I'd like to offer further exploration into a comment you made in your video. In your analysis of '54, you stated that Godzilla fits well into the vast fables within Japanese mythology surrounding serpents or kami. I think this is also heavily shown within the character progression of Godzilla himself as the showa series goes on, (for the sake of analysis let's choose to interpret the showa series as one timeline). Also, for the sake of simplicity, I'll be using "dragon" to refer to the idea of the serpent in eastern culture as it's more recognizable. Within Eastern storytelling, dragons are usually depicted as being benevolent or noble in nature, only attacking humans as punishment for some wrong doing they have committed, often times towards nature itself. The latter part of my description is best shown in the '54 film, as you mentioned. Not only that, but the film takes a very somber almost pessimistic approach towards humanity. We will continue to be punished if our actions continue to perpetuate. That is exactly what happens in the subsequent film. However, if we look at Honda's later Godzilla films from the 60's, they do highlight negative aspects of humanity, but they take a much more optimistic stance. Honda chooses to emphasize the positive side of humanity, and how through cooperation and compassion, certain external and internal conflicts can be overcome. It's interesting to note how the change in humanity's depiction and efforts coincide with the change in Godzilla as a character. This connects to the aforementioned description of eastern dragons. Typically they only attack when they or their environment is under threat, but are willing and able to offer assistance or even guidance to those who adhere to the noble ideals of the dragon. This sticks with the theme in most showa films that we are the ones that need to change. Where I am going with this is this. When humans begin to resolve their own issues, and stop attacking the thing that is simply a byproduct of our own recklessness, the very thing that punished us will be the thing that can help us. In this case Godzilla can be representative of that. Humanity goes through a progression in the showa films, as Honda demonstrates us resolving those very issues within ourselves, and I think it is no wonder Godzilla, the dragon, becomes more benevolent as we change. As you mentioned, vs Hedorah shows another side of humanity that needs resolution, and of course Godzilla gives us that disapproving glare as a reminder for what could possibly happen if we don't whip ourselves into shape. These themes aren't explored much more if at all in the showa films after hedorah, but the subtext of the films from the '50s and '60s may just act as supplementary material to enhance the character of Godzilla in the '70s films. I find it interesting how almost every film in the showa series that explores a social/political theme,, focuses on a different issue, and then shows that issue being rectified by the characters or humanity as a whole, and as these films progress, humanity and Godzilla's relationship strengthens. The only exception I can think of would be '54 which as you and myself mentioned, takes a much more pessimistic view of humanity. While this was likely not a major consideration for the filmmakers, I think it can easily be interpreted this way if someone chooses too. I wouldn't put it past Honda to have had considered this, at least to some degree. This is a pretty rudimentary analysis, but I thought it was kinda neat.

Gmk is a good example of why a good story, writing and characters are just as important if not more than the monster(s) themselves

*“It’s man that created that monster, mankind is far more monstrous”* - Professor Hayashida ( The Return of Godzilla)

Your comments on the anime trilogy were the most flattering I've heard about it. I admire how you're always able to find and appreciate what is unique about a given piece of media.

Probably the best Godzilla video I've seen. No joke.

“History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of man.” Great video!

I really hope TOHO continues to use the character in a more lenient way. The first anime and Shin gave him some new thematic life and kinda rekindled my love for the character. I’m excited to see what nuanced ideas new artists can bring to the table

Can I just point out the fact that Snow Godzilla got acknowledged in a cameo at the end? That's a nice touch.

Excellent analysis man! You went really deep into a lot of the history behind your choices. Some things I didn't even know about like the connection to the real life Samurai Takamori for GMK Goji, that is cool! Hopefully Toho will continue to make Godzilla's future interesting and original. Keep up the great work!

Very interesting video and very interesting list. My favorite versions of Godzilla are: Legendary Godzilla, G2K Godzilla, GMK Godzilla, Heisei Godzilla, shin Godzilla, 1954 Godzilla and Final wars Godzilla.

I have just finished your Eva video and I am amazed how detailed both of them are. Truly amazing work. I have never seen any Godzilla movies before but after my exams I think I might binge some of the film's. Great video

I wonder how exactly would Honda react to 2014, Shin, the Anime Trilogy, KOTM, GVK and SP. It's a tragedy he's not with us anymore, it would have been interesting to see how he would have responded to the Modern Reiwa and Monsterverse.

This was absolutely excellent! Great video essay!

