Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla: Difference between revisions

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| gross          = {{US$|14.1 million|long=no}}<ref name="BOM">{{cite Box Office Mojo|id=0314111|title=Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)|accessdate=April 25, 2024}}</ref>
| gross          = {{US$|14.1 million|long=no}}<ref name="BOM">{{cite Box Office Mojo|id=0314111|title=Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002)|accessdate=April 25, 2024}}</ref>
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{{nihongo|'''''Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla'''''|ゴジラ×メカゴジラ|Gojira tai Mekagojira}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2010/07/04/godzilla-perfect-collection-box-6/ |title=GODZILLA SOUNDTRACK PERFECT COLLECTION BOX 6|last=DeSentis|first=John|work=Scifi Japan|access-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref> is a 2002 Japanese ''[[kaiju]]'' film directed by Masaaki Tezuka, with special effects by Yūichi Kikuchi. Distributed by [[Toho]] and produced under their subsidiary [[Toho Studios|Toho Pictures]], it is the 27th film in the [[Godzilla (franchise)|''Godzilla'' franchise]] and the fourth film in the franchise's [[Godzilla (franchise)#Millennium era (1999–2004)|Millennium period]], and is also the 26th ''Godzilla'' film produced by Toho. The film features the fictional giant monster character [[Godzilla]], along with an updated version of the [[mecha]] character [[Mechagodzilla]], who is referred to in the film as Kiryu. The film stars [[Yumiko Shaku]], Shin Takuma, Kou Takasugi, Yuusuke Tomoi, Kumi Mizuno, and [[Akira Nakao]], with [[Tsutomu Kitagawa]] as Godzilla and [[Hirofumi Ishigaki]] as Kiryu.
{{nihongo|'''''Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla'''''|ゴジラ×メカゴジラ|Gojira tai Mekagojira}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2010/07/04/godzilla-perfect-collection-box-6/ |title=GODZILLA SOUNDTRACK PERFECT COLLECTION BOX 6|last=DeSentis|first=John|work=Scifi Japan|access-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref> is a 2002 Japanese ''[[kaiju]]'' film directed by Masaaki Tezuka, with special effects by Yūichi Kikuchi. Distributed by [[Toho]] and produced under their subsidiary [[Toho Studios|Toho Pictures]], it is the 27th film in the [[Godzilla (franchise)|''Godzilla'' franchise]] and the fourth film in the franchise's [[Godzilla (franchise)#Millennium era (1999–2004)|Millennium period]], and is also the 26th ''Godzilla'' film produced by Toho. The film features the fictional giant monster character [[Godzilla]], along with an updated version of the [[mecha]] character [[Mechagodzilla]], who is referred to in the film as Kiryu. The film stars [[Yumiko Shaku]], Shin Takuma, Kou Takasugi, Yuusuke Tomoi, Kumi Mizuno, and Akira Nakao, with [[Tsutomu Kitagawa]] as Godzilla and [[Hirofumi Ishigaki]] as Kiryu.


Like the previous films in the franchise's Millennium era, ''Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla'' is a [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] that ignores the events of every installment in the ''Godzilla'' film series aside from the [[Godzilla (1954 film)|original 1954 ''Godzilla'']]. A direct sequel, ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]'', was released on December 13, 2003.
Like the previous films in the franchise's Millennium era, ''Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla'' is a [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] that ignores the events of every installment in the ''Godzilla'' film series aside from the [[Godzilla (1954 film)|original 1954 ''Godzilla'']]. A direct sequel, ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]'', was released on December 13, 2003.


==Plot==
==Plot==
Forty-five years after the first [[Godzilla]]'s attack and death,{{efn|As depicted in the [[Godzilla (1954 film)|1954 self-titled film]].}} [[maser]]-cannon technician Lieutenant Akane Yashiro is unable to kill a new member of Godzilla's species during her first fight with it, leading to her commanding officer and some of her fellow soldiers being killed by Godzilla. As a result, Akane is demoted while scientists, including single father Tokumitsu Yuhara, are gathered to build a cyborg [[mecha]] from the first Godzilla's skeleton. In time, the [[cyborg]], [[Mechagodzilla|Kiryu]], is finished and inducted into the [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]] along with its human pilots, the Kiryu Squadron, with Akane as the primary pilot. However, memories of her actions during the first battle still linger as one of her squadron mates, 2nd Lieutenant Susumu Hayama, holds her responsible for the death of his brother.
Forty-five years after the first [[Godzilla]]'s attack and death,{{efn|As depicted in the [[Godzilla (1954 film)|1954 self-titled film]].}} [[maser]]-cannon technician Lieutenant Akane Yashiro is unable to kill a new member of Godzilla's species during her first fight with him at [[Tateyama, Chiba|Tateyama]]. During the battle, she panics when Godzilla starts to attack and accidentally knocks a tank off the road, where it comes to a stop near Godzilla and he steps on it, killing her comrades inside.


