Did you know there are 30 "Godzilla" movies?

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Did you know there are 30 "Godzilla" movies?

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Writer: Casey Chong

"Gojira", or internationally known as, "Godzilla", is more than just a monster movie. First appearing in 1954, "Godzilla" is famously known for revolutionising the kaiju genre in the history of Japanese cinema. The black-and-white classic, in turn, became so successful at the Japan box office during its original release in 1954 and subsequently paved the way for more sequels and reboots over the course of 60 years. Since then, "Godzilla" is hailed as a Japanese icon and also became a mass inspiration for many future filmmakers around the world, including Mexican director Guillermo del Toro for his kaiju-inspired Hollywood blockbuster, "Pacific Rim" in 2013. To date, there are 30 feature movies of Godzilla made in Japan and Hollywood (the 1998 American remake directed by Roland Emmerich and the 2014 reboot by Gareth Edwards). Following the success of Edwards' version of "Godzilla" two years ago, the Japanese version has finally made its own huge comeback with "Godzilla: Resurgence" this year. Otherwise known as "Shin Godzilla" in Japan, the brand new reboot had already attracted positive reception both critically and financially when it first premiered in its native country back in July. Thankfully, local fans and audiences can finally witness the return of Japanese Godzilla stomping into our cinemas this 22 September. To honour the upcoming release of "Godzilla: Resurgence", let's take a step back towards the past and check out every Godzilla movie examined and evaluated from its successful black-and-white origin in 1954 to the recent Gareth Edwards' Hollywood reboot in 2014.

10. "All Monsters Attack" (1969)

"All Monsters Attack" follows a bullied young boy named Ichiro (Tomonori Yazaki), who befriends Godzilla's son, Minilla. Despite also internationally known as "Godzilla's Revenge", this atrocious entry has actually nothing to do with a so-called "revenge". Instead, "All Monsters Attack" is essentially a kiddie flick. In fact, the Godzilla itself is reduced to a supporting role. If that's not bad enough, the movie even recycled some of the stock footage from prior Godzilla movies!

11. "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" (1971)

This time, Godzilla faces a brand new foe known as Hedorah, a mutating slime monster born out of mankind's pollution. As the "Godzilla" movies entered the era of the 1970s, director Yoshimitsu Banno was bold enough to attempt something different than your usual kaiju movie. The result is a hugely divisive entry that features eccentric imageries such as the psychedelic disco scene, animated segments and even musical interludes. Banno even tries to make the movie socially relevant by including an environmental message concerning the effect of global pollution and the U.S.-inspired hippie movement that dominated during the 1960s and 70s. The movie even went as far as showcasing Godzilla flying backwards through the air and spewing its atomic breath!

12. "Godzilla vs. Gigan" (1972)

This twelfth "Godzilla" entry follows an aspiring comic-book artist, Gengo (Hiroshi Ishikawa), who lands a job working at the World Children's Land amusement park. However, there is something weird going on with his employers. His investigation eventually leads him to a tape that contains a garbled signal meant for Godzilla and Anguirus. Following the divisive result of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" that led to a box-office disappointment, the producer (Tomoyuki Tanaka) of the series opted for a more traditional sequel via "Godzilla vs. Gigan". Sure, it features the standard tropes of monster smackdowns (in this case, it's Godzilla, Anguirus, Gigan and King Ghidorah) and an alien invasion premise. Unfortunately, the movie is executed in a campy yet haphazard manner including the whole shenanigans of the mysterious theme-park attraction.

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Cinema Online, 19 September 2016