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Director: Ishiro HONDA
Cast: Akira TAKARADA, Momoko KOUCHI, Akihiko HIRATA, Takashi SHIMURA, Sachio SAKAI, Fuyuki MURAKAMI, Ren YAMAMOTO

1954 / Japan / 96min.

 

When released in 1954, this cinematic landmark in the monster movie (or kaijū film) genre became a cultural phenomenon and is now considered a global legacy of Japanese cinema. After a series of shipwrecks occur in the Pacific Ocean, the existence of “Godzilla” becomes known as survivors recount witnessing an enormous monster. Hydrogen bomb testing had awoken Godzilla. In spite of the government’s efforts, Godzilla comes ashore to Tokyo and subsequently wreaks havoc on the city. While having internal struggles about its use, scientist Dr. Serizawa is faced with a decision of whether or not to employ the ultimate weapon, the “Oxygen Destroyer”, in order to protect humanity. This film contains a profound message—the people’s fear of nuclear weapons and their desire for peace in postwar Japan—and transcends its genre of a mere monster movie. Director Ishiro Honda and special effects supervisor Eiji Tsuburaya’s artistic tokusatsu creation has left an indelible imprint on cinematic culture. 70 years from its original release, this film is brought back to life in a dazzling revivification through 4K remastering.