Godzilla Movies that Present Compelling Human Drama, Too Part One

 

The deservedly positive buzz about "Godzilla: Minus One" is often centered on how well-presented the human drama is, conventional wisdom being that movies featuring Godzilla don't tend to do well in that arena. Arguably, this isn't an incorrect point but, in my opinion many of the films prior to Toho's crowning achievement are dismissed unfairly.

Below is a list of every Godzilla film up to the beginning of the "Millennium Series" I feel does a good job with the human aspect of their plots, in release order. I'm skipping the original film because...come on. It's a work of art.

Godzilla Vs. King Kong (1962)- The third film in the Showa Era series is an enjoyable retelling of the original King Kong with Japanese flourishes and, of course, a certain mutated dinosaur. The human drama is effective and well-handled, especially its sly indictment of the pharmaceutical industry.

Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965)- None other than Nick Freakin' Adams co-stars in this one and his passionate acting adds much needed gravitas to this installment that features aliens and the return of the three-headed King Ghidorah. This film could also be viewed as a prototypical buddy cop film with astronauts instead of detectives. The close friendship between Fuji and Glenn is fun and touching, as if Glenn's love for Namikawa, the conflicted spy for the malevolent aliens using kaiju to take over Earth (First time this eventual trope is used).

All Monsters Attack, a.k.a. Godzilla's Revenge (1969)- I know, I know. It's easily the worst and even dumbest Godzilla movie ever made, especially because none of the kaiju action actually happens outside of a boy's imagination. But you know what? Maybe it's because I was around the kid's age when I first saw it, but watching young Ichiro get bullied and eventually learn how to defend himself makes for some rather compelling human drama.

Godzilla vs. Gigan (1973)- When I saw this one in the movie theater, it was called, "Godzilla on Monster Island." It has a bad reputation because of its reliance on stock footage and obvious budget slashing but, dammit, Gengo the failed comic book artist is one interesting, if pathetic, character. It was rare in those days to see a Japanese film feature such an intensely flawed protagonist with a redemption arc.

Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)- Perhaps because the winner of the screenwriting contest whose work became Ishiro Honda's last Godzilla film was a woman, this film has a heart at its center that hadn't been seen since the 1954 original. Yes, it has the by now requisite scientists and INTERPOL agents and aliens returning for another power grab, but it also features a tormented, embittered scientist whose love for his daughter causes him to collaborate with humanity's potential destructors. It also features a tragic love story between the half-machine daughter and one of our heroes. The scene where Katsura is turned into a cyborg is one of the most heartbreaking moments in Godzilla film history.

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)- Easily the most fun of the Hesei Era movies, GVKG also features an interesting twist with visitors from the future and a would-be bestselling author whose true identity is "Empire Strikes Back" Luke and Leia kissing level disturbing. The characters are likable and interesting and we care what happens to them.

Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)- Serving as a direct sequel to GVKG, Godzilla's presence is more force of nature this time than reluctant savior. This one features a wanna-be Indiana Jones named Takuya whose bumbling lands him in a Southeast Asian prison. Fortunately for him, his ex-wife works for the Japanese Prime Minister and his skills are needed on Infant Island, the home of Mothra. The relationship between the two divorcees and their child adds a human element and investment that is rarely present in kaiju films.

Godzilla vs, SpaceGodzilla (1994)- Considered the most out-of-place and ridiculous of the Hesei films, GVSG is also a ton of fun and a welcome change in tone from its two more solemn predecessors. By this time, the character of Miki Saegusa whose psychic abilities help her bond with Godzilla, is kidnapped by Yakuza members looking to control Godzilla. And in the midst of all this, there's a guy with a sniper rifle obsessed with taking Godzilla out himself. Pyrotechnics and frantic kaiju action are beautifully framed by a tale of revenge and greed.

Godzilla 2000 (1999)- The first of the Millennium Era films, "Godzilla 2000" lets us see Godzilla from a human perspective for the first time in decades. No longer is he a faraway entity to be feared or cheered. Now we see him as an immediate issue that is both a threat and our only hope. All of this is perfectly embodied by the character of Yuji Shinoda, an independent researcher whose work falls into undeserving hands. His relationship with his daughter and adversarial relationship with self-important businessman Katagiri make this a film about people as well as monsters and aliens.

Part II coming soon!