Four years later, Kiryu is unveiled in a global presentation where its remote systems, use of command aircraft, and [[Mechagodzilla#Arsenal|Absolute Zero Cannon]] are shown. Simultaneously, Godzilla returns and Kiryu is launched into battle. In the midst of this however, Godzilla's cry causes Kiryu to experience memories of its past life and destroy the city while Godzilla retreats. The horrified Kiryu Squadron is powerless to stop the rampaging Kiryu until it runs out of energy and is brought back to headquarters for repairs.
As a result, Akane is demoted while scientists, including single father Tokumitsu Yuhara, are gathered to build a [[cyborg]] [[mecha]] from the first Godzilla's skeleton. In time, the cyborg named "[[Mechagodzilla|MFS-3 Kiryu]]" is finished and inducted into the [[Japan Self-Defense Forces|Japan Xenomorph Self-Defense Forces]] (JXSDF) along with its human pilots, the Kiryu Squadron, with Akane as the primary pilot. However, memories of her actions during the first battle still linger as one of her squadron mates, 2nd Lieutenant Susumu Hayama, hates her because his brother died in the tank.


Meanwhile, Akane deals with Hayama's attempts to make her leave and Tokumitsu's attempts to get to know her despite her desiring solitude, though she begins to develop a bond with Tokumitsu's young daughter Sara. As Godzilla mounts another attack, the repaired Kiryu is deployed and confronts Godzilla once more. Kiryu gains the upper hand, but as it prepares the Absolute Zero Cannon, Godzilla fires its atomic breath, knocking Kiryu away and diverting the blast. With Kiryu disabled and the remote piloting system taken offline, Akane orders Hayama to land his command craft so that she can use Kiryu's internal backup cockpit. Before she leaves, Hayama wishes her luck, forgiving her. Piloting Kiryu directly, Akane closes in on Godzilla, hoping to use the Absolute Zero Cannon at point-blank range. As the two monsters collide, Akane uses Kiryu's thrusters to propel them out to ocean before firing. In the aftermath, an injured Godzilla retreats once more while Kiryu is heavily damaged. With the Kiryu Squadron successful in repelling Godzilla, Kiryu is taken back to base for repairs.
Four years later, Kiryu is unveiled in a global presentation where its remote systems, use of command aircraft, and [[Mechagodzilla#Arsenal|Absolute Zero Cannon]] are shown. Simultaneously, Godzilla returns and Kiryu is launched into battle. In the midst of this however, Godzilla's roar causes Kiryu to experience memories of its past life and goes berserk while Godzilla retreats. The horrified Kiryu Squadron is powerless to stop the rampaging Kiryu until it runs out of energy and is brought back to headquarters for repairs.
 
Meanwhile, Akane deals with Hayama's attempts to make her leave and Yuhara's attempts to get to know her despite her desiring solitude, though she begins to develop a bond with Yuhara's young daughter Sara. As Godzilla mounts another attack, the repaired Kiryu is deployed and confronts Godzilla once more. Kiryu gains the upper hand, but as it prepares the Absolute Zero Cannon, Godzilla knocks Kiryu away with atomic breath and diverting the blast. With Kiryu disabled and the remote piloting system offline, Akane orders Hayama to land his command craft so that she can use Kiryu's internal backup cockpit.
 
Before she leaves, Hayama wishes her luck, forgiving her. Piloting Kiryu directly, Akane closes in on Godzilla, hoping to use the Absolute Zero Cannon at point-blank range. As the two monsters collide, Akane uses Kiryu's thrusters to propel them out to ocean before firing. In the aftermath, an injured Godzilla retreats while Kiryu is heavily damaged. With the Kiryu successful in repelling Godzilla, it is taken back to base for repairs.


