Roses Have Thoughts

Godzilla, the iconic giant monster, has left an indelible mark on popular culture since its inception in 1954. Created by the Japanese film studio Toho, Godzilla, or Gojira as it is known in Japan, first appeared in the eponymous film directed by Ishirō Honda. Emerging from the anxieties and aftermath of nuclear warfare, Godzilla symbolized the destructive power of atomic weapons, mirroring Japan’s experiences with the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The initial Godzilla film depicted the creature as a force of nature, a metaphor for the consequences of human arrogance in the pursuit of unchecked scientific progress. The success of the original movie spawned a long-running franchise that includes numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, making Godzilla a cultural phenomenon on a global scale.

Over the decades, Godzilla has evolved from a symbol of nuclear terror to a beloved and enduring symbol of resilience. The monster has faced various adversaries, undergone design changes, and even transitioned from a destructive force to a defender of Earth. Godzilla’s influence extends beyond cinema, permeating literature, music, and art, solidifying its status as a cultural icon with a rich and multifaceted history.

With over 30 Godzilla movies to date, the series has undergone different eras, each with its own thematic elements and stylistic approaches depending on the director and which side of the Pacific the movie was produced, which makes picking my favourite a challenge, however, after plenty of time and a more than a few rewrites, not including the recent Godzilla X Kong (2024), which I actually quite enjoyed, here are my top 5:

Directed by Ishirō Honda, this masterpiece that perfected the kaiju genre. it skillfully intertwines the devastation wrought by the titular monster with profound reflections on post-war Japan’s nuclear fears. With groundbreaking special effects for its time, this iconic film remains a timeless classic, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.”

While most Godzilla movies have used Japan’s post-war trauma as a basis for their movies, with the creature clearly being used as a metaphor for the destruction and loss of life seen during the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, however, none have depicted the levels of anger and pain in quite as much detail as Takashi Yamazaki’s 2023’s Minus One. Just like in the original. Godzilla isn’t the great defender of humanity, saving us from some other giant creature. Here they are once again a cold ruthless force of nature born from atomic weapons that will destroy anything in its path with extreme malice. But what makes this film stand out is the time spent fleshing out a series of characters to not only give this film its heart but also hammer home the anti-war sentiment, something the American movies have seemingly forgotten.

Directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, “Shin Godzilla” is a gripping and innovative take on the iconic monster. The film seamlessly blends political commentary with intense, modern kaiju action. Its unique approach and impressive special effects make this one of the more menacing incarnations of Godzilla and while the pacing may feel slow for some, the payoff is more than worth it.

The only American movie on the list, Director Gareth Edwards masterfully balances human drama with colossal creature chaos, proving that Hollywood can make a decent big-budget monster movie. The film’s pacing and suspense build tension effectively, leading to some jaw-dropping monster showdowns in the final third, showcasing Godzilla’s immense scale and power while paying homage to the original. If it wasn’t for some poor character development and wooden acting, this film would certainly be higher placed.

Directed by Jun Fukuda, “Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla” is a fan-favorite and a standout in the Showa era. The 14th film in the franchise builds on the Godzilla lore while introducing a fresh twist to a franchise that was getting a little stale by that point. With its relentless pace, impressive cinematography, and a satisfying balance of nostalgia and innovation, this instalment in the Godzilla franchise is a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.

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Comment below to let me know your thoughts and your favourite Godzilla flicks.