Mothra vs. Godzilla(1964)
NR
04/29/1964 (US)Drama, Action, Science Fiction1h 29m7.0
"A massive Mach 3 moth! The heavy missile tank Godzilla! The sky, sea, and land quake in the fierce battle of the century!"
Overview
Journalists Ichiro Sakai and Junko cover the wreckage of a typhoon when an enormous egg is found and claimed by greedy entrepreneurs. Mothra's fairies arrive and are aided by the journalists in a plea for its return. As their requests are denied, Godzilla arises near Nagoya and the people of Infant Island must decide if they are willing to answer Japan's own pleas for help.
Ishirō Honda
Director
Shinichi Sekizawa
Screenplay
Top Billed Cast
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Mary Lambert on Mothra vs. Godzilla
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The Man Who Became Godzilla
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A review by Skeleturtle
9.0
Written on August 17, 2020
**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.
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.
