That cut-in at 6:07 though. Monster comes in with what looks like teeth, but is actually revealed to be an opaque cut-out of Japan. And we don't realize till 2 seconds later when Japan is revealed by the American flag. That is some damn clever editing. Damn clever.
Richard Bennett -- So legit that you pointed that out, because I was really impressed and in admiration for that particular edit. This channel will never leave my subs.
I'm glad you were able to see this video about Godzilla. I've tried to explain this about Godzilla the way he did in this video. But I was immediately shut down and people closed their minds and didn't listen. Thank goodness for UA-cam and for people able to edit videos that give people information.
It seems like your videos get people who don't know about a topic interested, while also making people who love the topic cry because you strike such a chord with them....how do you manage to be both approachable as well as in depth and complex??? That should be a contradiction but you pull it off. Thanks for your work it's such a joy to watch every upload!
I like the fact that- as you said- Godzilla is just as much a Japanese product as an American one. I feel Godzilla not only represented the bomb in the original movie, but also the US as a whole. A destructive power then turned ally as the movies progressed. Suddenly the US and Japan, once enemies- now close allies. Not only politically but also culturally. A lot of american influence shaped Godzilla as time went on.
Link 626 yeah but I'm sure if Japan was allowed to continue making their films as they saw fit, they wouldn't have turned out that way. Godzilla is now being turned into a major market by American executives. We've even taken the most recent incarnation of the film and placed one of americas most beloved actors into a lead role. It's watered down at best.
Joshua Harris no one forced Japan to make the Godzilla sequels. I'm sure a the 2014 Godzilla holds no more meaning about the bombs the Godzilla vs Mothra does
They were allowed to continue making films as they saw fit. They wanted to make terrible Kaiju battles similar to 'ultraman' and used the recognizable Godzilla character to do so. A well made film make for deeper reasons devolving into an action series with little more than explosions and special effects, say it isn't so.
yea funny thing about your commenct Darwin Roberson, Without the Kaiju battles in Godzilla, Ultraman wouldn't exist so saying they were doing it based on Ultraman is a flat-out lie. by the time Ultraman was released, movies like Godzilla vs. Mothra and Ghidorah the three-headed monster were released.
James Rolfe did a very extensive retrospective of the Godzilla series 8 years back and came to the same conclusion about the message behind the 1954 movie. It's a shame how it's still obscure after all these years.
I'll give Raymond Burr a lot of credit though, as he did understand the symbolism of Godzilla. There is a famous story about the writers and producers of the American version of Godzilla 1985 wanting to turn it into a comedy and Burr telling them point black that Godzilla deserves a somber tone. Added to that, even if critics saw the film in its original state I feel that many still wouldn't get it. When the restored Japanese version was being shown in film festivals many years ago, famous film critic Roger Ebert reviewed it, rather negatively. Even though he saw the original uncut uncensored no Raymond Burr version, he still didn't understand it. I'm just glad Gozilla has found renewed popularity again, especially thanks to the massive success, both financial and critical, of Shin Godzilla.
Dustyolbones what's also funny, is I've read that when the movie first came out, the original version, not the Hollywood redux, the majority of Japanese critics gave it shit, some because of the reference to the nukes, others thought that a fire breathing gaint monster was stupid or strange, there were many reasons, but overall it wasn't well received in Japan at first, but got more acclaim later on.
Roger Ebert didn't like the movie because he didn't think it was well made (iirc). I've seen the original cut of the movie too (it was a Criterion blind buy for me) and even knowing about the nuclear symbolism before hand I thought the movie was incredibly boring. It's basically boring courtroom scenes and boring drama with short 4 minute scenes of Godzilla doing stuff sprinkled throughout the film. I'm not trying to imply the film has no positive aspects, but I think it's really overrated. I think this movie has so much acclaim because people enjoy waxing poetic about the nuclear allegory stuff in the movie, this 7 minute video of Kristian doing just that illustrates my point.
I think the drama is what makes it good. Most disaster/monster movies are just about figuring how can they hit the thing harder, while Gojira focuses on the consequences of the attack of the monster and what the creation of a weapon to destroy it would imply. I didn't find it boring, and i don't think it needed more scenes of the monster (although it's not perfect, of course), the opposite of that is the formula of the western monster movie, which i find very, very dull. The scene with the woman and her children was a pretty good one and very touching, even if you don't have in mind the nuclear allegory, so i wouldn't say that's all the movie has. Sure the allegory is an important part of it, but i think it is a very interesting story nonetheless, despite its flaws (bad performances, for example), so i don't think it's fair to just asume the reason why a lot of people liked it was that flat. Plus, it's tricky to say something so old is overrrated since back in its time, it was revolutionary, turning into a landmark of its country, that's why it earned the popularity it has.
One of the most beautiful video essays I've ever seen on the platform. I'm a Japanese American filmmaker, 20 years old in the U.S.A. and I've always been saddened by everyone's assumption that Godzilla is merely a monster mash, when it is so much more. Subscribed.
I didn't say that. I'm not upset with the filmmakers so much as I am with the audiences. It's always a pretty obvious point of every Godzilla film that he is actually a good guy. Some viewers see the franchise as another kaiju fighting movie. Emmerich's "Godzilla" is just a terrible film.
I don't know why more people didn't like it. I thought it was really good. I'm looking forward to what he did with Rogue One. I didn't get to see the knew Shin Godzilla movie.
This essay is the best work you've done. It's an essay that takes the consumer on an emotional journey that opens their minds to a new perspective by sharing historical fact, presenting a strong opinion, with the goal of hearing a once muffled voice. He totally deserves some journalist attention, a piece in the nytimes or Atlantic. More people need to recognize the legitimacy of the modern essay.
This essay also takes liberty with historical truth. No media editor for the NY Times would let this pass without significant revisions. A large part of this essayist's argument is pinned on the mistaken belief that foreign/American pressure led to Godzilla becoming more cartoony. Actually, it was a decision made by the movie studio to try to appeal more to the Japanese public, not the American public. Ultimately, this essayist comes off as very young and presumptive -and not an expert in the subject matter.
