I'd like to offer further exploration into a comment you made in your video. In your analysis of '54, you stated that Godzilla fits well into the vast fables within Japanese mythology surrounding serpents or kami. I think this is also heavily shown within the character progression of Godzilla himself as the showa series goes on, (for the sake of analysis let's choose to interpret the showa series as one timeline). Also, for the sake of simplicity, I'll be using "dragon" to refer to the idea of the serpent in eastern culture as it's more recognizable. Within Eastern storytelling, dragons are usually depicted as being benevolent or noble in nature, only attacking humans as punishment for some wrong doing they have committed, often times towards nature itself. The latter part of my description is best shown in the '54 film, as you mentioned. Not only that, but the film takes a very somber almost pessimistic approach towards humanity. We will continue to be punished if our actions continue to perpetuate. That is exactly what happens in the subsequent film. However, if we look at Honda's later Godzilla films from the 60's, they do highlight negative aspects of humanity, but they take a much more optimistic stance. Honda chooses to emphasize the positive side of humanity, and how through cooperation and compassion, certain external and internal conflicts can be overcome. It's interesting to note how the change in humanity's depiction and efforts coincide with the change in Godzilla as a character. This connects to the aforementioned description of eastern dragons. Typically they only attack when they or their environment is under threat, but are willing and able to offer assistance or even guidance to those who adhere to the noble ideals of the dragon. This sticks with the theme in most showa films that we are the ones that need to change. Where I am going with this is this. When humans begin to resolve their own issues, and stop attacking the thing that is simply a byproduct of our own recklessness, the very thing that punished us will be the thing that can help us. In this case Godzilla can be representative of that. Humanity goes through a progression in the showa films, as Honda demonstrates us resolving those very issues within ourselves, and I think it is no wonder Godzilla, the dragon, becomes more benevolent as we change. As you mentioned, vs Hedorah shows another side of humanity that needs resolution, and of course Godzilla gives us that disapproving glare as a reminder for what could possibly happen if we don't whip ourselves into shape. These themes aren't explored much more if at all in the showa films after hedorah, but the subtext of the films from the '50s and '60s may just act as supplementary material to enhance the character of Godzilla in the '70s films. I find it interesting how almost every film in the showa series that explores a social/political theme,, focuses on a different issue, and then shows that issue being rectified by the characters or humanity as a whole, and as these films progress, humanity and Godzilla's relationship strengthens. The only exception I can think of would be '54 which as you and myself mentioned, takes a much more pessimistic view of humanity. While this was likely not a major consideration for the filmmakers, I think it can easily be interpreted this way if someone chooses too. I wouldn't put it past Honda to have had considered this, at least to some degree. This is a pretty rudimentary analysis, but I thought it was kinda neat.
Your notion justifies or even reinforces the relevance of the showa Godzilla. I especially agree with your mention of the social issues that are the subject of said films but have a more optimistic approach. Even Godzilla can be interpreted as a being that is feared as much as it is respected. And I think the idea that Godzilla is a byproduct of mankind's arrogance and thirst for power shoyld forever be a constant going forward.
@@ARKWOLF20000 To fit your goldfish brain, Godzilla frowns when we’re bad and smiles when we’re good, and it’s historically accurate to Japanese mythology.
@@bruhmingo Yup! Good characters and story mean people will actually want to watch the whole film instead of just 10-15 minute clips of the action sequences. As was the case with GMK, which had action that felt much more impactful because of the interspersed human conflict and story.
@FN-1701AgentGodzillaRangerPrime Ω looking back, yeah KOTM is pretty weak, the action is great on paper but if you had a good cast of characters, it becomes more and more enriching and much more easier to be connected even with Humans being there more than the monsters
Your comments on the anime trilogy were the most flattering I've heard about it. I admire how you're always able to find and appreciate what is unique about a given piece of media.
I really hope TOHO continues to use the character in a more lenient way. The first anime and Shin gave him some new thematic life and kinda rekindled my love for the character. I’m excited to see what nuanced ideas new artists can bring to the table
I wonder how exactly would Honda react to 2014, Shin, the Anime Trilogy, KOTM, GVK and SP. It's a tragedy he's not with us anymore, it would have been interesting to see how he would have responded to the Modern Reiwa and Monsterverse.
Excellent analysis man! You went really deep into a lot of the history behind your choices. Some things I didn't even know about like the connection to the real life Samurai Takamori for GMK Goji, that is cool! Hopefully Toho will continue to make Godzilla's future interesting and original. Keep up the great work!
