1993's Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II is a classic depiction of nature triumphing technology. It might be the signature film of the entire Godzilla series in this regard. The theme of Godzilla as an organic force against humanity's latest robot weapon is prevalent throughout the film, with an added paternal battle over a new monster character introduced into the series, Baby Godzilla. The special effects are as good as they get, and there are some absolutely stunning scenes of scale as Godzilla marches through Japan or crashes into a mountain side. Mechagodzilla was reimagined for the movie, both in size and appearance as he was given the height advantage over Godzilla and a sleeker more weapon like look. Speaking of weapons, Mechagodzilla has just that. An arsenal of lasers, beams, missiles, and electrocuting cables cover the mechanical beasts diamond armored skin, which is resistant to Godzilla's atomic ray. In comparison to its predecessor from the Showa series and the Kiryu model from the millennium series, this Mechagodzilla is far more machine than character.
Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II begins by introducing main character Kazuma, who continues his work on an abandoned weapon called Garuda, a flying machine that was outdated by the newest Japanese weapon Mechagodzilla, which was assembled by using technology from the recovered remains of Mecha King Ghidorah. Kazuma is a "pteranadon enthusiast" and when he sees a group of scientists have discovered a living egg from a nest on a radioactive island, he investigates. The scientists took the egg from its nest and then encountered Rodan, who destroyed their camp in search of the egg before Godzilla arrived for the same reason. A titanic battle for the egg ensued, with Godzilla seemingly killing his once ally Rodan. Back in Kyoto, the egg hatches and a "Baby Godzilla" appears. It is human sized and attaches itself to a female scientist. Godzilla appears again, marching towards Kyoto likely in search of the Baby Godzilla. Mechagodzilla confronts Godzilla in the countryside and seemingly over powers The Big G, knocking him down and blasting him with lasers and paralyzing missiles. It is only when they shoot cables into Godzilla to shock him from the inside that they are defeated, as Godzilla sends a wave of his own energy back up the cables and severely damages the robot. Godzilla continues towards Kyoto past the remains of Japan's huge defense weapon. The scientists hide Baby Godzilla in the buildings basement, and Godzilla leaves frustrated. Studies on Baby Godzilla reveal it has a second brain in its lower back, and that Godzilla likely has the same brain. A weapon is created to destroy this second brain and kill Godzilla. Baby Godzilla is relocated as Kazuma hatches a plan to beef up Mechagodzilla with his old Garuda weapon. Some psychic girls led by Miki Saegusa sing to Baby Godzilla, and their combined telepathic energy revives Rodan on the island it was defeated on. Even more powerful than before, Fire Rodan flies towards Kyoto.
Baby Godzilla is relocated again, this time in a plot to lure Godzilla to some remote islands (The Ogasawara Islands), however, the plot is foiled by Fire Rodan, who hijacks the cargo container with Baby Godzilla and the female scientist inside. This causes the Japanese Defense Force General to exclaim, "God Damnit!" It must be hell having to deal with these monsters all the time. Mechagodzilla and the Garuda are launched to combat Fire Rodan, who the JSDF continually call Radon, like the element. Fire Rodan dispatches Garuda and knocks out one of Mechagodzilla's eyes before being mortally wounded by the robots plasma cannon at close range. Godzilla arrives on cue and engages Mechagodzilla in combat. The two lock beams and a massive explosion knocks over Godzilla, and fries Mechagodzilla's coolant system and some of its diamond armor. Godzilla closes the distance and we get to witness possibly his strongest display of strength ever, as he picks Mechagodzilla off the ground by the neck and throws the robot, before pummeling it with his tail. Garuda, piloted by Kazuma, distracts Godzilla and gives Mecha G some time to recover, before the machines combine together to make a super weapon, Super Mechagodzilla. The added firepower knocks Godzilla out quickly and Mechagodzilla commences finding Godzilla's second brain as the monster lays helpless on the ground. For whatever reason, they make Miki fire the cables even though she is the biggest Godzilla advocate out there and wants to study the beast rather than kill it. The cables, code named "G Crusher," successfully destroy Godzilla's second brain, paralyzing Godzilla and effectively killing him. It's quite a shocking moment. It appears Godzilla has finally been defeated.
Rodan has other plans though, when he flies over and lands on Godzilla's body, sacrificing his energy to The King of the Monsters to revive him. Godzilla's second brain is healed and Rodan's power infuses Godzilla with a massive amount of energy. The Big G gets up, and takes it to Mecha Godzilla, his power so out of control that the heat around Godzilla melts the diamond armor plating off Mechagodzilla. Then Godzilla releases his new red heat beam, which Mechagodzilla attempts to block by locking beams again in the above picture, however Mechagodzilla is thrown back and utterly destroyed by Godzilla and his incredible new power. Nature perseveres over technology once again in climatic fashion. All the pilots survive as their machines tell them no one has made it through the onslaught of Godzilla. Then Godzilla goes towards Baby Godzilla and the female scientist, who have just been released from the cargo container. Miki telepathically tells Godzilla to look after Baby Godzilla, and the two depart into the ocean.
The origin of the Baby Godzilla is never explained, but it is the same creature that grows into Little Godzilla in 1994 and Godzilla Junior in 1995, setting the stage for a parenting theme in the generally darker and more destructive Heisei era movies. Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II had a very large budget of almost 10 million dollars, and this budget is evident in the films grand special effects. If you want to watch a Godzilla movie with a lot of extended destruction and action, this is the one for you. It is fantastic. The acting and dialog leave a bit to be desired, however it doesn't take away from the spectacle of destruction that is Godzilla and his perseverance in the face of a superior weapon. I think if you were to introduce someone to Godzilla, this might be the film to do it with, as it is perfectly paced and has a plethora of action and color to its scenes. Let's begin the top five without further adieu!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment