Jamaal
MemberMothra LarvaeNov-01-2014 8:00 PMAre there any fans of Godzilla Raids Again here?
Wow! What a fight between Godzilla and Anguirus! While it's apparent that the camera speed for all of their knockdown, drag out in Osaka wasn't quite right, still it was quite a battle. The scenes of Godzilla wading ashore at night, then being lured away with the flares, and then returning after the blackout is violated by the action of the escaped convicts, is, simply, beautiful. I love this Goji design. It's creepy and monstrous.
In contrast, the human drama is kind of corny. But, the characters are likeable, even somewhat endearing. Their conversations and scenes were quiet, not very dramatic, as if you were actually in the room with them. GRA is not as epic as Gojira, but it has a lot to offer, especially visually.
I'm watching now as one of the main characters makes the ultimate sacrifice in the last battle against Godzilla.
Oh, and I loved Anguirus' roar. At one point, during the fight with Godzilla, it apparently made a building, a castle, I think, crack!
It was also particularly good seeing several Toho actors early in their careers: Hiroshi Koizumi (Mothra, Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ghidrah, The Three-Headed Monster, Godzilla ’84, Godzilla, Mothra, Mechagodzilla: Tokyo SOS); Yoshio Tsuchiya (The Mysterians, Monster Zero, Destroy All Monsters, Ghidrah, The Three-Headed Monster) as well as the return of Takashi Shimura reprising his role as Dr. Yamane.
The blackout of Osaka as Godzilla comes ashore is accompanied by a musical cue that is ominous and atmospheric: just right in conveying a sense of anticipation and dread.
Then, there’s the jailbreak: the escaped convicts trying to elude the police in a blacked out city during an act that will bring Godzilla back to Osaka where he will fight an ancient enemy. That’s one of the beauties of Godzilla Raids Again: the interconnected nature of people and events.
Godzilla wading ashore and stepping out of the harbor at Osaka is one of the best kaiju entrances I’ve seen. Ever. Their fight has a very surreal, nightmare quality to it. As if you could not believe it even if you were actually seeing it take place.
And the miniature work is excellent. There's one scene during the fight when I feel as if I'm only a few blocks away, watching from around a corner or from behind a building.
123invaders
MemberMothra LarvaeNov-01-2014 9:37 PMI think this film is actually quite good. It has it's flaws here and there but it's still really enjoyable
NerdyBandGeeks
MemberMothra LarvaeNov-01-2014 10:29 PMI saw it right after watching Gojira and also Godzilla: King of the Monsters!, and the major thing I noticed was that in the original, they slowed down the monster by 3X, but in GRA, they left the speed alone, so the monster action seemed really fast in comparison. I felt it was a serious take on "what would happen if there were two monsters fighting" like the new Godzilla tries to be. This movie was really the turning point from serious to campy in my opinion.
HeiseiKing
MemberMothra LarvaeNov-01-2014 10:43 PMI thought it was ok not the best but way better than revenge
Durp004
MemberBaragonNov-01-2014 11:31 PMI actually think Godzilla Raids Again as probably one of the most underrated Godzilla films. The fight between Godzilla and Anguirus is probably my favorite fight sequence in the series. There are times when it comes off as cheap like the fact they needed to make a head puppet for any atomic breath or roars since the suit couldnt really open it's mouth, but looking aside those things(something that shoudln't be a big deal to fans since a lot of godzilla movies cut corners when it comes to those types of things) it's a really enjoyable and surprisingly dark movie. Afterwards with King Kong vs Godzilla the series took a much lighter approach, but this is a very good Godzilla movies unfortunately some of the characters and their traits are kind of just thrown in.
It's a good addition to include the monsters are attracted to light, something that is never really addressed again and it's a very well done scene for the blackout along with seeing the ruined Osaka.
G. H. (Gman)
AdminGodzillaNov-02-2014 9:06 AMI think the first and second act is outstanding for what they are. Yeah, some of the scenes feel rushed; the prisoner escape is too long and coincidental. The fact that Tsuburaya's crew forgot to shoot some of the monster fight at a higher frame rate is jarring. The editing is all over the place. But the first two acts manage to overcome these flubs with an atmospherically grim tone and likeable characters.
After Godzilla defeats Anguirus, however, the movie has nowhere else to go. The third act's only story motivation for the characters isn't put in motion until the tail end when Godzilla is spotted on the island. Suddenly it's revealed (shoehorned) that Kobayoshi had feelings for Setsuko to make it more tragic when he dies-- Something the third act had plenty of time to explore, but really should've been introduced earlier. I also don't like how the characters act so casual post-Osaka's destruction. Gone are the moments of melancholy in the wake of a leveled city. You would think they had already defeated Godzilla with the way they act and it's pure coincidence that Godzilla tends to show up near the locations they're constantly hopping anyway.
Although the movie has plenty of positive merit to it, I think the last third shoots most of its efforts down. I'm rather apathetic toward the movie in that I don't feel passionate about it either way. That's a sign it's not exactly working all the way through. Ultimately, I think Godzilla Raids Again is a fine example of why "dark" doesn't equal "better". There tend to be plenty of light hearted/family Godzilla films that are far more consistant.
Jamaal
MemberMothra LarvaeNov-02-2014 2:42 PMI loved reading the responses regarding Godzilla Raids Again.
On further thought, it does seem like really two very distinct movies. First, there’s the Invasion and Giant Monster Fight in Osaka, which I loved. For whatever reason, by design or cameraman error, the fight between Godzilla and Anguirus, parts of it, at least, are too fast. So visually, it’s surreal, like a dream. It can’t really be happening. Look at it: giant monsters, these incredibly large creatures shouldn’t be able to move like this. Then, there are instances where Godzilla and Anguirus move as one would expect, especially when they’re circling each other, before reengaging in their fight to the finish. And it has a finish, a definitive conclusion. No tumbling into the sea. No comeback for one of them.
Then, there’s the Soap Opera.
The narrative involving the human characters doesn’t really serve as a bridge to the next set of SPFX scenes and the eventual confrontation with Godzilla, the concluding great attempt to defeat him. But, it was kind of nice sitting with them. They could have seemed a little more nonplussed by what had happened in Osaka. I mean, giant monsters leveling large sections of the city in spectacle that could only be described as nightmarish. Their reaction: well, life goes on, in Hokkaido. Some evidence of traumatization would have lent some credibility, some believability (I know I’m asking a lot) to the story. The film was meant to be taken seriously. So it’s not camp. So we’re asked to believe and follow the story as if it’s really happening.
But, still a very watchable entry in the series.
Huge-Ben
MemberBaragonNov-03-2014 9:17 AMhttp://hugeben.deviantart.com/ check out my gallery of Godzilla artwork! Follow me on Twitter@thebigbadben90.