I have just finished your Eva video and I am amazed how detailed both of them are. Truly amazing work. I have never seen any Godzilla movies before but after my exams I think I might binge some of the film's. Great video
Very interesting video and very interesting list. My favorite versions of Godzilla are: Legendary Godzilla, G2K Godzilla, GMK Godzilla, Heisei Godzilla, shin Godzilla, 1954 Godzilla and Final wars Godzilla.
Legendary represents the invaluablilty of nature taking back the control from the humans and ending the horrible reign man if we don't act fast or else it'll be too late
ha this is a very interesting list. I like any good interpretation of the big G. As long as it's good and respect godzilla. Whether he's heroic, a villain, a metaphor for nuclear weapons, a force of nature or a antihero. Or in the anime trilogy case a plant god that trilogy was weak
Before watching the video... Favorites: GMK for being out there while still honoring the original. 70s super hero. I admit I've gotten fond of this and sort of want to see superhero Godzilla come back. Shin Godzilla. And of course the original that was a dangerous monster but also got a moment of sympathy near the end. Least favorite: I wanna love the Anime Trilogy one but god damn it! I love the idea! But the design and execution are boring! I mean I used to think the Kiryu duo Godzillas were the most boring Godzillas ever but at least they had a great design!
I keep hearing about the WWII era of Japan's occupation of Indonesia from my grandmother to this day and have made research essays about it for school, and it kind of confused me what the GMK Godzilla represents specifically. Like I think Japan knows it brought the bomb on itself for their invasions and lack of humanity in that era, hence turning over a new leaf in the modern age, though that change has also negatively effected it, but their fear at the destructive power of nuclear weapons from being at the receiving end of it is pretty justified especially with later developments of the bombs. But so is Godzilla in GMK like the embodiment of the soldiers who did those cruel things in the war being vengeful for the country forgetting them? The victims of the lands they invaded wanting justice and vengence? Or a mix of both factions and they became equally restless over all of them being forgotten by the nation that was at the center of their suffering? My strongest guess is that last one with everyone who died, but these new contexts you brought up makes me think there's possibly more going on here.
I saw you disappeared off Twitter, otherwise I’d congratulate you there. This is far and away your best video. Tremendous stuff. Hope all is well and thank you as always for your contributions to this realm of inquiry.
I don't know how, but I got notification about this video. I'm not subscribed to this channel, more so, have never seen it, and still somehow got notification. I even haven't seen any godzilla movies! Not a single one! It's not like I'm disappointed though
I really enjoyed this essay. Though, the last film you mentioned here, the anime film series, I very much disliked, especially the last one, "Planet Eater."
I can't watch the Shin Godzilla. The way he "Evolves" from stage to stage reminds me of Digimon. If I was in theaters when it came out, they would have kicked me out for disturbing the audience by pulling my phone out to play that theme song.
Man, that analysis on Godzilla Earth feels very far-reaching. When we're introduced to him through how he's annihilating unarmed escape craft, it's hard to view him as anything short of evil. Not to disregard your points, but I feel there's a "lying through omission" effect here if you're trying to get people to expand their horizons with this video.
Ok, I know you hate Godzilla Earth, but look, you can’t deny what Godzilla represents in the anime. Godzilla represents nature’s wrath against humanity for their arrogance and sins. He’s a punisher for not only humanity, but for anything that threatens the earth. It’s how the 1954 Godzilla and Shin Godzilla was portrayed; a punisher for humanity.
@@Ergeniz eeehhh, his design is actually pretty boring now that you mention it. But the stuff Godzilla earth was suppose to represent could have been fine if he didn’t represent it all so horrendously bad. A protector of nature that perverts it into horrors, and a lousy imposer of vengeance as he can hardly be bothered to ever fully finish of humans and sleeps of of the damn time. Worst of both worlds.
@@GreaterGrievobeast55 I personally like Godzilla Earth aesthetically. The sumo-type physique is pretty cool, and how he grows to 300m is unique to him. His powers sound cool on paper, but in a fight would make him rather boring since he's basically just an OP tank. I wager this is part of the reason why they didn't animate any of his fights against Kaiju. He just comes in, blocks stuff with his Eva-type shield and blasts everyone with asymmetric beam then leaves. There's no finesse to him at all.
