NINETOES VS GODZILLA (1954)

Ninetoes went back in time to watch a political movie and ran into Godzilla during the big monster’s birthday month!

After a dinosaur-like beast – awoken from undersea hibernation by atom bomb testing – ravages Tokyo, a scientist must decide if his similarly dangerous weapon should be used to destroy it.

Directed by Ishiro Honda

Written By Shigeru Kayama, Takeo Murata, and Ishiro Honda

Starring Takashi Shimura, Akihiko Hirata, and Akira Takarada

Hey there, movie lovers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ. Today, I am taking a look at the OG Kaiju movie, Godzilla (1954). I have popcorn in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

When I say OG Kaiju movie, this is the one that launched a franchise that is still popular seventy-two years later, and it is responsible for starting the whole Kaiju movement in entertainment (but I would be remiss if I did not include 1933’s classic film, King Kong).

I became aware of Godzilla in the 1970’s when I watched the movies on television, usually on Saturday mornings and evenings. I was instantly hooked and was down for anything Kaiju, and as years progressed, I have gotten close to my fill (really, can we ever get enough Kaiju movies?)

BUT, for those who think this is a mere monster movie, you could not be more wrong. This is a “No Nukes” movie of epic caliber. What woke up/made Godzilla? Nuclear testing. At this particular time in history, nuclear testing was going on, especially in the Pacific Ocean. *SPOILER ALERT*, at the end of the movie, Godzilla is killed by a device that gets rid of radiation. A warning comes at the end of the movie that is something like this: “Godzilla can return unless nuclear testing is stopped.”

This movie was shot in glorious black and white and does go dark at times. It is also subtitled, so get used to some fast reading at the bottom of the screen, BUT, do not pass on this one! This is cinematic history at its finest.

As stated, the story conveys a political message flawlessly. Personally, I loved the story, and in a way, we need more like this!

The acting was…good for a subtitled film that came out in 1954. I will not judge acting ability; the actors did their job, and I was entertained.

The music, Good Heavens, the music was pure Godzilla fare!

This movie is perfect for Kaiju enthusiasts and anyone who likes a political message in their monster movie!

I give this movie 5+ GODZILLA ROARS out of 5!

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.