I'm always interested by your choice of topics. It's always something that I didn't expect. As much as I want to hear you comment on Hayao Miyazaki or something like that, I also enjoy seeing what _you_ like to talk about regardless of what the people want. Keep it up, man. I love these videos. Do yo' thang.
Beautify made my friend!!! When someone ask me why I'm a Godzilla fan or what its about or just anything about him, your video shall be all I need to show them!! Well done!!!
You are the best content creator on UA-cam. The videos you have created have either sparked interests for me that I never had before or rekindled old passions that I had long forgot. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Your youtube channel is possibly one of the best ones out there. Seriously, keep doing what you're doing. Keep teaching us that much about pop culture without treating us like 12 year old kids
'merica, fuck yeah Comin' again to save the motherfuckin' day yeah 'merica, fuck yeah Gonna remove all subtleties, un-American messages and ambiguous elements from the media we adapt, yeah I can't say I've ever watched the original or the adaption, but when it comes to American remakes/repackaged films I have a firm rule of seeking out the original and avoiding the remake at all costs, so far that's worked out rather well for me.
Look up The Secret in their eyes. The original version (Argentinian) has a political sub text related with the on going political crisis that leds to the military coup. In the american one (WHY WOULD YOU REMAKE A MOVIE MADE 5 YEARS AGO), you don't have that subtext so they relate it to the 9/11. Also, the ending is fucked up because the need of "justice".
amazing... no one seems to focus on godzilla as a cultural icon and hero as a way to get across the harsher themes such as nuclear weapons, post war Japan and ineffective Japanese hierarchy and you cut to the core in this video good job man 10/10.
As a lifelong Godzilla fan - I have to tell you that I absolutely love this. This was brilliantly done. Next time someone asks me why I love Godzilla as much as I do, I'm referring them to this video. Thank you.
My entire life I've been more than trying to make up for that & convert as many people as I can to being Godzilla lovers. I've converted a lot so far. But then again, once you actually show someone one of Godzilla's best films, it's not that hard to convert someone into being a Godzilla fan.
I'm seeing the opposite actually. Godzilla seems more popular right now than I can ever remember. In fact, I think the whole Kaiju/Monster genre is about to explode. I think people are at the very start of "I'm getting sick of Comic Book Movies" phase & I think because of that, Kaiju/Monster movies are going to be the next big (literally & figuratively) thing in movies. And as always, Godzilla is leading the charge!!
Karen Catizone I am not too sure. Comic Book movies are still going quite strong. Godzilla and Kong are the only leading characters so far. Pacific Rim is there but it won't get much attention.
Your videos are just as beautiful and heartfelt as EveryFrameAPainting is. I feel your passion for the subjects and I hope many others can feel it too.
This is one of the best and most accessible analyses of Godzilla I have ever watched. I love all of your videos and have seen everyone of them 3 or 4 times. Keep up the good work.
This was an excellent video kaptainkristian. I live in Tokyo and have been wishing for a Godzilla movie made with the same intentions as the original 1954 film for decades. As much as I love some of the later Godzilla offerings, especially the 1984 Godzilla, none have quite lived up in their sociopolitical impact. Then earlier this year I was pleasantly surprised with the release of Shin Godzilla, which features a Godzilla design featuring even more physically accurate scarring to those disfigured in the aftermath of the atomic bombings in Japan, a mushroom cloud shaped head and not only an allegory for nuclear war, but also nuclear power and the destruction of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It's a shame that it didn't receive a wider and longer release in the USA. It was the top grossing film of the summer in Japan and is still playing in theaters even now in December, still ranking at #2 in the box office!
kaptain you're videos legitimately get my hyped everytime I see them on my sub list. Its hard to believe that I'd get so excited for a UA-cam video, but you're one of a kind editing, commentary, and analysis of all the subjects I love leave me wanting more. Please continue far into the future! We all love your work!
I have to say, your videos are some of the best composed, most insightful videos about culture and media that I've found on UA-cam. Top marks my friend.
Great video analysis on Godzilla. I also liked your description of the Hollywoodization of Godzilla, though I am surprised you didn't mention the very epitomye of that Hollywood domestication that is Roland Emmerich's Godzilla 1998.
KaptainKristian is in my opinion THE BEST youtube channel such a great quality and loved put in his videos. Each video is so well thought out and so informative and yet entertaining. Just like the masterpieces showcased in each of his videos he is just that a masterpiece. Thanks for making this videos i love them and i am sure a lot of people do too.
Not only do you increase my interest in things I like, you introduce me to things I never would've checked out on my own. One of the major reasons I love your channel. Keep it up, man. Oh Kaptain my Kaptain!
Out of all the monsters ever created, this by far and many can agree, Godzilla is indeed king of the monsters, and the greatest iconic, metaphorical monster of all time. More films than James Bond, a film series still continuing to this date and not to mention, the Godzilla films with other Kaiju started the "cinematic universe." Culturally amazing and politically metaphorical. I love Godzilla.
Fantastic as always. The transference of older mundane popular culture, often seen as only surface deep, to in depth philisophical wonder and cultural importance, all in a clear, brief, well structured video (both visualy and vocaly) never ceases to entertain me. Thank you for making these videos.
Your videos always make me look at the subject in a way I never thought about. Whatever anyone tells you to make a video about, I hope you continue express what is important to you.
