Godzilla

1) GOJIRA - ORIGINAL SHOWA SERIES 1954-1974. The classic monster-movie that started the franchise and destined Ishiro Honda to become the most famous Godzilla filmmaker. The Hiroshima complex is quite evident, with Godzilla serving as an allegory for the atomic bomb that destroys all life within its reach. The attributes are typical of the genre: there is a romantic duo, a geeky scientist and determined generals, but the effects are very decent for their time. These and the large number of extras testify that the first Godzilla was a big-budget film. The first half is a gradual building of tension, stemming from the fear of unknown danger. Then comes the demolition, but of course we're talking about an actor in a rubber suit and models of houses that aren't yet as eye-popping as in the sequels. The sequel, given the great audience response, did not have to wait long. (11/12/2010)

In terms of visual effects, this oversized lizard can’t hold a candle to the twenty (!) years older King Kong, but I can’t deny it three things: a good story with a still relevant idea, absolutely great music, and a nice, though nowadays not very scary atmosphere. (25/06/2011)

I'm ashamed to admit that I grew up with Emmerich's Godzilla, and I've only just now got around to the original film. The original Gojira looks quite ridiculous in many places for a modern viewer, and time has certainly managed to take its toll on the film in the decades since its premiere. Nevertheless, it's still a technically accomplished kaiju film that offers more than one impressive scene, presenting the most famous giant monster in cinema history to the big screen. Whether it's the iconic "roar", the atomic breath, the city-destroying scenes or the "oxygen destroyer", Honda's Godzilla has a "vintage" charm all its own. (14/03/2021)