I like to think that Godzilla could also represent the duality of nuclear power. It could be a great horror of destruction, or a great asset of energy. This is why i like you, Omni, you have an analytical eye that catches what most of us would miss.
John Gonzalez That’s how I see him in the monster-verse. After all this Godzilla shown he doesn’t particularly care for humanity but he doesn’t hate humanity.
@John Williams Same. I get the distinct impression that this is a Godzilla who could go both ways in regards to humanity. We've just been lucky to get on his good side thus far.
You seriously deserve more attention than you get. In all my life, I've never heard someone break down the themes and stories of the Godzilla films quite as deeply as you do. Admittedly, I've only heard this complaint once while taking a look at some forums on Toho Kingdom. My idea of an answer (I don't actually have a Toho Kingdom account) is more or less the same as yours. But I'm glad to see someone else thinking about it, and fleshing it out more than I ever possibly could. TL;DR, thank you so much for this.
JurassicKaiju14 he did good explaining this the whole meaning of the movie and everything else should of been given more attention than what it was given the critics really have no clue of what the movie was trying to tell us and the critics are just blinding other people about it unfortunately
I blame movies like the Meg, Rampage, and Pacific Rim: Uprising, as they seem to have tainted people's view on monster movies. Godzilla: King of the Monsters is truly a great Godzilla movie, and a great movie in general, and it pains me to see it underpreform at the box office, as well as get destroyed by critics (EFF YOU ROTTEN TOMATOES). Once you analyze the film and see all the details, it stands as one of the best monster movies ever made.
To add more to the topic: 1. This falls in line with the anti-humanism (or ecocentrism as I have been addressed) themes the character has always been associated with as Omni previously discussed. This movie proves this is made by actual fans who love, respects, and understands the source material from the bottom of their hearts, this is a massive improvement over 1998 and more than makes up for it. 2. *_This is literally what we fans have often talked about whenever describing how powerful Godzilla is._* _Looooong_ before Legendary ever got the rights, we fans have always talked about how Godzilla is so powerful that nuking him only makes him stronger, and only in one or two comic book issues from both Dark Horse and IDW's Godzilla comics ever supported that claim. Now, we _finally_ get a movie that confirms this 100% and now some fans are bitching about it. Like, what the hell? Was this one of those things that you like better as just an idea but never wanted to ever see it in any Godzilla related media? Or is this straight up hypocrisy from the fans' part in that it's okay when Toho does it but not Legendary? That is straight up double standards right there.
@Shawn Burke Because those fucktards are those retarded fan purists, who can't accept anything Godzilla related outside of Toho despite the fact that: A) just because Toho owns the character doesn't mean they always know best, and they have done more fuck ups than they claim America has; B) the only piece of American Godzilla media that legitimately fucked up was 1998, everything else from 1956 to the Marvel Comics, Hanna-Barbera, Dark Horse, IDW, Trendmasters, the MonsterVerse, and the first two cancelled Hollywood Godzilla movies have been much closer to the Toho spirit and source material and kept Godzilla's characterization intact, unlike Zilla '98 which was the complete opposite. • *_"I believe ALOT of those fans would be ok with it if Toho did it."_* Then they're hypocrites to the core, with some seriously screwed up double standards. Who gives a fuck if it's made by Toho or Hollywood? If it stays true to the ecocentrism themes Godzilla has always been associated with, then what does it matter. Coming from an actual fan that has no bias, I'm not a fan of Toho or any other studio, I'm a fan of Godzilla, and I will support anything that has the name on it regardless of where is it made, just as long as it's made by someone who actually cares. • *_"Along with the people angry that KOTM has more or less ditched the realism of 2014."_* That grounded tone is still there. Some of the technology showcased in the movie are things that look like they could exist, and even with Ghidorah's alien origin, which was downplayed and kept subtle, he is still a natural creature by his own standards and is still tied to the MonsterVerse's zoology-meets-mythology tone.
@Shawn Burke *_"The tech was far from anything in use today, especially the Monarch command jet."_* I said "could". Some of that tech _could_ exist. Things like an underwater base, or the ORCA, or the Argo Jet, while very sci-fi, aren't far off from what _could_ exist in real life.
@Shawn Burke Weaponless? Shawn, it had missiles, unless if your referring to something else in the Argo, ill let this slide. But about the Mecha-G take you want, how about Legendary mixes it, like have both the classic take (Simeon Mecha-G) and the modern take (Kiryu or Super MechaGodzilla, but most people are favoring Kiryu being in the MonsterVerse instead, but i digress) both in the same film. That would honestly be a wild thrill ride.