Legendary represents the invaluablilty of nature taking back the control from the humans and ending the horrible reign man if we don't act fast or else it'll be too late

Excellent work on this Nova!

ha this is a very interesting list. I like any good interpretation of the big G. As long as it's good and respect godzilla. Whether he's heroic, a villain, a metaphor for nuclear weapons, a force of nature or a antihero. Or in the anime trilogy case a plant god that trilogy was weak

Fantastic video. Thank you. I look forward to the next one.

My favourite versions are: Legendary, Final Wars, Earth,Heisei, Mire, Shin, GMK and 54

The cinematography in hedora is so impressive

Perhaps the best deep analysis of Godzilla on this platform. Thanks!!

Before watching the video... Favorites: GMK for being out there while still honoring the original. 70s super hero. I admit I've gotten fond of this and sort of want to see superhero Godzilla come back. Shin Godzilla. And of course the original that was a dangerous monster but also got a moment of sympathy near the end. Least favorite: I wanna love the Anime Trilogy one but god damn it! I love the idea! But the design and execution are boring! I mean I used to think the Kiryu duo Godzillas were the most boring Godzillas ever but at least they had a great design!

Great video!! Keep up the good work

Finally someone says something positive about the anime trilogy's philosophy and Godzilla, THANK YOU

16 minutes in and I say to myself ," wow I guess he won't throw any shade at the Hesei Era this time. Wrong lol

That was very interesting and accurate. Man is the real monster.

Great video!

I keep hearing about the WWII era of Japan's occupation of Indonesia from my grandmother to this day and have made research essays about it for school, and it kind of confused me what the GMK Godzilla represents specifically. Like I think Japan knows it brought the bomb on itself for their invasions and lack of humanity in that era, hence turning over a new leaf in the modern age, though that change has also negatively effected it, but their fear at the destructive power of nuclear weapons from being at the receiving end of it is pretty justified especially with later developments of the bombs. But so is Godzilla in GMK like the embodiment of the soldiers who did those cruel things in the war being vengeful for the country forgetting them? The victims of the lands they invaded wanting justice and vengence? Or a mix of both factions and they became equally restless over all of them being forgotten by the nation that was at the center of their suffering? My strongest guess is that last one with everyone who died, but these new contexts you brought up makes me think there's possibly more going on here.

Great job.

VERY good...................BIG 'LIKE' for this video!!

I saw you disappeared off Twitter, otherwise I’d congratulate you there. This is far and away your best video. Tremendous stuff. Hope all is well and thank you as always for your contributions to this realm of inquiry.

I really enjoyed this essay. Though, the last film you mentioned here, the anime film series, I very much disliked, especially the last one, "Planet Eater."

Great!

Gonna miss ya on Twitter Noah. Don't blame you at all for leaving.

Awesome

I don't know how, but I got notification about this video. I'm not subscribed to this channel, more so, have never seen it, and still somehow got notification. I even haven't seen any godzilla movies! Not a single one! It's not like I'm disappointed though

My favorite versions are Final Wars, Legendary, Showa (1968-1972, 1974-1975), and 1999-2000.

I did not know Godzilla's name had an origin in tradition.

21:46 and that was the origin of the first form of shin goji dont ask me why its probably named after he attacked it

I though you will Mention Monsterverse Godzilla

sometimes i feel like i am the only one who likes godzilla 98' and the anime trilogy

Will you be able to reconstruct you Twitter account? A great video here!

2:53 He looks like the Japanese version of Larry King

I think you should give your opinion of terror of mechagodzilla and godzilla against mechagodzilla.

10:35 aww shit, its hideki go!

8:11 Well, that aged poorly.

115 likes. Bring me more 115

I can't watch the Shin Godzilla. The way he "Evolves" from stage to stage reminds me of Digimon. If I was in theaters when it came out, they would have kicked me out for disturbing the audience by pulling my phone out to play that theme song.

GMK design is scary as fuck

Man, that analysis on Godzilla Earth feels very far-reaching. When we're introduced to him through how he's annihilating unarmed escape craft, it's hard to view him as anything short of evil. Not to disregard your points, but I feel there's a "lying through omission" effect here if you're trying to get people to expand their horizons with this video.

Godzilla is coup de grande to an what an "accident" feels like. 👩‍🍼👨‍🍼

Out of all these interesting takes on godzilla, godzilla earth is the worst of them all

I think GMK is the best one out of all of them, especially compared to Shin & the Anime Trilogy which themes honestly disgust me. I think this vid explains why m.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fqqooKVjqZ_TdIE.html