In 2002, Toho Studios released a new Godzilla movie in order to hopefully make the franchise more popular. This became part of the Millennium Era, a series of Godzilla films from 1999 to 2004 that had their own independent stories and universes. The film would be a reimagining of 1974 and 1993’s Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla films, but with some key differences. Mechagodzilla would again be the one defending humanity from the nuclear saurian just like in the 1993 version of Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla (Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II internationally), but with the addition of a completely new and original origin. Director Masaaki Tezuka’s Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (Godzilla x Mechagodzilla in Japan and GxMG for short) tells the story of Japan defending itself from Godzilla with a Mechagodzilla made from the original Godzilla bones, a pilot’s hardships, and is a continuation of the Showa era Kaiju films from Toho.
The story begins in Tateyama with the Japanese military organization, the Anti-Megalosaurus Force (AMF) heading into the typhoon-stricken prefecture. They are deployed to deal with a giant Kaiju (Japanese for “Strange Beast”) that surfaced from the bay and has stomped into the town area. To everyone’s shock and horror, the Kaiju turns out to be the Monster King himself, Godzilla! This Godzilla is the second one of its kind as the film explains that the world has not only experienced the events of the original 1954 Gojira film, but Japan has been targeted by other Kaiju in the past. With that in mind, the AMF orders its line of defense to take out Godzilla with tanks and the classic Type-66 Maser Tanks.
Our main protagonist, Akane Yashiro, operates one of these Maser Tanks. Her comrades try their best to stop Godzilla, but their efforts either do nothing or anger him. In response, the radioactive dinosaur destroys the AMF force. Akane’s superiors get caught in the Kaiju King’s destruction, causing her to blame herself immensely for not saving them. Now with Godzilla returning, the Minister of Science and Technology, Igarashi, desperately sought out a solution to get rid of Godzilla once and for all. Luckily, he has a plan, one familiar to Godzilla fans, constructing a mechanical Godzilla unit hat can either kill the Big G, or deter him away from Japan. A weapon to surpass the mighty Godzilla, Mechagodzilla! Although, this film refers to this early 2000’s Mechagodzilla as Kiryu which is the Japanese name for “Mechanical Dragon.” To build Kiryu, the Minister of Science needed to build or find the framework for the robot. Thankfully, the Japanese government found something that the AMF’s science and engineering department can utilize for Kiryu’s construction: the skeleton of the original Godzilla.
With the help of Japan’s gathered top scientists, the AMF and the Japanese went underway to construct Kiryu before Godzilla’s next arrival. What makes this Mechagodzilla unique is his development. Kiryu is a mech unit constructed around the bones of the original Godzilla, and his computer operating system is a DNA Computer made by Professor Tokumitsu Yuhara. Professor Yuhara specializes in making realistic robotic replicas of prehistoric life by utilizing living tissue from modern organisms. His best work was his recreation of a trilobite by using crab tissue to help operate the robot body. Fun fact: a trilobite was also seen in the original 1954 film. Igarashi and the government’s science department saw Yuhara’s potential, and hired him to create the DNA Computer that helped run Kiryu.
In addition, Yashiro was chosen by her lieutenant, Togashi, to be Kiryu’s operating pilot much to her surprise. Her chance at redemption and payback against Godzilla could be made. When Godzilla finally shows up, Yashiro would take up her pilot role and take Kiryu to the fight. She and Kiryu would be determined to take down Godzilla by any means. They won’t be alone as the AMF would be there to assist her and the mechanical dragon when they get in a pinch. Armed with missiles, guns, Maser Cannons, and a super freezer weapon known as the Absolute Zero Cannon, Kiryu and Akane are ready to fight to save Japan from Godzilla’s wrath!
This film is highly regarded as one of the best in the Millenium Era, on par with its predecessor, Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (GMK), and the final installment of the series, Godzilla: Final Wars. Fans in the Godzilla community can agree that this film is exceptionally good. I would know because I happen to be one of the Godzilla fans that adore this film. Unfortunately, Toho seemed to be displeased with GxMG’s success. Per Big Action Bill’s History of Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla YouTube video, the film only made 1.9 billion Yen ($16 million) when GMK made 2.7 billion Yen ($20 million). This concerned former Toho Producer Shogo Tomiyama at the time. Tomiyama hoped the film would’ve made just as much money as GMK did since it featured Mechagodzilla, but the numbers were less than expected.
