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I Really Love Godzilla
2 years ago
General
Had to say it, so there. lol
This is me just writing about my fandom, so feel free to skip if you're not interested in hearing a fan gushing.
Given the time we're currently in, where both Japan and America are making so much Godzilla content, it feels great and brings out the inner child in me while also appealing to my adult sense of gravitas and theming in movies/media. No surprise, I'm sure, but I've been a fan of Goji's since I was 3-4 years old when I saw the 1985 film; which was my first real exposure to Godzilla. Ever since, I'd gone out of my way to see as all of the movies from the originals to the ones from the 90s, etc. Of course, when I was younger anything with Godzilla was an instant win. My standards have grown over the years, and of course, even I know not every Godzilla film is good or high art.
A quick list of my top 10 favorites for anyone curious (only including Toho-made films, also not including the 1954 original because I we all know it's a winner, and would get a slot on anyone's list):
10: Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla/ Tokoyo S.O.S.-Bit of a cheat, I know, but both feel like a whole story and a good one; especially with the inclusion of Mothra AND the way Kiryu Mechagodzilla is done.
9: Godzilla Raids Again-An underrated film IMO, despite how rushed it was, I think it has as much character weight as the first film, and started the trend of giant monster fights in films.
8: Godzilla Final Wars: A crazy action film for both Godzilla and the human characters, and while Godzilla isn't a big player until halfway through the film, it's still great seeing him take on all his classic enemies in one big film celebrating his 50 years.
7: King Kong vs Godzilla: An iconic moment for two of cinema's most iconic movie giants (and the first time both characters were featured in color); and while this film did start the more comedic trend in Godzilla films, I don't mind it as much as others might. This was also one of the other first Godzilla films I ever saw, and watching two of my favorite movie monsters duke it out always holds a special place for me.
6: Godzilla vs Destoroyah: A very fitting end to the Hesei Era Godzilla, and introducing one of his deadliest enemies, all while connecting back to the 1954 original. I remember crying as a kid when I had to watch Godzilla die, and I still sometimes get emotional today when I rewatch it. A fitting end to such an iconic monster of the world.
5: Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah, Giant Monsters All-Out Attack: Used to not be a fan of this one because of the changes in certain aspects of characters, but it has since grown on me to the point of being one of my favorites because of the effects, spiritual vibe, and Godzilla's design.
4: Godzilla vs King Ghidorah: A great sci-fi film that goes into the origins of Godzilla while tying in his most iconic villain of the franchise. Also has time travel, which can always be fun.
3: Shin Godzilla: A dark and impressive reimagining of Godzilla while also examining the state of governments in the face of a natural crisis. And one of the instances where Godzilla was terrifying every time he was on screen.
2: Return of Godzilla/1985: Mentioned it before, but since this was the movie that got me into Godzilla, it has a higher rank on the list. And as a film itself, I think it's great for making Godzilla intimidating again after his more lighthearted romp in the 60s-70s, and the effects still hold up for today's standards. (The American version of this film IS weaker but worth watching for Raymond Burr's speech at the end)
1: Godzilla Minus One: That's right, the most recent Godzilla film has made the list as one of the best Godzilla movies ever. Not going into spoilers, but this film had great effects for such a low budget, an endearing human story, and, of course, made us remember why Godzilla is scary. If haven't see it yet, go out and do it!
I think one of the main reasons Godzilla continues on after 70 years is because, much like comic book characters such as Batman, Spider-Man, etc., Godzilla has gone through different phases and changed his focus and personality. Sometimes he's a dark allegory for things like nuclear devastation, natural disasters, and te looming threats of war. Other times he's a child-friendly protector or something like an action movie hero. Everyone has their preferences, but we can always recognize the character and know what to expect from him and the lore around him. Changes will be made, some for better or worse, but the core of what makes Godzilla who he is never falters. in the end, he's a giant monster that carries a message: Earth is humanity's home, and if we don't respect it or each other, nature will respond in the most devastating way possible. (Or it could be just about a giant dinosaur smashing buildings and having wrestling matches, idk.)
