Official Godzilla/Gojira/Kaiju Appreciation Thread

[Kakihara]

Now I don't expect this thread to catch fire or anything, but I searched for Godzilla and didn't see any threads come up...so here's my humble one for all those who enjoy Godzilla movies and/or other various Kaiju movies.

For me, I just recently bought up all of the Millenium series of Godzilla movies as well as a couple of ones from the Hesei era and freaking love them. I would call them guilty pleasures, but I in no way feel guilty in loving them. They are admittedly campy at times, but alot more serious and interesting to me than most of the films from the Showa era of Godzilla, sans the original.

Oh, and I also just picked up the original Ultraman series from the 60s and Zeiram, a movie which may not be specifically Kaiju, but definately influenced by Kaiju predecessors.

 

[Silvermoth]

I watched Pulgasari last night. It was actually fascinating to see how the North Koreans do kaiju films. Worth a watch, if for nothing else but the wtf factor

 

[Silvermoth]

I wonder how soon it’s going to be before someone makes a film where there’s a kaiju stomping around outside and people deliberately throwing themselves under its feet because they “should have the freedom to do that”.

anyway has anyone got any good kaiju recommendations?

 

[Spider-Fan]

Kailua films are one of my favorite genres. I have bought many, lol. Got the Criterion set for the Showa Godzilla films and I own the various blu ray releases and 2 packs of the Heisei and Millenium series. Also have the Mothra movies, etc. My preferred era for Godzilla is the Heisei series. For me, I love the on going story and they're quality is more consistent than the Showa series.

The new Gamera set kind of looks awesome, but I own all the movies already. Hard for me to justify paying 130 bucks that I don't have for it. I rewatched all of the Showa Gamera films last year, and I love them in all their bonkers glory. But Heisei Gamera is definitely his golden age. That trilogy is amazing. I have yet to watch Gamera The Brave, even though I do own it. That said, someone needs to bring Gamera back!!!!

I also have to give love to the recent Godzilla King of the Monsters. It reminded me of a Toho Godzilla film in the Showa era during his hero phase. Big, loud, dumb, and awesome. Only with a clearly higher budget.

I have also been buying the Ultraman sets. I need to power through those one day.

 

[Sithborg]

On the plus side of the GvK delay, Bandai had to fill out their SH Monsterarts releases. So, I have preordered Biollante. And just picked up the 2019 Burning Godzilla. And am so tempted to pick up the GMK Godzilla special color. And I hope a rerelease of King Ghidora 2019 is in the works...

 

[MarvelFan]

Kaiju is only one genre in the whole of Tokusatsu genre. The others are Kamen Rider, Ultraman, Super Sentai, Metal Heroes.

Though the most famous genre overseas, I suspect are Kaiju (because of Godzilla & Gamera) and Super Sentai (because of Power Rangers).

My absolute favorite of Tokusatsu genre is Metal Heroes (because series like Sharivan, Shaider, Gavan, Spielvan, Metalder, Winspector, and Solbrain that became part of my childhood).

I really hope, besides Kaiju and Super Sentai (Power Rangers), the other Tokusatsu genre will become more and more known around the world.

 

[MarvelFan]

I have also been buying the Ultraman sets. I need to power through those one day.

Hope you like it, Spider-Fan
Japanese superheroes show are kind different from more grounded and gritty American show, hope you dont mind a little corny or campiness that came from it, just consider it as part of its charm.

for Ultraman, I suggest you start with the Heisei era series (Tiga, Dyna, and Gaia).

Those three series especially are very good and kind of reimagining Ultraman for new generation.

 

[3rdstone]

I watched Pulgasari last night. It was actually fascinating to see how the North Koreans do kaiju films. Worth a watch, if for nothing else but the wtf factor

Late reply, but for those that don't know: Pulgasari has an interesting story including the director of the film being South Korean and kidnapped (!) in Hong Kong in 1978, by orders from Kim Jong-il. He and his wife later escaped in -86.

Edit: I can't seem to put up links here now for some reason, but it's easy to find the story.

 

[MarvelFan]

Late reply, but for those that don't know: Pulgasari has an interesting story including the director of the film being South Korean and kidnapped (!) in Hong Kong in 1978, by orders from Kim Jong-il. He and his wife later escaped in -86.

Edit: I can't seem to put up links here now for some reason, but it's easy to find the story.

I heard that story.

It is Kaiju unrelated but there is one other story involving Kim Jong il that became widely known here in Japan that Kim Jong il has try at least more than one time to sneak in into Japan just because he want to experience to be body massaged in the famous night life Soapland. That pervert...

 

[MarvelFan]

anyway has anyone got any good kaiju recommendations?

I'd recommend 3 Mothra Heisei era movies, though they are more of child orientation movie.but it still fun movie though.

For the old and classic, I would recommend the first Radon movie (made in 1956). The opening movie is like horror movie in which a lot of people dissapearing into the mines. If you like Radon in King of Monster, I very recommend to watch this very first appearance of Radon.

 

[MarvelFan]

There is one title that I just remember and would like to recommend.

Kaitei Gunkan (1963)


It features the first appearance of Manda, a snake like Kaiju.

I dont know how popular this particular kaiju is among America fans compared to the popular ones like Mothra or King Ghidorah, but Manda is appears along with Godzilla in Dai Kaijūsōshingeki / Destroy All Monsters in 1966 and also in Godzilla Final Wars 2004.

For those who still unfamiliar with this kaiju, I recommend this movie.

 

[Sithborg]