Every video this guy puts out is a damn masterpiece. Brilliant job mate!! also any chance you might do an evangelion video? or maybe a gundam video? anything with mechs in it? I mean if you don't that's cool you do you bro :)
While I really appreciate and see the care and effort that was clearly placed into this video and the perspective I'm sure it gives to those not immediately familiar with the franchise, there are a few things I don't completely agree with. The franchise's shift into more popcorn entertainment and kaiju battles isn't so much due to American influence and censorship as it is to Toho adapting to keep the franchise relevant and profitable. The first sequel to the original film, _Godzilla Raids Again_ (1955), very much tried to preserve the allegorical meaning of the first film, but was nowhere near as effective or successful. However, Toho realized the potential for giant monster movies utilizing the suitmation pioneered by the original film and endured a booming period of success with such films in the late 1950's and early 1960's. When Toho finally made the next Godzilla film in 1962, _King Kong vs. Godzilla_, they designed it as a satire with a focus on entertainment rather than subtext, and this proved to be the winning formula as far as sustainable box office success. Not to mention that Godzilla had attracted a demographic of young child viewers by the mid-1960's, a time where live-action superhero television programs like _Ultraman_ and _Kamen Rider_ were immensely popular among that age group and draining film attendance in Japan. Toho adjusted the films as necessary to feature a heroic Godzilla and other elements that resonated with a child audience in order to keep the series afloat financially. And that isn't to say that the series wasn't still capable of containing relevant subtext and themes. Many of the 1960's and 70's Godzilla films contain some kind of social commentary and messages, although they aren't nearly as powerful as that of the original film. When Toho finally revived the series after a long hiatus in 1984, they chose to discard what the series had become in the 60's and 70's and produce a direct sequel to the first film. And they managed to keep it relevant to the Japan of the times by focusing on a world where Japan was caught in the middle of the Cold War, between two nations who could start World War III at any time. Just as the original _Godzilla_ provided commentary on the wounds of post-war Japan, _The Return of Godzilla_ provided insight to Japan in the height of the Cold War. The films produced since then have of course varied in how much deeper meaning they contain, but there have been others that manage to do the original film proud. A great example is 2001's _Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack_, which tackles how modern-day Japan has responded to the sins it committed during World War II and presents Godzilla as living retribution for those actions. And of course there is the recent _Shin Godzilla_, which has really struck a chord with Japanese audiences by trying to show how modern-day Japan would realistically respond if Godzilla actually rose from the ocean and attacked Tokyo, not to mention providing commentary on the Fukushima disaster and how the government responded to it. I will agree to an extent that American influence has shaped Godzilla's evolution as a character to a degree. Godzilla is an internationally known icon, and also a source of pride for Japan. The fact that a Japanese-made character is almost universally known and has spawned such a colossal franchise makes it no wonder that Toho would attempt to market the franchise towards western audiences. But _Shin Godzilla_ directly responds to the currently more well-known American depiction of Godzilla seen in the 2014 Legendary Pictures film, by being a hugely successful and uniquely Japanese film. Overall, I will commend this video for at least demonstrating and addressing the thought and meaning that really went into the original _Godzilla_, and why that film today is properly respected as the masterpiece it is. But I don't entirely agree with the notion that the American editing of the first film is responsible for turning the franchise away from how it started. I argue that it is more a result of Toho keeping the series relevant and profitable, and allowing Godzilla to take on new meanings for new people. Godzilla remains a recognizable icon and a powerful symbol, even though he may not only be an atomic postwar allegory anymore. Solely blaming the American recut of the original film for moving Godzilla away from the meaning of the original film is a gross and short-sighted oversimplification.
i'm certain that the guy who made this little video essay has never seen The Return of Godzilla, and perhaps hasn't even seen the original Godzilla all the way through, or even Shin Godzilla. it felt like it was glossing over a wikipedia article and sort of spinning a fable whole cloth about a history that doesn't exactly mirror the truth.
Huh. Thanks for the detailed explanation. Did most of the Japanese film companies (Shochiku, Daiei, Nikkatsu, etc) make this sort of formula/demographic shift? If so, that really changes and undermines the entire premise of this video. I'd like to see KaptainKristian respond.
David Boucard I'm not overly familiar with how each studio responded to the changes in the Japanese film industry, however I am sure they were all impacted to a degree when the Japanese film industry began declining in the late 60's and early 70's, and Toho was not the only studio affected. Daiei specifically had an ongoing franchise of giant monster films, _Gamera_, heavily inspired by the success of the Godzilla series that began an even more dramatic shift towards child audiences in the late 60's. Some have even argued that part of the reason the Godzilla franchise began to try and appeal more towards children was to match the appeal of the Gamera films, though I'd argue it was due more in part to the popularity of shows like _Ultraman_. Toho even produced an _Ultraman_-inspired show in the 1970's called _Zone Fighter_, which featured appearances from Godzilla. Both Shochiku and Nikkatsu tried their hand at Godzilla-inspired kaiju movies in the 1960's too, producing what are now considered the genre cult classics _The X from Outer Space_ and _Gappa_, respectively. I don't doubt that the other major studios continued producing serious adult-oriented films throughout the 60's and 70's, but my main point is that the Godzilla films had a very large child audience, and so Toho realized the importance of retaining this audience as the film industry declined. Daiei even went bankrupt in the early 1970's due to this decline, while Toho was forced to put Godzilla on hiatus after the fifteenth film, _Terror of MechaGodzilla_, bombed at the box office. (Ironically, _Terror of MechaGodzilla_ may be one of the most serious and least child-oriented films in the franchise)
There's this fucking idiot on a website the reviewed Shin Godzilla that claimed that the franchise went downhill all because Godzilla fights monsters instead of destroying Japan. Pure ignorance at it's finest I told him!
Xj Productions What the f**k? So Godzilla/Gojira going back to being the only monster, being a terrifying force of nature and has something to say about the goverment and humanity is bad?
You never fail me kaptain. As your last poignant comment fades into silence sinking the message deep, the signature sign off music drops and the dopamine rush kicks. You get me every time sir. You inspire. Never stop, never stopping.
I can't get over how you just came out of nowhere with these REALLY high quality videos. All of the effects, transitions, and writing is just so good. Way to go, dude, you're what I aspire to be.
Kap your work continues to blow me away, certainly in my top 5 youtubers and I think the quality of the product you put out is number 1, so polished , such a good script , amazing.
Shin Godzilla really brought it back to the original allegory... unlike the mess that was Godzilla (2014)... or back when Puff Daddy ripped off Led Zeppelin.
I don't think I've EVER seen such good editing on a UA-cam video, and I've been here from the beginning. Also, I feel like kaptainkristian is a friend of mine in real life that hasn't mentioned that he makes these amazing videos. Every one so far has been about a topic that I am already interested in.
