"Return of Godzilla" (1984)

by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden

In our “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. For this installment, it’s a special look at The Return of Godzilla (Godzilla 1984) for its 40th anniversary! Note that this is NOT the Americanized Godzilla 1985 version that is edited and includes footage of Raymond Burr’s Steve Martin character.

Synopsis

After a fishing boat is attacked, the sole surviving crew member realizes it is none other than a resurrected Godzilla. However, efforts to bring the story to light are suppressed by the Japanese government amid growing political tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, who are both willing to bomb Japan to stop the monster.

The Good

Joseph: Godzilla 1985 was the first Godzilla film I saw in a cinema — although my first sight of Godzilla on a big screen was one of his clashes with a certain giant ape in King Kong Vs. Godzilla as my parents drove past a drive-in theater when I was an early elementary school student — and it was something else to see this larger-than-life icon on a fittingly big screen. As most kaiju fans know, and as we stated above, Godzilla 1985 was a version of The Return of Godzilla edited for the American market. We’re here to discuss the original Japanese version, which I had a great time revisiting for this review. I love the Godzilla suit here, and his angry sneer looks terrific. I appreciate the attempts from director Koji Hashimoto and screenwriter Shuichi Nagahara at making a direct sequel to the original 1954 Gojira, and how this Godzilla is a destructive, man-made force of nature much like his original counterpart. Great special effects, an interesting human storyline, and fine technical aspects make this a strong entrant in the Godzilla canon.

Mike: My first experience with this film is, like most Americans near my age, probably, was the Godzilla 1985 version with scenes of Raymond Burr reprising his Steve Martin character with scenes edited in. It wasn’t until some time in the late 90s/early 2000s that I first saw this much superior version when it became available on physical media.

The Return of Godzilla marked a significant turning point in the long-running kaiju franchise. Directed by Koji Hashimoto, this film aimed to revitalize the series by returning to its roots and focusing on the destructive power of Godzilla.

The 1984 Godzilla suit is arguably one of the most iconic and terrifying portrayals of the monster. Its imposing stature and realistic movements bring a sense of dread and awe to every scene which is helped by the serious tone of the film. Taking a much more serious approach compared to some of the later entries in the Showa era, this darker tone enhances the impact of Godzilla's rampage, making it feel like a real threat to humanity.

The human characters, while not the main focus, are well-acted and add depth to the story. The performances of actors like Keiju Kobayashi and Yasuko Sawaguchi help ground the film in reality, as do the special effects, particularly the destruction sequences, which are top-notch for their time. The devastation caused by Godzilla is both impressive and horrifying.

The Bad

Joseph: As I messaged to Mike after finishing watching (spoilers ahead — hey, it’s a 40-year-old film): “They did Godzilla dirty. Like he’s stupid enough to go near a volcano’s rim.” More charming than bad: regarding the admittedly fun song over the closing credits that pretty much goes against everything we have beheld throughout the movie, I messaged: “He’s a villainous beast throughout the film but the singer croons longingly that she will miss ‘my old friend.’”

Mike: The film suffers from pacing problems, with some scenes dragging on unnecessarily. The human drama, while well-intentioned and acted, can sometimes feel tedious compared to the monster action.

Some may find the effects, which WERE outstanding for the time, to be a bit dated, but come on - is that REALLY a strike against a Godzilla film?

The Verdict

Joseph: Quite simply, The Return of Godzilla is must-see Godzilla viewing. It’s a serious take on the iconic monster, devoid of comic wackiness and child-centered storylines. For me, it has rewatchability factors galore. Happy anniversary to this exciting film!

Mike: The Return of Godzilla is a fantastic film, but admittedly a little bit of a mixed bag. It succeeds in recapturing the awe and terror of the original Godzilla films, but it also suffers from pacing issues and a somewhat thin plot. However, the iconic Godzilla design and the impressive destruction sequences make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the franchise. While it may not be the best Godzilla film ever made, it remains one of my all time favorite entries in the series and a solid attempt to revitalize the franchise.