In a post-credits scene, Akane agrees to have dinner with the Yuharas and salutes Kiryu.
In a post-credits scene, Akane agrees to have dinner with the Yuharas and salutes Kiryu.
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==Cast==
==Cast==
{{cast listing|
{{cast listing|
* [[Yumiko Shaku]] as JXSDF Lieutenant Akane Yashiro, the member of Kiryu squadron and the film's main human protagonist.
* [[Yumiko Shaku]] as Akane Yashiro, the member of Kiryu Squadron, the operator of Kiryu and one of the film's main protagonists.
* Shin Takuma as Tokumitsu Yuhara, Sara's single father.
* Shin Takuma as Tokumitsu Yuhara, Sara's single father.
* Kana Onodera as Sara Yuhara, Tokumitsu's daughter.
* Kana Onodera as Sara Yuhara, Tokumitsu's daughter.
* Kou Takasugi as JXSDF Colonel Togashi
* Kou Takasugi as Togashi, the lieutenant of Kiryu Squadron.
* [[Akira Nakao]] as Hayato Igarashi, the current [[Prime Minister of Japan]]. Nakao previously portrayed Takaki Aso in Heisei-era Godzilla film series.
* [[Akira Nakao]] as Hayato Igarashi, the current [[Prime Minister of Japan]]. Nakao previously portrayed Takaaki Aso in Heisei-era Godzilla film series.
* [[Yūsuke Tomoi]] as JXSDF 2nd Lieutenant Susumu Hayama
* [[Yūsuke Tomoi]] as Susumu Hayama, the lieutenant of Kiryu Squadron and one of pilots of ''Heron''.
* Junichi Mizuno as JXSDF 1st Lieutenant Kenji Sekine
* Junichi Mizuno as Kenji Sekine, the lieutenant of Kiryu Squadron and one of pilots of ''Heron''.
* [[Kumi Mizuno]] as Machiko Tsuge, Prime Minister of Japan.
* [[Kumi Mizuno]] as Machiko Tsuge, Prime Minister of Japan.
* Yoshikazu Kanō as Hishinuma
* Yoshikazu Kanō as Hishinuma
* [[Takeo Nakahara]] as JXSDF Chief Ichiyanagi
* [[Takeo Nakahara]] as Ichiyanagi, staff sergeant
* Kōichi Ueda as Dobashi
* Kōichi Ueda as Dobashi, the director general of the Defense Agency.
* Midori Hagio as Kaori Yamada
* Midori Hagio as Kaori Yamada, microwave scientist.
* Akira Shirai as Shinji Akamatsu
* Akira Shirai as Shinji Akamatsu, robotics engineer.
* Naomasa Rokudaira as Dr. Gorō Kanno
* Naomasa Rokudaira as Goro Kanno, the low temperature physicist.
* [[Shinji Morisue]] as JXSDF 1st Lieutenant, Hayama's older brother who got killed by Godzilla in 1999.
* [[Shinji Morisue]] as Hayama's older brother who got killed by Godzilla in 1999.
* [[Katsuo Nakamura]] as Yasushi Torisawa
* [[Hideki Matsui]] as himself
* [[Tsutomu Kitagawa]] as [[Godzilla]], the mutant dinosaurian creature and the film's main antagonist.
* [[Tsutomu Kitagawa]] as [[Godzilla]], the mutant dinosaurian creature and the film's main antagonist.
** Kitagawa also portrays the [[Godzilla (1954 film)|first Godzilla]], the original form of Kiryu in the flashback and makes a cameo as Maser Cannon crew.
** Kitagawa also portrays the [[Godzilla (1954 film)|first Godzilla]], the original form of Kiryu in the flashback and makes a cameo as Maser Cannon crew.
* [[Hirofumi Ishigaki]] as [[Mechagodzilla|Kiryu]], the cyborg version of the first Godzilla built by JXSDF and the film's main protagonist. It is loosely based on Super-Mechagodzilla from ''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II]]'' and [[Zilla (Godzilla)|Cyber-Godzilla]] from ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]''.
* [[Hirofumi Ishigaki]] as [[Mechagodzilla|Kiryu]], the cyborg version of the first Godzilla built by JXSDF and one of the film's main protagonists. It is loosely based on Super-Mechagodzilla from ''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II]]'' and [[Godzilla (TriStar)|Cyber-Godzilla]] from ''[[Godzilla: The Series]]''.
* [[Katsuo Nakamura]] as Nishizawa
* [[Hideki Matsui]] as himself
}}
}}


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As has been done since the early 1970s, Toho had the international version of ''Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla'' dubbed in [[Hong Kong]]. This dubbed version was released on DVD by [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]] in 2004.
As has been done since the early 1970s, Toho had the international version of ''Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla'' dubbed in [[Hong Kong]]. This dubbed version was released on DVD by [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]] in 2004.


== Soundtrack ==
===Soundtrack===
''Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla'' the first film of the series with a soundtrack recorded outside of Japan. Director Masaaki Tezuka once again turned to composer [[Michiru Oshima]] following their successful collaboration on [[Godzilla vs. Megaguirus|''Godzilla X Megagurius'']], with the score itself being recorded by [[Moscow Symphony Orchestra|Moscow International Symphonic Orchestra]], under conductor Konstantin D. Krimets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.godzillamonstermusic.com/KICA586.htm|title=GODZILLA X MECHA-GODZILLA|website=www.godzillamonstermusic.com|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref>  Tezuka and Oshima would both return for the film's sequel, ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.|Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S]]''.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}
''Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla'' the first film of the series with a soundtrack recorded outside of Japan. Director Masaaki Tezuka once again turned to composer [[Michiru Oshima]] following their successful collaboration on ''[[Godzilla vs. Megaguirus]]'', with the score itself being recorded by [[Moscow Symphony Orchestra|Moscow International Symphonic Orchestra]], under conductor Konstantin D. Krimets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.godzillamonstermusic.com/KICA586.htm|title=GODZILLA X MECHA-GODZILLA|website=www.godzillamonstermusic.com|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref>  Tezuka and Oshima would both return for the film's sequel, ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.|Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S]]''.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}


==Release==
==Release==

Latest revision as of 23:04, 30 June 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "about". Template:Main otherScript error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Main other Script error: No such module "Nihongo".[1] is a 2002 Japanese kaiju film directed by Masaaki Tezuka, with special effects by Yūichi Kikuchi. Distributed by Toho and produced under their subsidiary Toho Pictures, it is the 27th film in the Godzilla franchise and the fourth film in the franchise's Millennium period, and is also the 26th Godzilla film produced by Toho. The film features the fictional giant monster character Godzilla, along with an updated version of the mecha character Mechagodzilla, who is referred to in the film as Kiryu. The film stars Yumiko Shaku, Shin Takuma, Kou Takasugi, Yuusuke Tomoi, Kumi Mizuno, and Akira Nakao, with Tsutomu Kitagawa as Godzilla and Hirofumi Ishigaki as Kiryu.

Like the previous films in the franchise's Millennium era, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla is a reboot that ignores the events of every installment in the Godzilla film series aside from the original 1954 Godzilla. A direct sequel, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., was released on December 13, 2003.

Plot

Forty-five years after the first Godzilla's attack and death,Template:Efn maser-cannon technician Lieutenant Akane Yashiro is unable to kill a new member of Godzilla's species during her first fight with him at Tateyama. During the battle, she panics when Godzilla starts to attack and accidentally knocks a tank off the road, where it comes to a stop near Godzilla and he steps on it, killing her comrades inside.

As a result, Akane is demoted while scientists, including single father Tokumitsu Yuhara, are gathered to build a cyborg mecha from the first Godzilla's skeleton. In time, the cyborg named "MFS-3 Kiryu" is finished and inducted into the Japan Xenomorph Self-Defense Forces (JXSDF) along with its human pilots, the Kiryu Squadron, with Akane as the primary pilot. However, memories of her actions during the first battle still linger as one of her squadron mates, 2nd Lieutenant Susumu Hayama, hates her because his brother died in the tank.

Four years later, Kiryu is unveiled in a global presentation where its remote systems, use of command aircraft, and Absolute Zero Cannon are shown. Simultaneously, Godzilla returns and Kiryu is launched into battle. In the midst of this however, Godzilla's roar causes Kiryu to experience memories of its past life and goes berserk while Godzilla retreats. The horrified Kiryu Squadron is powerless to stop the rampaging Kiryu until it runs out of energy and is brought back to headquarters for repairs.

