If there is one Godzilla film you absolutely must watch, it would have to be the original Japanese cut of Gojira. It is simply the best Godzilla film. Without this movie, the rest of the franchise would not have been possible. It set the standard for all films to come; a standard of which has yet to be matched. As ships start disappearing off the coast of Japan, it is discovered that a prehistoric life form has been awakened and enhanced by H-bomb testings near the area. Seeing it as a threat, Japanese leaders and experts scramble to figure out how to kill it, much to the dismay of paleontologist Dr. Yamane. Eventually the creature, named Gojira, makes his way to Tokyo. At the human center of all this is Dr. Yamane's daughter Emiko and the love triangle she has with her fiance Dr. Serizawa and secret lover Ogata. Together the three of them will find the fate of the world in their hands. While all subsequent films would contain some form of camp, Gojira has none. It is a serious and somber exploration of the effects the use of atomic power has on the world.The tone is unrelentingly melancholy; a tone that wouldn't be possible without Ishiro Honda's assured directing and Akira Ifukube's now legendary sound design and musical score. Not only did he create Godzilla's theme, but also his trademark roar. The man gave Godzilla his sound; of which without he wouldn't be the same. Godzilla is at his purest here; a manifestation of atomic power run amok. He goes on a rampage that has yet to be matched in 27 sequels. For nearly 20 minutes of screen time we watch as Godzilla wastes everything he sees. He completely destroys Tokyo, and the aftermath looks like it was taken straight from real archive footage of the bombings. With its stark portrayal of nuclear age fears, the original Gojira is one of the best monster movies ever made, and most certainly the best Godzilla film of all time. Check it out before you see the new one. Have your own favorite Godzilla movie? Let us know in the comments.
