Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) Starring Yumiko Shaku, Shin Takuma
What is the measure of success for a movie? When the audience gets so wrapped up in the movie, that you start rooting for the protagonist. That’s exactly what happened during my first viewing of Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla. The basic plot has Godzilla attacking Tokyo … For the first time since 1954. A monster that the Japanese Defense Forces cannot stop. During the attack, Akane Yashiro (played by Yumiko Shaku) freezes. She blames herself for the deaths of her squad. Then, the Prime Minister of Japan initiates a risky plan. He authorizes and funds a plan to build a cybernetic robot. Mechagodzilla, built around the skeleton of the original Godzilla. The team is led by Tokumitsu Yuhara (played by Shin Takuma). He’s a widower. His young daughter is still trying to deal with the loss of her mother.
When Godzilla resurfaces, Mechagodzilla attacks and nearly defeats Godzilla, driving him off. However, its’ “DNA computer” malfunctions upon hearing Godzilla’s roar. The humans (with Akane piloting it remotely, attempting to revenge herself on the monstrous Godzilla) lose control temporarily. Later, a second chance occurs in the film. It may be one of the best Godzilla fight scenes ever filmed. But what makes this film a success is the human element. By this point, I was totally engrossed in the story. And rooting for the human antagonists. For Akane in particular, as she puts everything on the line to stop Godzilla’s rampage.
Does she succeed? You’ll need to watch the movie yourself–I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. I recommend Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and rate it 3.5 stars out of 5.
movie quotes from Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla
[Hayama sees Akane and Dr. Yuhara sitting together at a coffee bar]
JSDF 2nd Lieutenant Hayama: [to Akane] You seem to have a lot of older fans. Are you giving off some kind of pheromone?
Tokumitsu Yuhara: [stands up] How dare you!
JSDF 2nd Lieutenant Hayama: [Pushes him away] Back off!
Akane Yashiro: [Akane hits Hayama in the back and pins him to the table] Hayama”¦ that’s enough.
2003 Prime Minister Hayato Igarashi: Kick his ass!
Akane Yashiro: I’ll show you what Kiryu can do!