Sunday, May 8, 2011

Save the Earth

Godzilla vs Hedorah (a.k.a. The Smog Monster) (1971) - Banno
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For a Godzilla franchise movie, Godzilla vs Hedora is pretty sophisticated. The opening credit with 'Save the Earth' song is worthy of any 007 film credit. Very much a product of its time, the film is permeated with late 60s early 70s psychedelic visuals, music and cool animations sequences. There are disco club scenes, lava lamps, and a strong anti-pollution message. I don't know at what point Godzilla became a good guy, but he plays one here, against Hedorah the smog monster who pollutes Japan's air with sulfuric acid and grows bigger by sucking at the factory smoke stacks. Godzilla even develops its signature style by way of Bruce Lee by brushing his snout before kicking ass.


The film also features rare sight of Gozilla flying, albeit awkwardly. The Kaiju battles get pretty tiresome honestly, but it was pleasure finally seeing the Smog Monster, because my lady wanted to make sure she didn't dream it when she was young. For an edutainment film for children, this one scores big.

Save the Earth: Gozilla vs Hedorah opening sequence