But even with not meeting the expected profits, why do fans still love this movie? A few features of the film may explain the appraisal from the Godzilla fandom. These include the story, the characters (which also include Godzilla and Kiryu), the soundtrack, the effects, and how it connects to the past Godzilla films from the Showa era. If there’s one aspect that Godzilla fans can agree on about what makes this film special, that would most likely be the story. Godzilla may not show up for a majority of the film, but the writers of this film made sure to make the plot engaging and relatable.
The story revolves solely on how Japan reacts to Godzilla’s return and Akane overcoming her failures. In GMK, Japan had to deal with a returning Godzilla with no solid plan on top of having three Kaiju joining in. In this movie, Godzilla attacks Japan and the Japanese government needs to find, or rather, build a solution. The plot focuses on making sure that Kiryu is functional along with presenting the features that this Mechagodzilla has. We even see it fail twice because Kiryu was rushed to battle against Godzilla, which leads to Kiryu going haywire later in the film.
But the main focus for the story is Akane Yashiro, portrayed by Yumiko Shaku. Akane is left traumatized after her actions led to the deaths of her superiors, subsequently blaming herself as a result. This self-doubt caused her to demand punishment and demotion from the higher ups, truly showcasing her continued guilt and shame. As we see in the film, this doesn’t demotivate her from training and working on herself. But even after becoming Kiryu’s pilot, she still isolates herself from others. That is when Yuhara and his daughter Sara come in to help cheer her on and show that life is worth living for. This would help Akane find her resolve, overcome her fears, and fight against Godzilla fiercely with Kiryu.
Akane’s story is one of the film’s greatest strengths. A main protagonist trying to right the wrongs in their life even if it’s not really their fault can help viewers relate to the movie more. I know I did when I saw this film again as a teenager years ago. This isn’t the first time Tezuka tried this method as he had his first Godzilla film, Godzilla vs Megaguirus, focus on its female protagonist too. Akane’s character arc, however, is seen by fans as the better of the two. Her journey to better herself and to take the fight to Godzilla is what made fans so engaged with this film.
Aside from Akane, the characters in this film are also an enjoyable bunch. Yuhara and his daughter definitely steal the show when they’re on screen. As a scientist myself, I love how down to earth Yuhara can be at times. He isn’t too regretful or insane, but he is passionate about his work and cares a lot for his daughter. Sara is similar to Akane as she lost people in her life too, those being her mother and unborn sibling. However, she emphasizes that all life is important which sticks with Kiryu’s pilot.
The other characters in the film are also a treat. Lieutenant Togashi has a commanding, but epic voice that ensures his troops comply with orders. Akane’s teammate, Hayama, is resentful towards Akane because one of her superiors was his older brother, but later on he learns to warm up to her. Additionally, we even get returning Godzilla actors in this film. This includes the Minister of Science (later turned as Prime Minister), Igarashi, played by the late Akira Nakao, whom of which played G-Force’s Leader in the Heisei or 1980s to 1990s Godzilla films. Even Kumi Mizuno from Invasion of the Astro Monsters appears as the first Prime Minister of this film.
However, the real stars of this movie are Godzilla and Kiryu. The 2002 Godzilla design is often described as one of the best in the Millennium series and in general. It happens to be my favorite Godzilla design too. The small head, the sharp spines, and the charcoal colored texture makes this Godzilla look like Godzilla 2000, but more traditional and majestic in a way. This Godzilla also acts more like an animal rather than a malevolent creature, but I find that amazing as a scientist. For instance, the way his eyes move assists with his expressions. Sometimes his scrunched up face looks hilarious. His Atomic Breath is powerful like most Godzillas, but the way it sounds and flashes when charging just makes it so good.