I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE GODZILLA WAS AN ALLEGORY FOR THE NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST STRUCK ONTO JAPAN ! I feel bad for thinking that he was just a badass monster striking havoc to people..
I never had interest in Godzilla until you came into my life with this video. Dam, you editing is incredible too. Good work! You deserve more subs and views
Scrolling down these comments make me glad that i'm still the proud Godzilla fan I was 10 years ago. No fandom, no PS4 video game and no terrible 1998 remake will ever stop the king of all franchises from reminding us pathetic, low life, and weak humans that history shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men! Go go Godzilla!
Just watched all of your videos in a row, even those with topics I thought I'm not interested in but still ended up enjoying them. Amazing channel, keep up the good work.
The fact than now godzilla become the defender of japan is like a big metaphor of how the United States became the rebuilder of japan after destroying it.
Just throwing this out there, Gojira was critically blasted with mixed to negative reviews in Japan as well.Those critics even accusing the film was exploiting World War II and the Lucky Dragon incidents. Gojira would of probably done as good or possibly worse then Godzilla did critically at the time. Even then, Godzilla King of The Monsters was one of, if not the best of the atomic monster movies to come out of that era of American monster films. The film can be a step down from the original, yes. but it is not a butchering of it's intent. Also, Rialto Pictures released the uncut film in 2004. Criterion's release didn't happen until 2012.
In a world full of low rent, Entertainment Tonight style Nerd culture coverage, yours is the lone channel that never disappoints. Simply put, this is the best channel of of it's type on UA-cam, and you Sir, are a genius.
That cut-in at 6:07 though. Monster comes in with what looks like teeth, but is actually revealed to be an opaque cut-out of Japan. And we don't realize till 2 seconds later when Japan is revealed by the American flag. That is some damn clever editing. Damn clever.
That got me too. The editing is always A+++ Truly a cut above the rest.
That fucked me up too man
Richard Bennett -- So legit that you pointed that out, because I was really impressed and in admiration for that particular edit. This channel will never leave my subs.
thats gestalt phenomenon
I've never been particularly interested in Godzilla but DAMN now I am.
This is how I feel about majority of the topics he covers.
He sells it so well.
Sean Patrick Instead watching the newest American Godzilla movie, I recommend you watch the just released "Shin Godzilla" movie 👍👍👍
Same here
Even the new Shin Godzilla is full of such sub-texts.
I'm glad you were able to see this video about Godzilla. I've tried to explain this about Godzilla the way he did in this video. But I was immediately shut down and people closed their minds and didn't listen. Thank goodness for UA-cam and for people able to edit videos that give people information.
Correction: The Criterion remaster was not released until 2012. The first DVD release was through Classic Media in 2006. My mistake
Thanks for the heads up
I love pinned comments as a feature. Great way for vid makers to get information out.
Literally unwatchable
gda612 how so?
ImmortalKing2020 god I hate menes
It seems like your videos get people who don't know about a topic interested, while also making people who love the topic cry because you strike such a chord with them....how do you manage to be both approachable as well as in depth and complex??? That should be a contradiction but you pull it off. Thanks for your work it's such a joy to watch every upload!
By being simple and elegant.
I was just about to comment about how this made me cry
+
I 100% agree
Brevity.
I like the fact that- as you said- Godzilla is just as much a Japanese product as an American one.
I feel Godzilla not only represented the bomb in the original movie, but also the US as a whole.
A destructive power then turned ally as the movies progressed. Suddenly the US and Japan, once enemies- now close allies. Not only politically but also culturally. A lot of american influence shaped Godzilla as time went on.
holy shit your right.
Link 626 yeah but I'm sure if Japan was allowed to continue making their films as they saw fit, they wouldn't have turned out that way. Godzilla is now being turned into a major market by American executives. We've even taken the most recent incarnation of the film and placed one of americas most beloved actors into a lead role. It's watered down at best.
Joshua Harris no one forced Japan to make the Godzilla sequels. I'm sure a the 2014 Godzilla holds no more meaning about the bombs the Godzilla vs Mothra does
They were allowed to continue making films as they saw fit. They wanted to make terrible Kaiju battles similar to 'ultraman' and used the recognizable Godzilla character to do so. A well made film make for deeper reasons devolving into an action series with little more than explosions and special effects, say it isn't so.
yea funny thing about your commenct Darwin Roberson, Without the Kaiju battles in Godzilla, Ultraman wouldn't exist so saying they were doing it based on Ultraman is a flat-out lie. by the time Ultraman was released, movies like Godzilla vs. Mothra and Ghidorah the three-headed monster were released.
As a life long die hard Godzilla fan, I'm so thankful for this video
Me too, also I see what you did with your username, beautifully done.
I was obsessed with Star Wars for too long.
Can already tell this will be good. only 4 seconds in.
You should have known before clicking. Shame on you.
JuTuber for shame indeed.
+JuTuber Agreed. For shame.
I was legitimately unaware that it was an allegory about Hiroshima/Nagasaki. Fantastic video, thanks.
? Just always seen it as an old monster movie.
Understandable.
Same here, this is why we subscribed to kaptainkristian, to explain about the ones we know with more details like these.
James Rolfe did a very extensive retrospective of the Godzilla series 8 years back and came to the same conclusion about the message behind the 1954 movie.
It's a shame how it's still obscure after all these years.
Did the Atomic Breath not give it away?
Both a kaptainkristian and Nerdwriter1 video within 2 days. What a great time to be alive.
Studley Muffin Do you know any other UA-camrs who do great video essays like them?
Every Frame A Painting, Now You See It, Channel Criswell, Art Regard, The Discarded Image. To name a few.
Don't forget Adam Westbrook's Delve & Fusion videos.
Xplozhun85 Thanks! 😀 I knew about Everyframeapainting but none of the others you suggested.
For games, you can also check out Ahoy, Extra Credits and Game Maker's Toolkit.
