Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974)

Apelike aliens build a robotic Godzilla to destroy Japan, and the true Godzilla may not be powerful enough to destroy it.

Director:

Jun Fukuda

Writers:

Jun Fukuda, Masami Fukushima (story)

Stars:

Masaaki Daimon, Kazuya Aoyama, Reiko Tajima

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Masaaki Daimon	...	Keisuke Shimizu
Kazuya Aoyama	...	Masahiko Shimizu
Reiko Tajima	...	Saeko Kanagusuku
Akihiko Hirata	...	Professor Hideto Miyajima
Hiromi Matsushita	...	Ikuko Miyajima
Hiroshi Koizumi	...	Professor Wagura
Masao Imafuku	...	Tengan Kunigami, the Azumi Royal Family High Priest
Bellbella Lin	...	Nami Kunigami, the Azumi Royal Family Princess (as Barbara Lynn)
Shin Kishida	...	Interpol Agent Nanbara
Gorô Mutsumi	...	Alien Supreme Leader Kuronuma
Daigo Kusano	...	Yanagawa, Alien Agent #1
Takayasu Torii	...	Interpol Agent Tamura
Kenji Sahara	...	Ship's Captain
Yasuzô Ogawa	...	Construction Foreman
Takamitsu Watanabe	...	Alien Henchman # 1

Storyline

Aliens intend to take over the planet and, just in case Godzilla tries to interfere, have built a mechanical version of him to put an end to his interference. The Earth humans summon the legendary King Seesar to assist Godzilla in the battle.

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Plot Keywords:

godzilla | alien | giant robot | robot | robot monster battle | 

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Taglines:

All New! Never Seen Before!

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Genres:

Action | Fantasy | Horror | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

March 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Godzilla vs. Bionic Monster

Filming Locations:

Okinawa, Japan

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,873,268

Company Credits

Production Co:

Toho Company, Toho Eizo Co.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Fujicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the German release of the movie, MechaGodzilla is called King Kong. The reason for this name-change is unknown, although it is likely that the German distributors simply wanted to ride on the actual King Kong's popularity. It is also possible that they have been inspired by the ape-like aliens who control the robot in the movie, or that "King Kong" was simply something of a catch-all term for giant monsters in general. Film historian David Kalat also suggests that the distributors have been confused by the film King Kong Escapes (1967), in which Kong fights a mechanical version of himself, and incorrectly thought that the name "King Kong" referred to the giant robot. It is also of note that another giant robot character, Jet Jaguar from the movie Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) was also called King Kong in the German dubbing.

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Goofs

When the boulder containing Mechagodzilla (disguised as Godzilla) flies out of the exploding pit, the wires used to fly the boulder are clearly visible.

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Quotes

Professor Hideto Miyajima: This material can only be space titanium.
Masahiko Shimizu: Space titanium?
[pause]
Masahiko Shimizu: You mean it's from outer space?
Professor Hideto Miyajima: Uhum...
[and he lights a pipe]

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Connections

Follows Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

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Soundtracks

A Young Girl's Prayer
("Miyarabi No Inori")
Performed by Bellbella Lin
Music by Masaru Satô
Lyrics by Jun Fukuda

User Reviews

One of the Better 70s Godzilla.

Released in 1974, Gojira tai Mekagojira is a very nice break from the garbage that was 1973's Gojira tai Megaro (Godzilla Against Megalon). Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla was made to commemorate Godzilla's 20th anniversary. Toho hired veteran composer Masaru Sato for the music, Teruyoshi Nakano was brought back for special effects, and Jun Fukuda returned to direct. After Godzilla vs. Megalon, Fukuda does a 180 and gives us an exciting, original, well-paced film.

The special effects are among the best of the Showa series. While some of the Black Hole Aliens scenes leave some to be desired, the monster scenes are well done,and greatly improved over Godzilla vs. Megalon. The battles between Godzilla and Mechagodzilla are fast-paced and brutal. Mechagodzilla is a very original foe for Godzilla, and probably his deadliest. Godzilla himself is the Megarogoji from 1973, but Toho gave him a "mean" look. King Seesar is an interesting monster, and has a small cult following, but many look down upon him due to him getting pummeled by Mechagodzilla.

There are flaws though. Character development leaves some to be desired, but this can be forgiven by the film's fast pace. Also, some special effects shots, like Mechagodzilla's chest lightning, look ridiculous.

Here's an interesting fact for those who don't already know: During Godzilla's fight with Fake Godzilla, you may notice that Fake Godzilla seems rather goofy, with a chubbier jaw, and his hands resemble Mechagodzilla's missile finger. This is because Toho used a promotional Godzilla suit, instead of making a second Megarogoji suit, which they couldn't afford. The Fake Godzilla suit was also used for water scenes, because water causes a lot of wear and tear on Godzilla suits.

Overall, Gojira tai Mekagojira is a fast-paced, fun, exciting film to watch. Possibly the best of the seventy's, and it's leaps and bounds above Godzilla vs. Megalon. However, if you're expecting anything like the original Gojira, or the Golden Age, look elsewhere. But, if you're the kind who enjoys fast-paced action, this is your kind of film.

Score:7/10