Anyway, thanks for hearing me be a geek for a few minutes. Enjoy your holidays :)
This is me just writing about my fandom, so feel free to skip if you're not interested in hearing a fan gushing.
Given the time we're currently in, where both Japan and America are making so much Godzilla content, it feels great and brings out the inner child in me while also appealing to my adult sense of gravitas and theming in movies/media. No surprise, I'm sure, but I've been a fan of Goji's since I was 3-4 years old when I saw the 1985 film; which was my first real exposure to Godzilla. Ever since, I'd gone out of my way to see as all of the movies from the originals to the ones from the 90s, etc. Of course, when I was younger anything with Godzilla was an instant win. My standards have grown over the years, and of course, even I know not every Godzilla film is good or high art.
A quick list of my top 10 favorites for anyone curious (only including Toho-made films, also not including the 1954 original because I we all know it's a winner, and would get a slot on anyone's list):
10: Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla/ Tokoyo S.O.S.-Bit of a cheat, I know, but both feel like a whole story and a good one; especially with the inclusion of Mothra AND the way Kiryu Mechagodzilla is done.
9: Godzilla Raids Again-An underrated film IMO, despite how rushed it was, I think it has as much character weight as the first film, and started the trend of giant monster fights in films.
8: Godzilla Final Wars: A crazy action film for both Godzilla and the human characters, and while Godzilla isn't a big player until halfway through the film, it's still great seeing him take on all his classic enemies in one big film celebrating his 50 years.
7: King Kong vs Godzilla: An iconic moment for two of cinema's most iconic movie giants (and the first time both characters were featured in color); and while this film did start the more comedic trend in Godzilla films, I don't mind it as much as others might. This was also one of the other first Godzilla films I ever saw, and watching two of my favorite movie monsters duke it out always holds a special place for me.
6: Godzilla vs Destoroyah: A very fitting end to the Hesei Era Godzilla, and introducing one of his deadliest enemies, all while connecting back to the 1954 original. I remember crying as a kid when I had to watch Godzilla die, and I still sometimes get emotional today when I rewatch it. A fitting end to such an iconic monster of the world.
5: Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah, Giant Monsters All-Out Attack: Used to not be a fan of this one because of the changes in certain aspects of characters, but it has since grown on me to the point of being one of my favorites because of the effects, spiritual vibe, and Godzilla's design.
4: Godzilla vs King Ghidorah: A great sci-fi film that goes into the origins of Godzilla while tying in his most iconic villain of the franchise. Also has time travel, which can always be fun.
3: Shin Godzilla: A dark and impressive reimagining of Godzilla while also examining the state of governments in the face of a natural crisis. And one of the instances where Godzilla was terrifying every time he was on screen.
2: Return of Godzilla/1985: Mentioned it before, but since this was the movie that got me into Godzilla, it has a higher rank on the list. And as a film itself, I think it's great for making Godzilla intimidating again after his more lighthearted romp in the 60s-70s, and the effects still hold up for today's standards. (The American version of this film IS weaker but worth watching for Raymond Burr's speech at the end)
1: Godzilla Minus One: That's right, the most recent Godzilla film has made the list as one of the best Godzilla movies ever. Not going into spoilers, but this film had great effects for such a low budget, an endearing human story, and, of course, made us remember why Godzilla is scary. If haven't see it yet, go out and do it!
I think one of the main reasons Godzilla continues on after 70 years is because, much like comic book characters such as Batman, Spider-Man, etc., Godzilla has gone through different phases and changed his focus and personality. Sometimes he's a dark allegory for things like nuclear devastation, natural disasters, and te looming threats of war. Other times he's a child-friendly protector or something like an action movie hero. Everyone has their preferences, but we can always recognize the character and know what to expect from him and the lore around him. Changes will be made, some for better or worse, but the core of what makes Godzilla who he is never falters. in the end, he's a giant monster that carries a message: Earth is humanity's home, and if we don't respect it or each other, nature will respond in the most devastating way possible. (Or it could be just about a giant dinosaur smashing buildings and having wrestling matches, idk.)
Anyway, thanks for hearing me be a geek for a few minutes. Enjoy your holidays :)
**Giant pink hydra rawrs!**