Post by abraxas on Oct 7, 2010 15:18:16 GMT -5
Godzilla vs. Hedorah (ゴジラ対ヘドラ), also known as Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, is a 1971 Godzilla film. The eleventh film in Toho Co. Ltd.'s Godzilla series (chronologically after All Monsters Attack), it was directed by Yoshimitsu Banno with special effects by Teruyoshi Nakano. It was the first film to feature Hedorah.
Hedorah, an alien life form, lands on Earth and begins feeding on pollution. Thanks to his toxic nature, as well as his acidic, poisonous body, Hedorah very nearly puts an end to Godzilla in their struggle.
The film contains several strange impressionistic animated scenes portraying the smog monster at his evil work.
On a side note, this was the first (and only) time we see Godzilla fly under his own power. He uses his atomic ray as jet propulsion. Director Banno reportedly added the scene to provide a light moment in what is otherwise a fairly dark film compared to many of those which preceded it.
Now this is a marked improvement over the previous installments of the Godzilla series. Frankly I don't understand the fan backlash over this film, personally it is one of my favorite installments, I cant praise it enough. It is by far the most unique and stylistic entry in the whole franchise. Some have complained that the film was too topical, as its a film about the dangers of pollution. To me this makes little sense, obviously those people do not remember the original Godzilla which was a metaphor for the danger of nuclear war.
Technically speaking this is the most original and innovative edition to the franchise, the camera work is similar in style to films made in recent times, particularly in the last 10 years or so. I feel that if Godzilla vs. Hedorah were to be released a few months from now, it would be praised by critics and fans alike for its technical diversity and originally. As well as its content, particularly in light of the situation that we now face with the oil spill in the Gulf.
Aesthetically speaking it is a very interesting film, the camera work is unique and impressive, there are several POV shots from inside Hedorah, looking out through his eyes as Godzilla punches him in the face, in addition to several normal point of view sequences. The bad mouthing that it received may simply be a reflection of the time in which it was made, it was perhaps a little too daring, a little ahead of its time. One thing is for sure, it is a unique Godzilla film, it stands on its own and for that reason I think its one of the best installments of the entire franchise.
I also think that its association with the "made for children era" of Godzilla films is unfortunate and undeserved, clearly this film was not catering to children, who wouldn't necessarily appreciate the social commentary in the film. Its almost as if the "kid friendly elements" were put into the film as a kind of smokescreen for discussing the deeper meanings of the film, this is very much a "message" film, but it shouldn't be looked down at because of this.
As far as the battle sequences go this is one of the few Godzilla movies where you are legitimately concerned for his well being and survival. Hedorah is by far one of Godzilla's most dangerous foes, he also did the most damage to Godzilla then any other monster villain.
One of the more poignant scenes in this film comes after Godzilla wins the battle, after dealing with his toxic enemy Godzilla turns to the humans (and by extension the audience), with a stern look, as he shakes his head in pity and disgust.
Tomoyuki Tanaka, who produced the first 22 Godzilla films, said that he told the director of the film he ruined the Godzilla series and that he would never direct at Toho again. Despite this claim, however, Banno is slated to produce and direct the soon-to-be released film Godzilla: 3D to the Max, featuring the Hedorah-like monster Deathla.
Kenpachiro Satsuma, the actor who played Hedorah, was struck with appendicitis during the production. Doctors were forced to perform the appendectomy while he was still wearing the Hedorah suit, due to the length of time it took to take off. During the operation, Satsuma learned that painkillers have no effect on him.
In recent years this movie has enjoyed a huge burst of popularity in Japan, with Hedorah quickly becoming one of the most heavily merchandised of all Toho monsters apart from Godzilla.
5 out of 5 roars for this one
Do you worse GL
Hedorah, an alien life form, lands on Earth and begins feeding on pollution. Thanks to his toxic nature, as well as his acidic, poisonous body, Hedorah very nearly puts an end to Godzilla in their struggle.
The film contains several strange impressionistic animated scenes portraying the smog monster at his evil work.
On a side note, this was the first (and only) time we see Godzilla fly under his own power. He uses his atomic ray as jet propulsion. Director Banno reportedly added the scene to provide a light moment in what is otherwise a fairly dark film compared to many of those which preceded it.
Now this is a marked improvement over the previous installments of the Godzilla series. Frankly I don't understand the fan backlash over this film, personally it is one of my favorite installments, I cant praise it enough. It is by far the most unique and stylistic entry in the whole franchise. Some have complained that the film was too topical, as its a film about the dangers of pollution. To me this makes little sense, obviously those people do not remember the original Godzilla which was a metaphor for the danger of nuclear war.
Technically speaking this is the most original and innovative edition to the franchise, the camera work is similar in style to films made in recent times, particularly in the last 10 years or so. I feel that if Godzilla vs. Hedorah were to be released a few months from now, it would be praised by critics and fans alike for its technical diversity and originally. As well as its content, particularly in light of the situation that we now face with the oil spill in the Gulf.
Aesthetically speaking it is a very interesting film, the camera work is unique and impressive, there are several POV shots from inside Hedorah, looking out through his eyes as Godzilla punches him in the face, in addition to several normal point of view sequences. The bad mouthing that it received may simply be a reflection of the time in which it was made, it was perhaps a little too daring, a little ahead of its time. One thing is for sure, it is a unique Godzilla film, it stands on its own and for that reason I think its one of the best installments of the entire franchise.
I also think that its association with the "made for children era" of Godzilla films is unfortunate and undeserved, clearly this film was not catering to children, who wouldn't necessarily appreciate the social commentary in the film. Its almost as if the "kid friendly elements" were put into the film as a kind of smokescreen for discussing the deeper meanings of the film, this is very much a "message" film, but it shouldn't be looked down at because of this.
As far as the battle sequences go this is one of the few Godzilla movies where you are legitimately concerned for his well being and survival. Hedorah is by far one of Godzilla's most dangerous foes, he also did the most damage to Godzilla then any other monster villain.
One of the more poignant scenes in this film comes after Godzilla wins the battle, after dealing with his toxic enemy Godzilla turns to the humans (and by extension the audience), with a stern look, as he shakes his head in pity and disgust.
Tomoyuki Tanaka, who produced the first 22 Godzilla films, said that he told the director of the film he ruined the Godzilla series and that he would never direct at Toho again. Despite this claim, however, Banno is slated to produce and direct the soon-to-be released film Godzilla: 3D to the Max, featuring the Hedorah-like monster Deathla.
Kenpachiro Satsuma, the actor who played Hedorah, was struck with appendicitis during the production. Doctors were forced to perform the appendectomy while he was still wearing the Hedorah suit, due to the length of time it took to take off. During the operation, Satsuma learned that painkillers have no effect on him.
In recent years this movie has enjoyed a huge burst of popularity in Japan, with Hedorah quickly becoming one of the most heavily merchandised of all Toho monsters apart from Godzilla.
5 out of 5 roars for this one
Do you worse GL
HMaM Global Mod
