BLOOD WORK: THE SAGA OF THE KING OF THE MONSTERS ~ PART 4: MOTHRA VS GODZILLA (1964)

1964 was perhaps the biggest year in Godzilla's history. One reason may be because it is the only year in which two Godzilla films were released. Another reason may be because both films represent the pinnacle of technical achievement for the series. Or the reason may be the coming of Mothra, a truly revolutionary kaiju that advanced the genre and series further than Godzilla ever could, the brilliance of Shinichi Sekizawa's writing. Or perhaps the reason is that the franchise was still in question in 1963 and wasn't firmly established or defined until after the films of 1964. It's no coincidence that 1964 started a six consecutive year streak of Godzilla films.

Godzilla wouldn't be the icon he is today had the films of 1964 not occurred or had not been executed at such a high level.

Toho's tokusatsu films of 1964 began with MOTHRA VS GODZILLA a.k.a. GODZILLA VS THE THING. Virtually the same crew and many of the same cast who worked on this film worked on DOGORA and GHIDORAH that same year. It is no wonder that the films of 1964 are so incredibly well done. It's also astounding that they were able to produce not only two special effects heavy films but three. Also interesting of note is that Godzilla is secondary in the title, Mothra being primary, and Godzilla's name isn't even present in the title of the next film in the series. It's obvious Toho knew they had something special in Godzilla but perhaps they weren't confident that he was the kaiju to build a franchise around. All evidence seems to point towards Mothra as the kaiju they were pushing instead.

THE PLOT

A tropical storm over Infant Island washes a colossal egg into the ocean. The egg floats into the waters off the coast of Japan where it is pulled ashore by local fisherman and sold to unscrupulous businessmen. When the Elias fairies plead for the egg to be returned to Infant Island the businessmen instead try to abduct them. Meanwhile Godzilla resurfaces in Japan. A joint effort of Japan and the United States to defeat the monster fails. A trio of people travel to Infant Island and beg for Mothra's help against Godzilla. With a large amount of convincing, Mothra agrees. It's monster versus monster with the fate of the egg and Japan hanging in the balance.

THE GOOD

The Special Effects. Of all the Showa era Godzilla films Mothra Vs Godzilla is arguably the most convincingly executed. From the miniatures to the pyrotechnics to the optical effects animated in post. The military versus Godzilla sequences in the film are perhaps the most dramatic and visually engaging of the series as well. The projectiles land more direct hits in this film than any other in the Showa era as well achieving the most success. The footage of Godzilla's head ablaze is unique and amazing among the entire franchise. And of course, the big battle between Godzilla and the adult Mothra is utterly spectacular.

Mothra. Perhaps the best example of the expert special effects of this film is none other than the title character. Mothra has never looked better nor appeared as lifelike. From the creature's build and design to the puppetry that brings Mothra to life. Hajime Koizumi's cinematography is be credited for much of the success of this film too. The wirework for animating Mothra is concealed better than most of the films in the series due to expertly staged cinematography. Even the twin Mothra larva move and writhe with realism, especially during the climactic battle.

Godzilla. Haruo Nakajima's performance in this film may be his most menacing and realistic performance of his career. The anthropomorphization that inevitably bleeds into suit-actors performances is absent here. Godzilla appears more alive and animalistic than ever. His design, especially regarding his head, seem more menacing than any other Showa appearance, almost malevolent even. The city destruction scenes, and Godzilla's somewhat disoriented movements, lend a degree of random action and unpredictability to the kaiju's character. This elevates the terror and fear of Godzilla's character and is perhaps the last Showa film with Godzilla firmly rooted as the antagonist.

Unity. Ishiro Honda's films often feature a degree of the man's inner desire for peace. Akira Takarada's speech to convince the people of Infant Island is one of the most moving and poignant messages of peace in all of Honda's films. Ishiro Honda may be known as a filmmaker and a master of monsters, but he was also a strong advocate of peace and unity. We are all one people. While we all love seeing giant monsters battle and wreak havoc it is important to acknowledge what the director is really trying to say. Against great peril, by working together, Earth shall overcome.

THE BAD

Many plot elements from 1961's MOTHRA are recycled during the first third of the film. Similar character archetypes to those used in Mothra fill out the heroes and villains albeit with different actors lending their own unique talents (save for Hiroshi Koizumi whose character of Professor Miura might as well be his character Chujo from Mothra). Whatever the reason for the parallels, the actors make the characters their own and shine in their roles.

Then, once Mothra agrees to help, the human drama is all but ended and the a new human peril has to be invented out of nowhere for the film's climax that was never set up prior in the plot. Neither of these points diminish the quality of the film or take away from the experience. These aren't bad characteristics whatsoever but rather interesting observations and oddities.

THE VERDICT

Arguably the greatest Godzilla movie ever made (aside from the original) and one of the best achievements in kaiju cinema. Mothra Vs Godzilla stands out among the rest for it's technical and special effects execution. Haruo Nakajima's performance along with the suit design render this one of the most realistic and menacing Godzilla portrayals in the entire franchise, an achievement unequaled before or after. Not to take away from the previous films, for without the knowledge obtained from those films, the heights of this film couldn't have been realized. And not in the least is the coming of Mothra and the creation of the kaiju cinematic universe. Through Mothra's unique and versatile character the series is pushed forward in ways Godzilla couldn't achieve on his own (at least not believably. I speak of Godzilla's evolution from villain to hero).

Overall Ranking: 10 out 10

Leaves a lasting impression. Above repute.

Category: Transcendence

(a film enjoyed by both the adolescent and adult Godzilla fan)

VHS/DVD/BLU-RAY

If you are looking for the perfect release of this film none get any better than the Toho Master Collection DVD version from Genius Entertainment and Classic Media. What makes this the perfect edition for any English speaking fan? For starters this DVD contains both the original Japanese language version as well as the original English language version complete with the AIP English dub (the version most of us grew up with on television and VHS). Along with that there is an audio commentary by Godzilla scholars Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski, image gallery, original Japanese trailer, and biography of Akira Ifukube with tribute by Shogo Tomiyama. With three different ways to view the film plus special features (albeit modest ones), simply put, this edition is one of the finest releases of any Godzilla film.