Godzilla (2014)

The original Godzilla, the original original, I mean, not the US-cut with Raymond Burr, but the original Japanese film, is not only a cinematic landmark, but also a very powerful work. Godzilla was intended to be the living incarnation of an atom bomb, and he tapped into Japan's fears of nuclear holocaust and resurgent militarism. But over the years the King of Monsters became a loveable comic book hero. This new American film attempts to return the Big-G to his roots, but with somewhat checkered success. Perhaps the most glaring fault in the film is its chest-thumping militarism. The protagonist is none other than a proud American soldier. Even if the film does somewhat question the military's heavy-handed tactics, it does not resort to outright criticism, and the armed forces are glorious heroes trying to save the world from the MUTOs. Contrast this with the hero from the original film, Dr. Serizawa, who only uses his new super-weapon to stop Godzilla at the very last moment, and sacrifices himself to ensure the weapon can never be built again. There is a definite moral backbone to the original that is not present in this new version. Maybe it is that people have become cynical, and morality tales no longer have the impact they once did, but more likely the Americanization is to blame. If there is one area where the film does succeed, it is in the depiction of the aftermath of the destruction. Unlike Man of Steel which pretty much leveled an entire city while ignoring the human aftermath, Godzilla fully displays the horrific consequences that result from the giant monsters' rampage. There is plenty of spectacular action on display here (Godzilla shooting fire down the MUTO's throat is spectacular), but at the same time, it feels rather sterile. There is something appealing about the rough and tumble special effects of the original Godzilla, and this feels too perfect. Something is missing from here, and I suspect it has a great deal to do with the film's American origin. Godzilla is, ultimately, a very Japanese creation, and in many ways is very specific to the Japanese culture. Perhaps what this film has done most for me is convinced me to go back and see the rest of the original Godzilla films. At the very least, they seem a lot more lively and colorful.