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Mothra vs. Godzilla
モスラ対ゴジラ
1964 89 min Japan 16+
★7.0
Drama, Action, Science Fiction
Director: Ishirô Honda
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
Journalists Ichiro Sakai and Junko cover the wreckage of a typhoon when an enormous egg is found and claimed by greedy entrepreneurs. Mothra's fairies arrive and are aided by the journalists in a plea for its return. As their requests are denied, Godzilla arises near Nagoya and the people of Infant Island must decide if they are willing to answer Japan's own pleas for help.
Worldwide:
$10M
Starring
Akira Takarada
Actor
Yuriko Hoshi
Actor
Hiroshi Koizumi
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
Mothra vs. Godzilla is widely considered a landmark entry in the franchise that successfully establishes the formula for future monster crossovers. While opinions on the monster battles and the film's aging practical effects are divided, most viewers appreciate the thematic critique of corporate greed and the iconic score by Akira Ifukube.
| Score | Akira Ifukube’s score is a standout element that significantly enhances the film's atmosphere. | |
| Theme | The narrative effectively critiques human greed and corporate exploitation, adding meaningful thematic depth to the monster conflict. | |
| Production | The Godzilla design is menacing and aggressive, marking a high point for suit-based practical effects of the era. | |
| Editing | The monster battles divide viewers; some find them thrilling and iconic, while others view them as slow, clumsy, or visually dated. | |
| Production | The film's practical effects—specifically the use of miniatures and suits—are praised as peak craftsmanship for 1964 by some, while others find them cheap or comical by modern standards. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are split between those who enjoy the serious, deliberate buildup and those who find the human-centric exposition sluggish. |