Challenge~ a video on those clay stop motion Christmas specials
Wilectric Yes. Yes please
yes then he will be the best youtuber
Wilectric Yess!!
Please do one of stop motion movies that would be amazing
Yes!!! That would be incredible.
I'll give Raymond Burr a lot of credit though, as he did understand the symbolism of Godzilla. There is a famous story about the writers and producers of the American version of Godzilla 1985 wanting to turn it into a comedy and Burr telling them point black that Godzilla deserves a somber tone.
Added to that, even if critics saw the film in its original state I feel that many still wouldn't get it. When the restored Japanese version was being shown in film festivals many years ago, famous film critic Roger Ebert reviewed it, rather negatively. Even though he saw the original uncut uncensored no Raymond Burr version, he still didn't understand it.
I'm just glad Gozilla has found renewed popularity again, especially thanks to the massive success, both financial and critical, of Shin Godzilla.
It would have been better if Mike and Jay of redlettermedia fame had done a Half in the Bag review on Shin Godzilla.
Dustyolbones what's also funny, is I've read that when the movie first came out, the original version, not the Hollywood redux, the majority of Japanese critics gave it shit, some because of the reference to the nukes, others thought that a fire breathing gaint monster was stupid or strange, there were many reasons, but overall it wasn't well received in Japan at first, but got more acclaim later on.
***** if you don't have the time to read either mine ot the other comments, why have the time to comment that you can't be bothered?
Roger Ebert didn't like the movie because he didn't think it was well made (iirc). I've seen the original cut of the movie too (it was a Criterion blind buy for me) and even knowing about the nuclear symbolism before hand I thought the movie was incredibly boring.
It's basically boring courtroom scenes and boring drama with short 4 minute scenes of Godzilla doing stuff sprinkled throughout the film. I'm not trying to imply the film has no positive aspects, but I think it's really overrated.
I think this movie has so much acclaim because people enjoy waxing poetic about the nuclear allegory stuff in the movie, this 7 minute video of Kristian doing just that illustrates my point.
I think the drama is what makes it good. Most disaster/monster movies are just about figuring how can they hit the thing harder, while Gojira focuses on the consequences of the attack of the monster and what the creation of a weapon to destroy it would imply. I didn't find it boring, and i don't think it needed more scenes of the monster (although it's not perfect, of course), the opposite of that is the formula of the western monster movie, which i find very, very dull. The scene with the woman and her children was a pretty good one and very touching, even if you don't have in mind the nuclear allegory, so i wouldn't say that's all the movie has.
Sure the allegory is an important part of it, but i think it is a very interesting story nonetheless, despite its flaws (bad performances, for example), so i don't think it's fair to just asume the reason why a lot of people liked it was that flat.
Plus, it's tricky to say something so old is overrrated since back in its time, it was revolutionary, turning into a landmark of its country, that's why it earned the popularity it has.
One of the most beautiful video essays I've ever seen on the platform. I'm a Japanese American filmmaker, 20 years old in the U.S.A. and I've always been saddened by everyone's assumption that Godzilla is merely a monster mash, when it is so much more. Subscribed.
Did you watch the video?
I didn't say that. I'm not upset with the filmmakers so much as I am with the audiences. It's always a pretty obvious point of every Godzilla film that he is actually a good guy. Some viewers see the franchise as another kaiju fighting movie. Emmerich's "Godzilla" is just a terrible film.
I don't know why more people didn't like it. I thought it was really good. I'm looking forward to what he did with Rogue One. I didn't get to see the knew Shin Godzilla movie.
Wait what? Haha this is news to me.
I have now! Been too caught up with Oscar season movies haha.
This essay is the best work you've done. It's an essay that takes the consumer on an emotional journey that opens their minds to a new perspective by sharing historical fact, presenting a strong opinion, with the goal of hearing a once muffled voice. He totally deserves some journalist attention, a piece in the nytimes or Atlantic. More people need to recognize the legitimacy of the modern essay.
This essay also takes liberty with historical truth. No media editor for the NY Times would let this pass without significant revisions.
A large part of this essayist's argument is pinned on the mistaken belief that foreign/American pressure led to Godzilla becoming more cartoony. Actually, it was a decision made by the movie studio to try to appeal more to the Japanese public, not the American public.
Ultimately, this essayist comes off as very young and presumptive -and not an expert in the subject matter.
I am sure I am one of many people who didn't know Godzilla was an allegory for the atomic bombs dropped on Japan. Thank you for this video.
I'm always interested by your choice of topics. It's always something that I didn't expect. As much as I want to hear you comment on Hayao Miyazaki or something like that, I also enjoy seeing what _you_ like to talk about regardless of what the people want.
Keep it up, man. I love these videos. Do yo' thang.
Exactly. I've seen several channels funded by patreon dip in quality after letting patreons choose the topics. I don't want the same happening here
kaptainkristian... teaching me more about the world than the Phys Geology class I'm sitting watching this in. Keep it up!!
well thats because your on your phone instead of paying attention.
Miguel lopez nope my professor just reads everything off ppts. I could just study from the textbook and learn more.
then do that
CharleyDevinAndi then go do that instead of learning geography from a film brakedown video.
***** I know ur gay.
Beautify made my friend!!! When someone ask me why I'm a Godzilla fan or what its about or just anything about him, your video shall be all I need to show them!! Well done!!!
Perfect username. :D
When you put out a video, I make a habit of letting go whatever I was doing to watch them. Thank You for them.
You are the best content creator on UA-cam. The videos you have created have either sparked interests for me that I never had before or rekindled old passions that I had long forgot. Thank you and keep up the good work!
God it hasn't even started but I know your Godzilla video is gonna be good
Your youtube channel is possibly one of the best ones out there. Seriously, keep doing what you're doing. Keep teaching us that much about pop culture without treating us like 12 year old kids
All you can do is smile when you watch his videos.
a creature that was suppose to die, but became a worldwide icon. Gojira isn't just the soul of Japan, he is Japan.