Meanwhile, Akane deals with Hayama's attempts to make her leave and Yuhara's attempts to get to know her despite her desiring solitude, though she begins to develop a bond with Yuhara's young daughter Sara. As Godzilla mounts another attack, the repaired Kiryu is deployed and confronts Godzilla once more. Kiryu gains the upper hand, but as it prepares the Absolute Zero Cannon, Godzilla knocks Kiryu away with atomic breath and diverting the blast. With Kiryu disabled and the remote piloting system offline, Akane orders Hayama to land his command craft so that she can use Kiryu's internal backup cockpit.

Before she leaves, Hayama wishes her luck, forgiving her. Piloting Kiryu directly, Akane closes in on Godzilla, hoping to use the Absolute Zero Cannon at point-blank range. As the two monsters collide, Akane uses Kiryu's thrusters to propel them out to ocean before firing. In the aftermath, an injured Godzilla retreats while Kiryu is heavily damaged. With the Kiryu successful in repelling Godzilla, it is taken back to base for repairs.

In a post-credits scene, Akane agrees to have dinner with the Yuharas and salutes Kiryu.

Cast

Template:Cast listing

Production

Following the successful revival of the monsters Mothra and King Ghidorah the previous year, Toho elected to bring back Mechagodzilla for the next installment in the Godzilla franchise. Unlike previous iterations of Mechagodzilla, this version is mostly referred to by the name Kiryu (derived from Kikai-ryu, the Japanese word for "machine dragon") throughout the film. This was done to differentiate the character from previous versions. It was, however, referred to as "Mecha-G" and "Mechagodzilla" in the English dubbing of the next film, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S..

Japanese baseball star Hideki Matsui has a cameo as himself in the film, due to his nickname "Godzilla".

As has been done since the early 1970s, Toho had the international version of Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla dubbed in Hong Kong. This dubbed version was released on DVD by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in 2004.

Soundtrack

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla the first film of the series with a soundtrack recorded outside of Japan. Director Masaaki Tezuka once again turned to composer Michiru Oshima following their successful collaboration on Godzilla vs. Megaguirus, with the score itself being recorded by Moscow International Symphonic Orchestra, under conductor Konstantin D. Krimets.[2] Tezuka and Oshima would both return for the film's sequel, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Release

Theatrical

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla was released in Japan on 14 December 2002.Template:Sfn The film was released in select theaters in the United States for one day on November 3, 2022 via Fathom Events to commemorate the franchise's 68th anniversary, dubbed "Godzilla Day."[3] It pulled $335,000 for the latter release, a respectable gross for a film released only for a single night with no major advertisement beforehand.[4]

Home media

The film was released by Sony Pictures/Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment on DVD on March 23, 2004. It was released under the American title, Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla - International Version, which has new English opening and closing credits but is otherwise the same as the original Japanese version.[5]

Its second release was on Blu-ray by Sony as part of the Toho Godzilla Collection.[6] and was released on September 9, 2014 as part of a 2-disc double feature with Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack.

Critical response

Reviews of Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla have been positive. Mike Pinsky of DVD Talk gave the film three stars out of five, saying: "While I did have some minor complaints, [this is] a fine entry in the series." Pinsky said "the plot is more interesting than most giant monster movies," and "the battle scenes, which are the main reason anyone watches these films to begin with, were great."[7] Giving the film a "B+" score, Mark Zimmer of Digitally Obsessed said that it's "a good deal of fun and one of the better entries in the series."[8] Digital Monster Island gave the film a "B" score, calling it "a fun and exciting film that should please most kaiju fans."[9]

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

Template:Reflist

Sources

Template:Refbegin

  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Template:Refend

External links

Template:Sister project

Template:Navbox with collapsible groups Template:Masaaki Tezuka

  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla - Comparison".dvdcompare.net
  6. ↑ "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla - Review". blu-ray.com
  7. ↑ Review - Mike Pinsky. DVD Talk April 2nd, 2004
  8. ↑ Review- Mark Zimmer. Digitally Obsessed March 21, 2004
  9. ↑ Template:Usurped. Digital Monster Island
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