Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964)

Back in his bad boy days when Gojira would roll into town looking to stir up trouble by knocking over some buildings and crushing the local citizens, the people would call on Mosura to help them out.

I enjoyed this movie, it's one of the last Mothra movies to be aimed at adults as well as children. Later, the movies became obviously aimed at kids.

The miniatures were good and Godzilla was given a menacing face to make sure you knew he was the bad guy in this tale. I did worry a little for the actor inside when it looked like his costume caught on fire!

Mothra was at the end of her life cycle and her appearance showed it. Though ragged around the edges she was still her graceful, mystical, environmentally conscious self even if she was not at the top of her game.

The twin Shobijin fairies were once again played by the Peanuts, singers from the 1960's. Mothra's besties always know when to call on her for help and when to encourage her.

There was a rather lengthy subplot about greedy investors wanting to use Mothra's egg that washed up during a typhoon as a tourist attraction, but we all know the main attraction was watching the two leads fight! The fights were short but effective and a reminder to never underestimate a Butterfly.

These movies were made before CGI and you have to let your mind travel back into a simpler movie time to enjoy it. But enjoy it I did.

15 March 2021

1 October 2026 Update:

I just finished rewatching this film and enjoyed it all over again. The monsters showed up at around the 33 minute mark and the battle was on until the end! Toho regulars Takarada Akira and Koizumi Hiroshi were compelling leads even in this genre.

I love how Mothra's twins trash talked Godzilla.

This is the film where the Godzilla suit caught fire though quickly went out. The take was used in the film. Looks a bit terrifying for the actor inside when the head caught fire.

I'm always amazed at the women running in pencil skirts and high heels. I would have been one of the first casualties trying to run in that outfit, long before Godzilla could get to me.

Poor Big G had several tail malfunctions. He gets his tail caught in a tower which really ticked him off. Then Mothra dragged him by said tail. Finally, the Mothra caterpillar bit down on G's tail and like me with a chocolate chip cookie---wouldn't let go!

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