CineFix brought me here, and I ain't regretting the trip.
one of the best short takes on Gojira I've encountered so far
'merica, fuck yeah
Comin' again to save the motherfuckin' day yeah
'merica, fuck yeah
Gonna remove all subtleties, un-American messages and ambiguous elements from the media we adapt, yeah
I can't say I've ever watched the original or the adaption, but when it comes to American remakes/repackaged films I have a firm rule of seeking out the original and avoiding the remake at all costs, so far that's worked out rather well for me.
Look up The Secret in their eyes. The original version (Argentinian) has a political sub text related with the on going political crisis that leds to the military coup. In the american one (WHY WOULD YOU REMAKE A MOVIE MADE 5 YEARS AGO), you don't have that subtext so they relate it to the 9/11. Also, the ending is fucked up because the need of "justice".
amazing... no one seems to focus on godzilla as a cultural icon and hero as a way to get across the harsher themes such as nuclear weapons, post war Japan and ineffective Japanese hierarchy and you cut to the core in this video good job man 10/10.
I already knew most this stuff, but seeing people's surprise in the comments is just awesome. Great video, and thanks for sharing Godzilla's story.
That shot of the Japanese islands acting as the Godzilla shadow's mouth is absolutely genius 6:07 . These videos are just next level
As a lifelong Godzilla fan - I have to tell you that I absolutely love this. This was brilliantly done.
Next time someone asks me why I love Godzilla as much as I do, I'm referring them to this video. Thank you.
It's almost a shame how America underplayed this franchise for over 62 years!
My entire life I've been more than trying to make up for that & convert as many people as I can to being Godzilla lovers. I've converted a lot so far. But then again, once you actually show someone one of Godzilla's best films, it's not that hard to convert someone into being a Godzilla fan.
Karen Catizone You keep doing that. Some fans are giving up, but true fans stay.
I'm seeing the opposite actually. Godzilla seems more popular right now than I can ever remember. In fact, I think the whole Kaiju/Monster genre is about to explode. I think people are at the very start of "I'm getting sick of Comic Book Movies" phase & I think because of that, Kaiju/Monster movies are going to be the next big (literally & figuratively) thing in movies. And as always, Godzilla is leading the charge!!
Karen Catizone I am not too sure. Comic Book movies are still going quite strong. Godzilla and Kong are the only leading characters so far. Pacific Rim is there but it won't get much attention.
Your videos are just as beautiful and heartfelt as EveryFrameAPainting is. I feel your passion for the subjects and I hope many others can feel it too.
Video essays with quality this good are so overlooked. This is so good
This video's a highlight among the lineup of one of the strongest channels on UA-cam. Excellent work as always bud!
Absolutely brilliant essay, as always! You are an inspiration, Kap!
Editing here is just so good. And the message was great. That 5:00 mark was the most compelling statement I think.
The mother comforting her kids in the original version struck an emotional core within me. I had to pause to recollect myself.
Fantastic as always Cap'! So happy I found your channel, recommended it to all my friends and their partners.
The imagery at 6:09 is amazing. Very well thought through.
You never stop impressing me. I mean seriously, your videos are some of my favorite things on UA-cam.
Damn, these video essays always be hitting it on that sweet spot
This is one of the best and most accessible analyses of Godzilla I have ever watched. I love all of your videos and have seen everyone of them 3 or 4 times. Keep up the good work.
This was an excellent video kaptainkristian. I live in Tokyo and have been wishing for a Godzilla movie made with the same intentions as the original 1954 film for decades. As much as I love some of the later Godzilla offerings, especially the 1984 Godzilla, none have quite lived up in their sociopolitical impact. Then earlier this year I was pleasantly surprised with the release of Shin Godzilla, which features a Godzilla design featuring even more physically accurate scarring to those disfigured in the aftermath of the atomic bombings in Japan, a mushroom cloud shaped head and not only an allegory for nuclear war, but also nuclear power and the destruction of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It's a shame that it didn't receive a wider and longer release in the USA. It was the top grossing film of the summer in Japan and is still playing in theaters even now in December, still ranking at #2 in the box office!
kaptain you're videos legitimately get my hyped everytime I see them on my sub list. Its hard to believe that I'd get so excited for a UA-cam video, but you're one of a kind editing, commentary, and analysis of all the subjects I love leave me wanting more. Please continue far into the future! We all love your work!
Absolutely great video, props for doing your research
I have to say, your videos are some of the best composed, most insightful videos about culture and media that I've found on UA-cam. Top marks my friend.
Great video analysis on Godzilla.
I also liked your description of the Hollywoodization of Godzilla, though I am surprised you didn't mention the very epitomye of that Hollywood domestication that is Roland Emmerich's Godzilla 1998.
KaptainKristian is in my opinion THE BEST youtube channel such a great quality and loved put in his videos. Each video is so well thought out and so informative and yet entertaining. Just like the masterpieces showcased in each of his videos he is just that a masterpiece. Thanks for making this videos i love them and i am sure a lot of people do too.
Wow I'm early on a Kaptain Kristian video. This is lit
Content - on point, visuals - on point. One of my favorite channels out there
When's the VeggieTales video coming out?
Not only do you increase my interest in things I like, you introduce me to things I never would've checked out on my own. One of the major reasons I love your channel. Keep it up, man. Oh Kaptain my Kaptain!
And that's why we got the masterpiece that is Shin-Gojira.
@kaptainkristian - always love watching your video essays. You're an eloquent, effective, and enjoyable writer. Love the work!
Can you do a video on mars bars and the unfair negative reception that they get.
international mars bars? or american mars bars.
General Franky I hate mars bars
American Mars Bars? Those exist?
MrAwesome172 they have almonds for some reason. and theyre hard to find. but yeah
XcaptainXobliviousX
huh, TIL
your production is unreal. all your videos are top-tier quality.
fantastic job.
Out of all the monsters ever created, this by far and many can agree, Godzilla is indeed king of the monsters, and the greatest iconic, metaphorical monster of all time. More films than James Bond, a film series still continuing to this date and not to mention, the Godzilla films with other Kaiju started the "cinematic universe." Culturally amazing and politically metaphorical. I love Godzilla.