The 2002 Mechagodzilla is possibly the most beloved Mechagodzilla design amongst fans. His design is reminiscent of the original MG, but the shining, smooth, silver texture on top of his blue back unit and wrist guns makes him unique. Unlike the original Mechagodzilla, Kiryu has a pretty powerful finisher. Kiryu’s Absolute Zero Cannon is one of the most overpowered freezer weapons I’ve seen in any media…it freezes targets by the atom! On top of that, Kiryu has a “Berserk Mode” that is triggered by Godzilla and makes the silver dragon’s eyes turn red and destroy everything in sight.
Another top quality for GxMG is the soundtrack. The composer, Michiru Oshima, did the soundtrack for the Megaguirus film, and was praised highly for it. This had Tezuka hire her again for this film’s soundtrack. The score she made is, in my opinion, the best of the Millennium series, and in the franchise. Her themes for Godzilla and Kiryu sound so amazing; they are among the best tracks in the franchise for fans to enjoy. Godzilla’s theme sounds like something for an approaching storm while Kiryu’s theme sounds majestic and fit for a savior.
The next features that define this film are the effects. The miniatures and city sets look very detailed at times, especially the military vehicles like the Maser Tanks. The fact that the Kaiju are scaled down to 50 meters help make the practical effects look great. The special effects look good too. Even as an early 2000s film, Godzilla’s heat ray and Kiryu’s Maser cannons are spectacular to see on screen. The sound design for the roars, explosions, and other effects were done quite nicely. I did get to hear the full extent of them at a screening in a Dolby Cinema auditorium back in 2022, and it was amazing to hear Godzilla’s roar and Kiryu’s Absolute Zero Cannon.
The final aspect of GxMG that makes it so loved by fans are the small references and connections to previous Toho Showa films. In fact, it is shown through stock footage that the events of the original 1961 Mothra film and even War of the Gargantuas took place in the 2002 Mechagodzilla film. Another small nod to the Showa Era is Kiryu’s Berserk Mode. Kiryu firing off his missiles at the buildings is reminiscent of the original Mechagodzilla, staying true to the original in that regard. In the 2003 book, Fantastic Collection – Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., the timeline for the movie shows that other Showa era Kaiju show up based on their debut years. These include Rodan, Mothra, and even other obscure Kaiju like Varan and Gezora. With these in mind, this film and its sequel, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O. S., is one big connection to the Showa Era.
Despite its amazing qualities, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla has its own fair share of critiques and comments. Many fans cannot help but see similarities between this film and the Megaguirus film. Some argue that the plots are uncanny. Big Action Bill even pointed it out in his video for GxMG. This didn’t bother me as much because Director Tezuka made both movies. Plus, I find GxMG not as a better film but more of an improvement for Godzilla vs Megaguirus. Both films have a female lead protagonist, but GxMG’s Akane is more fleshed out than Megaguirus’ Tsujimori.
Another flaw this movie has is Dr. Yuhara’s occasional attempts to woo Akane, which are ignored most of the time. I can agree that this can be a bit much to handle, but thankfully this happens only for a couple of times. At the very least, Dr. Yuhara didn’t create a little anime avatar for Akane just like what happened in the Megaguirus movie.
The next critique isn’t much of a flaw, but something people have noticed about this film. Many, including Big Action Bill, have commented on the parallels between Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Both media have emotionally troubled protagonists piloting robots to fight monstrous threats. Neither Tezuka nor Toho have commented about this. Personally, I do see the similarities, but they shouldn’t be the defining qualities of this film.
There are other flaws I have noted in the film, but that requires spoiling it. I do not want to do that, but I do recommend watching Godzilla against Mechagodzilla. This film’s story, characters and Kaiju, effects, soundtrack, and connections to some old Toho films is what makes it a beloved movie for many Godzilla fans. Early 2000s Godzilla fans such as myself enjoy this movie for what it is. It is a versus movie with Godzilla and his mechanical doppelgänger duking it out, but it also has a fully-fledged plot and lots of character development. Plus, when is the next time you are going to see an amazing woman piloting Mechagodzilla to fight off against the Big G? Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla is one of, if not, the best out of the Millennium series and hopefully a favorite Godzilla movie to many fans watching it for the first time.
