Film Discussion: Godzilla Raids Again (1955)
Aug 11, 2018 23:04:12 GMT -8
via mobile
lunarmoth likes this
Post by doctorprofessor on Aug 11, 2018 23:04:12 GMT -8
Godzilla Raids Again is an interest entry in the Godzilla series. It's a hastily made, intended money maker of a sequel that was released only six months after its predecessor. Rather than being a film about Japan's anxieties about nuclear weapons like the original Godzilla, this movie feels more like it's about rebuilding after war.
Admittedly, I don't love Godzilla Raids Again as much as the first film. In fact, I wouldn't say I love it at all. I think it's fine, but I feel like it could've been more than it was. Tsukioka's a dull main character, and while Kobayashi is fun, they don't do enough with the character to make me care about him. I should feel something when he (spoilers for a 63 year old film) sacrifices himself, but unfortunately, I don't. And of course, the fight scene being accidentally sped up in some shots is a real shame.
That said, the film has its merits. The scene where Tsukioka and Hidemi are out dancing, and suddenly a man announces over the PA that Godzilla has changed course and is now headed to Osaka causing everyone to hurry out of the building in a panicked manner, is a fantastic scene. Another great moment is when Hidemi looks out her window to see the devastation caused by Godzilla and Anguirus. Speaking of Anguirus, that's another plus. I love Anguirus! He's second only to Godzilla in my mind.
Godzilla Raids Again isn't a favorite of mine by any stretch of the imagination, but I struggle to say I full on dislike it. It's alright. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Admittedly, I don't love Godzilla Raids Again as much as the first film. In fact, I wouldn't say I love it at all. I think it's fine, but I feel like it could've been more than it was. Tsukioka's a dull main character, and while Kobayashi is fun, they don't do enough with the character to make me care about him. I should feel something when he (spoilers for a 63 year old film) sacrifices himself, but unfortunately, I don't. And of course, the fight scene being accidentally sped up in some shots is a real shame.
That said, the film has its merits. The scene where Tsukioka and Hidemi are out dancing, and suddenly a man announces over the PA that Godzilla has changed course and is now headed to Osaka causing everyone to hurry out of the building in a panicked manner, is a fantastic scene. Another great moment is when Hidemi looks out her window to see the devastation caused by Godzilla and Anguirus. Speaking of Anguirus, that's another plus. I love Anguirus! He's second only to Godzilla in my mind.
Godzilla Raids Again isn't a favorite of mine by any stretch of the imagination, but I struggle to say I full on dislike it. It's alright. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