Fantastic as always. The transference of older mundane popular culture, often seen as only surface deep, to in depth philisophical wonder and cultural importance, all in a clear, brief, well structured video (both visualy and vocaly) never ceases to entertain me. Thank you for making these videos.
yessss lets go. I am here and I am happy to be here :)
Honestly this is the best UA-cam channel I've ever subscribed to, please keep up the amazing work
incredible video, I had no idea of the historical significance of Godzilla to the Japanese
Your videos always make me look at the subject in a way I never thought about. Whatever anyone tells you to make a video about, I hope you continue express what is important to you.
Every video this guy puts out is a damn masterpiece. Brilliant job mate!!
also any chance you might do an evangelion video? or maybe a gundam video? anything with mechs in it? I mean if you don't that's cool you do you bro :)
Skypup The only video I somewhat disagree on is the Image Comics one, but even then it was so well done in every sense, I still loved it.
Peter Cahill why? because the dude of spawn also sued some people?
Seriously the greatest channel on UA-cam. Never a dull video and always insightful!
While I really appreciate and see the care and effort that was clearly placed into this video and the perspective I'm sure it gives to those not immediately familiar with the franchise, there are a few things I don't completely agree with. The franchise's shift into more popcorn entertainment and kaiju battles isn't so much due to American influence and censorship as it is to Toho adapting to keep the franchise relevant and profitable. The first sequel to the original film, _Godzilla Raids Again_ (1955), very much tried to preserve the allegorical meaning of the first film, but was nowhere near as effective or successful. However, Toho realized the potential for giant monster movies utilizing the suitmation pioneered by the original film and endured a booming period of success with such films in the late 1950's and early 1960's. When Toho finally made the next Godzilla film in 1962, _King Kong vs. Godzilla_, they designed it as a satire with a focus on entertainment rather than subtext, and this proved to be the winning formula as far as sustainable box office success. Not to mention that Godzilla had attracted a demographic of young child viewers by the mid-1960's, a time where live-action superhero television programs like _Ultraman_ and _Kamen Rider_ were immensely popular among that age group and draining film attendance in Japan. Toho adjusted the films as necessary to feature a heroic Godzilla and other elements that resonated with a child audience in order to keep the series afloat financially.
And that isn't to say that the series wasn't still capable of containing relevant subtext and themes. Many of the 1960's and 70's Godzilla films contain some kind of social commentary and messages, although they aren't nearly as powerful as that of the original film. When Toho finally revived the series after a long hiatus in 1984, they chose to discard what the series had become in the 60's and 70's and produce a direct sequel to the first film. And they managed to keep it relevant to the Japan of the times by focusing on a world where Japan was caught in the middle of the Cold War, between two nations who could start World War III at any time. Just as the original _Godzilla_ provided commentary on the wounds of post-war Japan, _The Return of Godzilla_ provided insight to Japan in the height of the Cold War. The films produced since then have of course varied in how much deeper meaning they contain, but there have been others that manage to do the original film proud. A great example is 2001's _Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack_, which tackles how modern-day Japan has responded to the sins it committed during World War II and presents Godzilla as living retribution for those actions. And of course there is the recent _Shin Godzilla_, which has really struck a chord with Japanese audiences by trying to show how modern-day Japan would realistically respond if Godzilla actually rose from the ocean and attacked Tokyo, not to mention providing commentary on the Fukushima disaster and how the government responded to it.
I will agree to an extent that American influence has shaped Godzilla's evolution as a character to a degree. Godzilla is an internationally known icon, and also a source of pride for Japan. The fact that a Japanese-made character is almost universally known and has spawned such a colossal franchise makes it no wonder that Toho would attempt to market the franchise towards western audiences. But _Shin Godzilla_ directly responds to the currently more well-known American depiction of Godzilla seen in the 2014 Legendary Pictures film, by being a hugely successful and uniquely Japanese film.
Overall, I will commend this video for at least demonstrating and addressing the thought and meaning that really went into the original _Godzilla_, and why that film today is properly respected as the masterpiece it is. But I don't entirely agree with the notion that the American editing of the first film is responsible for turning the franchise away from how it started. I argue that it is more a result of Toho keeping the series relevant and profitable, and allowing Godzilla to take on new meanings for new people. Godzilla remains a recognizable icon and a powerful symbol, even though he may not only be an atomic postwar allegory anymore. Solely blaming the American recut of the original film for moving Godzilla away from the meaning of the original film is a gross and short-sighted oversimplification.
i'm certain that the guy who made this little video essay has never seen The Return of Godzilla, and perhaps hasn't even seen the original Godzilla all the way through, or even Shin Godzilla. it felt like it was glossing over a wikipedia article and sort of spinning a fable whole cloth about a history that doesn't exactly mirror the truth.
Huh. Thanks for the detailed explanation. Did most of the Japanese film companies (Shochiku, Daiei, Nikkatsu, etc) make this sort of formula/demographic shift? If so, that really changes and undermines the entire premise of this video. I'd like to see KaptainKristian respond.
David Boucard I'm not overly familiar with how each studio responded to the changes in the Japanese film industry, however I am sure they were all impacted to a degree when the Japanese film industry began declining in the late 60's and early 70's, and Toho was not the only studio affected. Daiei specifically had an ongoing franchise of giant monster films, _Gamera_, heavily inspired by the success of the Godzilla series that began an even more dramatic shift towards child audiences in the late 60's. Some have even argued that part of the reason the Godzilla franchise began to try and appeal more towards children was to match the appeal of the Gamera films, though I'd argue it was due more in part to the popularity of shows like _Ultraman_. Toho even produced an _Ultraman_-inspired show in the 1970's called _Zone Fighter_, which featured appearances from Godzilla. Both Shochiku and Nikkatsu tried their hand at Godzilla-inspired kaiju movies in the 1960's too, producing what are now considered the genre cult classics _The X from Outer Space_ and _Gappa_, respectively.
