense Force, led by mutant humans, battles monsters attacking cities, aided by an alien race, the Exilians, who have ulterior motives.
  • Godzilla Final Wars is an excessive celebration of 50 years of Godzilla, prioritizing spectacle over logic, with non-stop action scenes.
  • The film's style by director Ray Yue Kitamura brings a modern Western sensibility, with humans actively involved in the monster battles.
  • The human cast includes veterans of the franchise like Akira Takarata, with Kazuki Katamura as a gleefully egotistic villain and Don Fry as a comically dry captain.
  • Final Wars features an extensive roster of classic kaiju monsters, with Godzilla dominating all, showcasing humor and gratifying moments.
  • The film's increased budget enhances production value, offering eye-popping action scenes, though narrative coherence suffers.
  • Godzilla Final Wars, as a 50th-anniversary celebration, is a mishmash of genres, fun, and entertaining, lacking thematic depth but serving as a nostalgic throwback.

02:48:38

Shin Godzilla: A Fresh, Intense Take

  • The 2014 American Godzilla film was a critical and financial success, prompting Toho to create a unique Godzilla film titled Shin Godzilla.
  • Hideyaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi collaborated to write and direct Shin Godzilla, aiming to infuse social and political relevance into the film.
  • Shin Godzilla portrays a monster wreaking havoc in Tokyo, challenging the Japanese government's attempts to stop it.
  • The film mirrors real-world fears of unexpected disasters, using Godzilla as a metaphor for these fears.
  • Shin Godzilla is noted for its intense, realistic portrayal of devastation and its sharp satire of the Japanese government.
  • The film features a large cast of characters, with standout performances by Hiroki Hasegawa and Satomi Ishihara.
  • Godzilla in Shin Godzilla is drastically altered in appearance and abilities, creating a terrifying and unique monster.
  • The film's special effects, combining motion capture and CGI, are a significant improvement for the franchise.
  • Shin Godzilla is praised for its depth, balancing intensity with satire and offering a fresh take on the iconic monster.
  • The film is lauded for its versatility, thoughtfulness, and entertainment value, standing out as a standout entry in the Godzilla series.

03:04:00

"Godzilla Trilogy Explores Technology and Existentialism"

  • The city around Bilusaludo's remains symbolizes human technology's dominance, contrasting with the Hotua's warm coexistence with Godzilla.
  • The film's engaging story develops classic franchise elements, focusing on twins and character development.
  • Haruo's character evolves positively, becoming more contemplative and likable, while Yuko gains more significance.
  • The Exif and Bilusaludo are more defined, with their conflicting logic driving the climax.
  • The animation style remains consistent, blending 3D and 2D elements, with notable sound design and music by Takayuki Hattori.
  • "City on the Edge of Battle" improves on its predecessor, offering nuanced character development and intriguing ideas.
  • The final chapter, "Godzilla: The Planet Eater," introduces new themes and ideas, elevating the trilogy's narrative.
  • The film presents a sense of apocalyptic doom, reinterpreting King Ghidorah with Lovecraftian elements.
  • The focus on existential debates between characters like Haruo and Metfis adds depth, though lacking in traditional monster fights.
  • Despite visual appeal and thematic exploration, "The Planet Eater" falls short in character depth and storytelling, focusing more on ideas than emotional engagement.

03:18:23

Godzilla sequel: Up From the Depths

  • Sequel to 2014 film
  • Entry into long-running Godzilla franchise
  • Subscribe to "Up From the Depths" for more reviews
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