Godzilla, King of The Monsters (1956) Review | Godzilla Island Archive

The Plot:

Reporter Steve Martin is on his way to Cairo when he stops over in Japan. Upon landing, he’s questioned by local authorities who ask if he "noticed anything unusual during his flight?" He hasn’t but learns that his plane’s route passed over the wreckage of a ship destroyed by an unknown force. Intrigued by the mysterious sinkings, Steve decides to stay in Japan to investigate.

As more ships are lost under bizarre circumstances reports of a strange underwater light, sudden bursts of fire, and total destruction panic grows. When a survivor washes ashore on a remote island, Steve travels there to report firsthand. The islanders believe the attacks are the work of an ancient underwater god. Soon after, paleontologist Dr. Yamane arrives to investigate, discovering radioactive footprints in the rubble.

While searching the island, Steve and the natives come face to face with the creature they call Godzilla—a gigantic prehistoric monster awakened by nuclear testing. The discovery sends Japan into crisis as Tokyo braces for an inevitable attack.

Godzilla emerges from the sea and ravages Tokyo. Tanks, planes, and artillery prove useless. After a night of destruction, the city lies in ruins fire and ash marking the monster’s path. In desperation, Steve learns that Dr. Serizawa, a reclusive scientist, has invented a terrifying weapon: the Oxygen Destroyer. He hesitates to use it, fearing it could be weaponized, but ultimately agrees to deploy it once at the cost of his own life.

Descending into the ocean, Serizawa activates the device next to Godzilla. The weapon disintegrates the monster, leaving only a skeleton that dissolves into nothingness. Serizawa dies alongside his creation, ensuring his weapon will never be used again. Tokyo is left scarred, but humanity is warned: if nuclear weapons continue to be used, another Godzilla could rise.

My Thoughts:

There isn’t much to say except that Godzilla, King of the Monsters a movie that almost rivals the original absolute masterpiece of the 1954 Gojira film. It set the standard for the kaiju genre and remains powerful even today. The film’s somber tone, haunting imagery, and underlying anti-nuclear message make it one of the most important monster movies ever made.

Interestingly, when the film was released in Italy, it was colorized and included more graphic scenes of Tokyo’s victims. While the footage quality isn’t great, it’s a fascinating piece of history that I’d love to see in full someday.