I don't doubt that the other major studios continued producing serious adult-oriented films throughout the 60's and 70's, but my main point is that the Godzilla films had a very large child audience, and so Toho realized the importance of retaining this audience as the film industry declined. Daiei even went bankrupt in the early 1970's due to this decline, while Toho was forced to put Godzilla on hiatus after the fifteenth film, _Terror of MechaGodzilla_, bombed at the box office. (Ironically, _Terror of MechaGodzilla_ may be one of the most serious and least child-oriented films in the franchise)
There's this fucking idiot on a website the reviewed Shin Godzilla that claimed that the franchise went downhill all because Godzilla fights monsters instead of destroying Japan. Pure ignorance at it's finest I told him!
Xj Productions What the f**k? So Godzilla/Gojira going back to being the only monster, being a terrifying force of nature and has something to say about the goverment and humanity is bad?
You never fail me kaptain. As your last poignant comment fades into silence sinking the message deep, the signature sign off music drops and the dopamine rush kicks. You get me every time sir. You inspire. Never stop, never stopping.
A great video as always. You give such awesome insight.
Mexican Armadillo Have you watch Shin Godzilla?
I can't get over how you just came out of nowhere with these REALLY high quality videos. All of the effects, transitions, and writing is just so good. Way to go, dude, you're what I aspire to be.
I guess I'll get up to date on this guy now that I lost.
#godzillaryclinton
You really keep knocking these videos out of the park. I look forward to your next one!
Big fan of Godzilla here. Excellent video. Amazing job.
Kap your work continues to blow me away, certainly in my top 5 youtubers and I think the quality of the product you put out is number 1, so polished , such a good script , amazing.
Shin Godzilla really brought it back to the original allegory... unlike the mess that was Godzilla (2014)... or back when Puff Daddy ripped off Led Zeppelin.
SILVERMANIA Yeah, about that thing with Puff Daddy... that wasn't him ripping them off. That was a collaboration with Jimmy Page.
C'mon Godzilla (2014) wasn't THAT bad. It was an enjoyable monster movie at the very least.
Cancer You're fucking boring... and your attention span is too used to Marvel flicks.
Hey, Godzilla (2014) and Shin Godzilla are two completely different reboots!
Cancer Ah yes the classic "Godzilla Screen Time" complaint which had already overstayed it's welcome for over 2 damn years now!
It amazes me that there is content like this on youtube. Love watching this yo
GOJIRA!!!! Seriously, this channel is underrated af.
Cannot love this more.
Thanks Kristian. I'm so happy to have your perspective on a range of media that is this channel.
why are you not on the trending page?
caleb terr it's just been uploaded, not even 1000 views lol
You mean paid promotion tab
caleb terr he was there when he uploaded the super man video
Because his videos aren't shit. Trending Is for vine comps, "pranks" and jimmy kimmel live.
exactly
wow! One of your bests so far. Loved some of the history that I was not even aware of. Thank you for the class man!
Your videos... so good.
I don't think I've EVER seen such good editing on a UA-cam video, and I've been here from the beginning. Also, I feel like kaptainkristian is a friend of mine in real life that hasn't mentioned that he makes these amazing videos. Every one so far has been about a topic that I am already interested in.
I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE GODZILLA WAS AN ALLEGORY FOR THE NUCLEAR HOLOCAUST STRUCK ONTO JAPAN ! I feel bad for thinking that he was just a badass monster striking havoc to people..
This is some of the best video editing I have ever seen in my life. The transitions are just amazing!
thank you once again for giving us this lesson, really makes you think about censorship
I never had interest in Godzilla until you came into my life with this video. Dam, you editing is incredible too. Good work! You deserve more subs and views
Can you do a video dedicated to Aardman Animations(the guys behind Wallace and Gromit,Shaun the Sheep,Flushed Away,Etc)?
I love KaptainKristians Videos! They're so good! I love what he talks about and also the amazing editing!!
Keep up the great work!
Scrolling down these comments make me glad that i'm still the proud Godzilla fan I was 10 years ago. No fandom, no PS4 video game and no terrible 1998 remake will ever stop the king of all franchises from reminding us pathetic, low life, and weak humans that history shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men! Go go Godzilla!
You're visuals are amazing. Idk how you do it, but I don't want to let them go unappreciated :)
Godzilla is truly special to me
Ik it's corny but damn I love it.
Straight at you the dude who made this, this is some of the finest video editing I've ever seen in a youtube video.
Look at me. You're the Kaptain now!
I don't know how you do it man. every video no matter the topic you make it digestible and entertaining. make UA-cam great again
Please do an MF Doom video
Whagwan You have to spell the man's name in all caps
ArSeNaL The Gamer "all big letters but it isn't no acronym."
All caps when You spell the man's name.
Yess
and one on Cage Kennylz
Did you watch the Vox video on MF DOOM?
I never really comment but these videos are amazing. Some of the best video essays over films on youtube. Keep up the great work!
And all of us just thought it was an outdated special effects film...
Just watched all of your videos in a row, even those with topics I thought I'm not interested in but still ended up enjoying them. Amazing channel, keep up the good work.
The fact than now godzilla become the defender of japan is like a big metaphor of how the United States became the rebuilder of japan after destroying it.
You manage to make videos about things I don't care too much about and make me care. It's amazing
Just throwing this out there, Gojira was critically blasted with mixed to negative reviews in Japan as well.Those
critics even accusing the film was exploiting World War II and the Lucky Dragon incidents.
Gojira would of probably done as good or possibly worse then Godzilla did critically at the time.
Even then, Godzilla King of The Monsters was one of, if not the best of the atomic monster movies to come out of that era of American monster films. The film can be a step down from the original, yes. but it is not a butchering of it's intent.
Also, Rialto Pictures released the uncut film in 2004. Criterion's release didn't happen until 2012.
Never knew that!
In a world full of low rent, Entertainment Tonight style Nerd culture coverage, yours is the lone channel that never disappoints. Simply put, this is the best channel of of it's type on UA-cam, and you Sir, are a genius.
Who's the one dude who disliked this video?
king kong
Jc Cummins the Powerpuff girls
Jc Cummins An Atomic bomb lover
mothra
Jet Jaguar