Frankensteins Kampf gegen die Teufelsmonster

Despite certain objections that are generally associated with kaiju films, at least in this period, it is still a film that tries to say something. Moreover, there are some interesting scenes, especially when Godzilla is flying, which is truly a unique endeavor. Yoshimitsu Banno handled the opportunity quite well and directed a film that can captivate with its partial innovation and a new monster that has ambitions to further appear. (08.02.2015)

12) GODZILLA vs. SMOG MONSTER – ORIGINAL SHOWA SERIES 1954-1974. In the context of the entire Godzilla's franchise, Banno's take is a unique achievement. Dark, bleak and at times even horrific (when the Japanese, killed by sulphur dioxide fumes, disintegrate into skeletons), with a strong environmental appeal. It’s a pleasant and welcome change from the infantile concept of Ishiro Honda and Jun Fukuda in particular. The central monster is Hedorah, a creature born from garbage and pollution that feeds on toxic fumes and inhales delicious smoke from factory chimneys. The fights with Godzilla are pleasantly uncompromising (with mutual eye gouging, for instance), and at the end Banno goes all in and even lets Godzilla rip the guts out of Hedorah to the tune of "Save the Earth". What's interesting is the discordant, at times almost psychedelic soundtrack, which gives the film a snazzy atmosphere. Too bad TOHO's buffoons were scared of such an uncompromising concept and Banno stayed with just one film. (27.08.2010)