Movie Critique: Gojira

Gojira is a movie that touches on many different subjects in the science fiction genre.  The initial plot is developed from the ever concerning subject of atomic warfare.  The movie takes place in Japan and quickly progresses from a normal functioning society to a chaotic scene of destruction. Gojira emerges from the ocean and is practically invincible to the standard weaponry of the military. 

Gojira shows many concerns with idea of atomic warfare.  Atomic warfare is the cause of Gojira's rising. As a science fiction film perhaps this was not made to bring entertainment in a exciting new fashion but rather to raise concerns about the direction of society as a whole. The message in this is that atomic warfare is destructive to humanity in more ways that we can tell. The ignorance of this technology at the time is a reflection of what this movie is eluding to. 

Additionally, as seen in many different science fiction movies there is the "mad scientist" that emerges, and with him, a new technology to defeat Gojira. However it is again, another technology that can be destructive to humanity. Part of the scientist's concern is that if this weapon was used to defeat Gojira, that it will be taken and used as a weapon.  These implications say something about the concern of humanities desire for new technology. 

Another element of this science fiction film Gojira is the love and sacrifice story that is developed throughout the film. The love and sacrifice is a core element of science fiction to this day. The relationship between the protagonist and his significant other builds tension throughout the movie.  While the presence of women in the film is not extensive it is essential to the plot of the movie. Mark Jancovich touches on this in his article "Reexamining the 50s Invasion Narratives."  He states that "these texts often present women's active involvement in the struggle as absolutely essential to the victory over the menace, and it is the men who fail to appreciate their contribution who are usually portrayed as a 'problem'."(Liquid Metal 326) Gojira is a perfect example of this. Without the woman telling the truth about the secret weapon the scientist may have never revealed it. 

The social politics of new technologies or women involvement, during 50's are challenged greatly by this movie. It is interesting to see, looking back now, how explicit these opinions are shown. The general premise of the movie is that of science fiction, yet the political and social implications are strong.