I think GMK is the best one out of all of them, especially compared to Shin & the Anime Trilogy which themes honestly disgust me. I think this vid explains why m.ua-cam.com/video/HDxmB2D9oDM/v-deo.html
Not sure how Shin 'disgusts' you. It is basically just a commentary on recent Japanese disasters and the government's incompetence at handling them. I do think the movie is overrated though, and many of the human scenes (especially the 'anime reactions') are just cringe and yawn inducing.
I'd like to offer further exploration into a comment you made in your video. In your analysis of '54, you stated that Godzilla fits well into the vast fables within Japanese mythology surrounding serpents or kami. I think this is also heavily shown within the character progression of Godzilla himself as the showa series goes on, (for the sake of analysis let's choose to interpret the showa series as one timeline). Also, for the sake of simplicity, I'll be using "dragon" to refer to the idea of the serpent in eastern culture as it's more recognizable. Within Eastern storytelling, dragons are usually depicted as being benevolent or noble in nature, only attacking humans as punishment for some wrong doing they have committed, often times towards nature itself. The latter part of my description is best shown in the '54 film, as you mentioned. Not only that, but the film takes a very somber almost pessimistic approach towards humanity. We will continue to be punished if our actions continue to perpetuate. That is exactly what happens in the subsequent film. However, if we look at Honda's later Godzilla films from the 60's, they do highlight negative aspects of humanity, but they take a much more optimistic stance. Honda chooses to emphasize the positive side of humanity, and how through cooperation and compassion, certain external and internal conflicts can be overcome. It's interesting to note how the change in humanity's depiction and efforts coincide with the change in Godzilla as a character. This connects to the aforementioned description of eastern dragons. Typically they only attack when they or their environment is under threat, but are willing and able to offer assistance or even guidance to those who adhere to the noble ideals of the dragon. This sticks with the theme in most showa films that we are the ones that need to change. Where I am going with this is this. When humans begin to resolve their own issues, and stop attacking the thing that is simply a byproduct of our own recklessness, the very thing that punished us will be the thing that can help us. In this case Godzilla can be representative of that. Humanity goes through a progression in the showa films, as Honda demonstrates us resolving those very issues within ourselves, and I think it is no wonder Godzilla, the dragon, becomes more benevolent as we change. As you mentioned, vs Hedorah shows another side of humanity that needs resolution, and of course Godzilla gives us that disapproving glare as a reminder for what could possibly happen if we don't whip ourselves into shape. These themes aren't explored much more if at all in the showa films after hedorah, but the subtext of the films from the '50s and '60s may just act as supplementary material to enhance the character of Godzilla in the '70s films. I find it interesting how almost every film in the showa series that explores a social/political theme,, focuses on a different issue, and then shows that issue being rectified by the characters or humanity as a whole, and as these films progress, humanity and Godzilla's relationship strengthens. The only exception I can think of would be '54 which as you and myself mentioned, takes a much more pessimistic view of humanity. While this was likely not a major consideration for the filmmakers, I think it can easily be interpreted this way if someone chooses too. I wouldn't put it past Honda to have had considered this, at least to some degree. This is a pretty rudimentary analysis, but I thought it was kinda neat.
Dude wrote a whole essay I'm sorry but my six IQ can not read all that
Your notion justifies or even reinforces the relevance of the showa Godzilla. I especially agree with your mention of the social issues that are the subject of said films but have a more optimistic approach. Even Godzilla can be interpreted as a being that is feared as much as it is respected. And I think the idea that Godzilla is a byproduct of mankind's arrogance and thirst for power shoyld forever be a constant going forward.
@@ARKWOLF20000
To fit your goldfish brain, Godzilla frowns when we’re bad and smiles when we’re good, and it’s historically accurate to Japanese mythology.
Gmk is a good example of why a good story, writing and characters are just as important if not more than the monster(s) themselves
Good characters and story always enhance the action. If you care about what’s happening, the action becomes more emotionally enriching.
@@bruhmingo exactly that
@@bruhmingo Yup! Good characters and story mean people will actually want to watch the whole film instead of just 10-15 minute clips of the action sequences. As was the case with GMK, which had action that felt much more impactful because of the interspersed human conflict and story.
Unless of course your the only guy in the theater who likes to projects himself on the monsters and relates to them like I do lol.
