Godzilla Raids Again (1955)

Godzilla Raids Again, aka "Gigantis, the Fire Monster" (1955) is an "ok" sequel to the original Gojira (1954) film.  This entry in the series finds a second Godzilla battling another monster called "Anguirus" that kind of looks like a giant turtle with spikes on his shell.  The only familiar face that I spotted from the first film was Takashi Shimura making a reappearance as "Dr. Yamane."  Unfortunately this film seems more amusing at times than "terrifying" or "exciting."  This time the heroes are two pilots who work as spotters for a Japanese fishing fleet, and the city of Osaka has the misfortune of being the battlefield for the two monsters.

One thing I really did like about the film is the nice work that the production team does with miniatures.  They do a really nice job, again keeping in mind the budget and time of production.  The editing and scene transitions are not as smooth as they were in the first film and translation of the subtitles is a little rough in some spots.  I think the problem may be with the actual storyline.  The military and local authorities seem to be on the verge of constant retreat. The prison escape scene and the getaway are like something straight out of a "Keystone Cops" slapstick short.  And the ending is very long, dragged out, repetitive, and not very suspenseful.  Again, not even close to the previous film.

Hiroshi Koizumi stars as "Tsukioka" and Mindru Chiaki as "Kobayashi", the two pilots.  With Mayuri Mokusho as "Yasuko" the radio operator.

If you're a fan of the series then it's definitely worth watching.  It's not broadcast very often but it shouldn't be too hard to find a copy.

On Screen -- Gojira (1954)

A flash of light ...  There's an eruption beneath the surface of the sea ...  People scramble about on board a ship screaming in terror ...  Ship sinks engulfed in flames ...  A handful of survivors are discovered floating about clinging to debris ...  So begins the story of Gojira.  I think this is actually the first time I've seen the actual Toho uncut Japanese version of the film.  It seems to flow and have better continuity than the American version with the scenes of an American news reporter (Raymond Burr) spliced in.  But no Mr. Burr in this version.  There also seems to be more references to the atomic and nuclear bomb testing that I hadn't noticed in the American version.

I'm sure everyone knows the basic storyline.  Superstitious old islanders believe an ancient myth has come to life.  Japanese scientist believes monster was released from the depths of the sea due to nuclear testing.  One scientist wants to study the creature, others want only to destroy it.  In the mean time Godzilla rampages around flattening every building in its path and setting Tokyo ablaze with his radioactive breath.  The film does have really good special effects for its time and since most of the action takes place at night, the rubber suit on the star is not as noticeable as in the future Godzilla films.  I personally think the suit adds something that you can't get from any CGI.

One other thing I'd like to mention is the score.  The music is really moving and kind of came to be known as "Godzilla's theme song", like the opening music in the film "Jaws", because it was reused in later Godzilla films.  Some very well known Japanese actors include the guy in the suit Haruo Nakajima starring as "Godzilla", Akira Takarada as "Hideto Ogata", Momoko Kochi as "Emiko", Akihiko Hirata as "Dr. Serizawa", and Takashi Shimura as "Dr. Yamane".

Trivia  --  The clock tower that Godzilla tears down is the Wako department store clock tower in the Ginza district of Tokyo and still stands today.

So if you're only going to pick one of the many Godzilla films to checkout , stick with the original.  And if this one isn't available to, you then the 1956 "Godzilla, King of the Monsters" Americanized version is almost as good.  Enjoy ...