@FN-1701AgentGodzillaRangerPrime Ω looking back, yeah KOTM is pretty weak, the action is great on paper but if you had a good cast of characters, it becomes more and more enriching and much more easier to be connected even with Humans being there more than the monsters
*“It’s man that created that monster, mankind is far more monstrous”*
- Professor Hayashida ( The Return of Godzilla)
Your comments on the anime trilogy were the most flattering I've heard about it. I admire how you're always able to find and appreciate what is unique about a given piece of media.
Probably the best Godzilla video I've seen. No joke.
“History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of man.”
Great video!
I really hope TOHO continues to use the character in a more lenient way. The first anime and Shin gave him some new thematic life and kinda rekindled my love for the character. I’m excited to see what nuanced ideas new artists can bring to the table
I wonder how exactly would Honda react to 2014, Shin, the Anime Trilogy, KOTM, GVK and SP. It's a tragedy he's not with us anymore, it would have been interesting to see how he would have responded to the Modern Reiwa and Monsterverse.
Idk about the others but i think he's thought on MV godzilla would be like what he said in 2:54
He would've thought that G14 and the polygon trilogy were mediocre, praising the hell out of shin, hating kotm and enjoying gvk and sp
@@nekocibay ^Death of the Author applied.
@@Godzilla-jr5gi my guy please stop enforcing your own bias thoughts onto what a dead man would think.
Can I just point out the fact that Snow Godzilla got acknowledged in a cameo at the end? That's a nice touch.
Excellent analysis man! You went really deep into a lot of the history behind your choices. Some things I didn't even know about like the connection to the real life Samurai Takamori for GMK Goji, that is cool! Hopefully Toho will continue to make Godzilla's future interesting and original. Keep up the great work!
I have just finished your Eva video and I am amazed how detailed both of them are. Truly amazing work. I have never seen any Godzilla movies before but after my exams I think I might binge some of the film's. Great video
This was absolutely excellent! Great video essay!
Very interesting video and very interesting list.
My favorite versions of Godzilla are:
Legendary Godzilla, G2K Godzilla, GMK Godzilla, Heisei Godzilla, shin Godzilla, 1954 Godzilla and Final wars Godzilla.
My favorites are:
- Heisei
- 1954
- GMK
- Legendary
- Godzilla vs. Hedorah
Excellent work on this Nova!
Legendary represents the invaluablilty of nature taking back the control from the humans and ending the horrible reign man if we don't act fast or else it'll be too late
ha this is a very interesting list. I like any good interpretation of the big G. As long as it's good and respect godzilla. Whether he's heroic, a villain, a metaphor for nuclear weapons, a force of nature or a antihero. Or in the anime trilogy case a plant god that trilogy was weak
Fantastic video. Thank you. I look forward to the next one.
My favourite versions are:
Legendary, Final Wars, Earth,Heisei, Mire, Shin, GMK and 54
Perhaps the best deep analysis of Godzilla on this platform. Thanks!!
Great video!! Keep up the good work
Great video!
The cinematography in hedora is so impressive
Before watching the video...
Favorites: GMK for being out there while still honoring the original. 70s super hero. I admit I've gotten fond of this and sort of want to see superhero Godzilla come back. Shin Godzilla. And of course the original that was a dangerous monster but also got a moment of sympathy near the end.
Least favorite: I wanna love the Anime Trilogy one but god damn it! I love the idea! But the design and execution are boring! I mean I used to think the Kiryu duo Godzillas were the most boring Godzillas ever but at least they had a great design!
Couldn't agree more with the last one.
That was very interesting and accurate. Man is the real monster.
Finally someone says something positive about the anime trilogy's philosophy and Godzilla, THANK YOU
The polygon trilogy sucks
Great job.
I keep hearing about the WWII era of Japan's occupation of Indonesia from my grandmother to this day and have made research essays about it for school, and it kind of confused me what the GMK Godzilla represents specifically.
Like I think Japan knows it brought the bomb on itself for their invasions and lack of humanity in that era, hence turning over a new leaf in the modern age, though that change has also negatively effected it, but their fear at the destructive power of nuclear weapons from being at the receiving end of it is pretty justified especially with later developments of the bombs.
But so is Godzilla in GMK like the embodiment of the soldiers who did those cruel things in the war being vengeful for the country forgetting them?
The victims of the lands they invaded wanting justice and vengence?
Or a mix of both factions and they became equally restless over all of them being forgotten by the nation that was at the center of their suffering?
My strongest guess is that last one with everyone who died, but these new contexts you brought up makes me think there's possibly more going on here.
VERY good...................BIG 'LIKE' for this video!!
16 minutes in and I say to myself ," wow I guess he won't throw any shade at the Hesei Era this time. Wrong lol
I saw you disappeared off Twitter, otherwise I’d congratulate you there. This is far and away your best video. Tremendous stuff. Hope all is well and thank you as always for your contributions to this realm of inquiry.
I don't know how, but I got notification about this video. I'm not subscribed to this channel, more so, have never seen it, and still somehow got notification. I even haven't seen any godzilla movies! Not a single one! It's not like I'm disappointed though
My bad, I actually saw one of your video. The Mari one
Great!
Awesome
I really enjoyed this essay. Though, the last film you mentioned here, the anime film series, I very much disliked, especially the last one, "Planet Eater."
My favorite versions are Final Wars, Legendary, Showa (1968-1972, 1974-1975), and 1999-2000.
Gonna miss ya on Twitter Noah. Don't blame you at all for leaving.
21:46
and that was the origin of the first form of shin goji
dont ask me why
its probably named after he attacked it
2:53 He looks like the Japanese version of Larry King
I think you should give your opinion of terror of mechagodzilla and godzilla against mechagodzilla.
I did not know Godzilla's name had an origin in tradition.
10:35 aww shit, its hideki go!
Will you be able to reconstruct you Twitter account? A great video here!
sometimes i feel like i am the only one who likes godzilla 98' and the anime trilogy
Youre not alone buddy some of us actually grow up
Yes you are
@@Godzilla-jr5gi yeah, in your head
I'm very curious about Godzilla Earth. Its a really unique take in spite of the bad reception.
I like 98 but not anime
I though you will Mention Monsterverse Godzilla
8:11 Well, that aged poorly.
It has severe Hot Dog Man trying to find the man who did this energy.
115 likes. Bring me more 115
I can't watch the Shin Godzilla. The way he "Evolves" from stage to stage reminds me of Digimon. If I was in theaters when it came out, they would have kicked me out for disturbing the audience by pulling my phone out to play that theme song.
You do realize the concept of kaiju evolving was a thing before Digimon existed right?
Destoroyah and hedorah did it first
GMK design is scary as fuck
Man, that analysis on Godzilla Earth feels very far-reaching. When we're introduced to him through how he's annihilating unarmed escape craft, it's hard to view him as anything short of evil. Not to disregard your points, but I feel there's a "lying through omission" effect here if you're trying to get people to expand their horizons with this video.
Godzilla is coup de grande to an what an "accident" feels like. 👩🍼👨🍼
Out of all these interesting takes on godzilla, godzilla earth is the worst of them all
Ok, I know you hate Godzilla Earth, but look, you can’t deny what Godzilla represents in the anime. Godzilla represents nature’s wrath against humanity for their arrogance and sins. He’s a punisher for not only humanity, but for anything that threatens the earth. It’s how the 1954 Godzilla and Shin Godzilla was portrayed; a punisher for humanity.
@@mikephelps9238 I don't think anyone has a problem with the designs and ideas in the anime. Its the execution that makes its fail.
@@Ergeniz eeehhh, his design is actually pretty boring now that you mention it. But the stuff Godzilla earth was suppose to represent could have been fine if he didn’t represent it all so horrendously bad. A protector of nature that perverts it into horrors, and a lousy imposer of vengeance as he can hardly be bothered to ever fully finish of humans and sleeps of of the damn time. Worst of both worlds.
@@GreaterGrievobeast55 I personally like Godzilla Earth aesthetically. The sumo-type physique is pretty cool, and how he grows to 300m is unique to him. His powers sound cool on paper, but in a fight would make him rather boring since he's basically just an OP tank. I wager this is part of the reason why they didn't animate any of his fights against Kaiju. He just comes in, blocks stuff with his Eva-type shield and blasts everyone with asymmetric beam then leaves. There's no finesse to him at all.
I think GMK is the best one out of all of them, especially compared to Shin & the Anime Trilogy which themes honestly disgust me. I think this vid explains why m.ua-cam.com/video/HDxmB2D9oDM/v-deo.html
Not sure how Shin 'disgusts' you. It is basically just a commentary on recent Japanese disasters and the government's incompetence at handling them. I do think the movie is overrated though, and many of the human scenes (especially the 'anime reactions') are just cringe and yawn inducing.
GMK is tediously overhyped quite frankly.