@Shawn Burke Well, if i were one of the writers of a MonsterVerse film, i would put two MechaGs BUT one would be evil and Kiryu would be the prototype that would save the day since the AI controlled MechaG went rouge (and i might make Kiryu an intelligent self-controlled robot without pilots, i know it would disrespectful to the character but its my take on him, causer directors make their own versions of a famous character, except portraying them in the wrong direction thats when i draw that line)
Dang you deserve to get more attention from this, you really nailed KOTM’s terminology of how the movie is trying to perceive about radiation and how you interpreted Serizawa’s quote very well There’s been so much evidence since the last Toho films that the use of nuclear energy is in fact a complicated topic to go under including to how characters have to sacrifice their own morals in order to benefit life itself and that they must let go of certain things in order to flourish Like all of your videos you explained about the mood of this whole movie well Godzilla King of The Monsters truly deserved more than what it gained from its own release this movie on its own taught an fantastic lesson one that should’ve been given more attention
I don’t see how it’s an issue, this wouldn’t be the first time nuclear material was used to bring back from the brink of death/thought that he was dead. I don’t see what is wrong with showing the titans radiation either sense the in the real world radiation has allowed endangered species to come back from the brink of extinction.
The story themes of this film is my favorite thing about this movie, it’s very interesting and deep (well to me). With themes of balance, coexistence, faith (mankind as whole in one character of Mark Russell).
I'd say that my particular view of Godzilla started in the later Showa Era where Godzilla gradually changed from a Destructive Force menacing mankind into a well-meaning, benevolent force of good. I always saw that as a metaphor for the complexity of the use of Nuclear Energy. Yes, the power has used to create the most devastating bomb at mankind's disposal and they've only got stronger. But, Nuclear Energy has also led to new revelations in safer, renewable, clean energy that has powered civilization for decades now. Sure if an accident happens, the consequences are detrimental; but then again, Fire is a Source of Heat and Energy too, and if misused can had detrimental consequences. All forms of energy need to be used respectfully and responsibly. I'd like to think that's why the movies with the Aliens trying to control the monsters always have their plans backfire on them, indicating that their misuse of the monsters will inevitably go out of control.
I wish the movie was 3 hrs long, because everything from the character archs, themes, the genocidal kaiju destruction and Battles could have been more fleshed out. Other than that, I still liked the movie and This video alone shows enough character moments that those critics were oblivious too.
@@rhinosaurus6085 no, I dont think it should as overrated or complicated as Endgame, a 3 hr runtime of KOTM could have fleshed everything out and make the movie more realized.
Here's my take on the debate. Yes, a nuke was part of the solution, but it was also the cause of a problem that we didn't think about until the battle in Boston: It worked so well that Godzilla was overloaded with more radiation than he could handle, and he was going to explode and die as a result. In a way, our solution to one problem was the cause of another one. So KotM didn't completely contradict the anti nuclear message, but it didn't completely support the message either. Rather, it was pointing out the pros and cons of nuclear radiation.
I recently watched “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms” for the first time and my mind was aroused by the starkly different take in attitudes to nuclear weapons between itself and Godzilla 54. The Americans are excited to detonate a bomb in the name of science and furthering human knowledge, a radioactive isotope is even used to save the day. I don’t think I need to tell anyone here how Godzilla 54 portrays the same topic. It’s great that these movies can generate actual discussion despite being “dumb” monster movies.
Still drives me up a wall when I see comments about this movie being dumb, or shallow, or lacking an interesting story. I have no idea what movie some of those people watched, but it sure wasn't KoTM. Is it flawed? Sure, it's got a few issues here and there. But man was it ever deserving of getting more credit than it has.
@Shawn Burke Totally agree. For all the flaws KOTM's characters had, at least they were actual _characters._ They had goals, they had emotions, they changed and grew from their experiences, and they _actually had a reason to keep running into these monsters without it feeling like a series of weird coincidental meetings._ And yeah, the Bryan Cranston thing has really grown to annoy me recently. I saw at least one fan rewrite that just put him in a wheelchair for the rest of the story or something.
I never had a problem with the nuclear bomb being used to heal the Legendary Godzilla. There is plenty of lore showing the Godzilla species feeds off of nuclear energy, and that it is a primary source. The original was awakened and mutated/powered up by the Bikini Atoll test. Then in Godzilla 1985/Return of Godzilla he is revived by lightning from a nuclear explosion. In the same film Godzilla attacked a nuclear power plant. With the new Godzilla being so wounded only a nuclear bomb could have helped him. He wasn't shown in the film to be well enough to attack a nuclear power plant like the previous Godzilla in the 1980s did.
I've rewatched it a few times since first theatrical viewing, and I have to say that the human plot isn't just better than many people give it credit for, it's legitimately well made as a whole. Not perfect compared to other movies in general, but the cast of characters and their arcs are well written and portrayed. This video is testament of that, and I appreciate it. My interpretation was always that Japan isn't against Nuclear energy, they are against nuclear power used incorrectly. Just as gunpowder has saved as many lives as it has destroyed, just as vehicles and computers have served and severed the lives of people worldwide, nuclear power is the current endpoint of such power that can be used for great evil or for good, it is both what is done and how it is done. The movie isn't pro-nukes, it's pro "the correct way of using power." Hence why, while I'm not happy with how rushed the Oxygen Destroyer was introduced and used, the fact that it continues to exist in this world isn't an issue due to that. It's a great power, and in so doing a great test of mankind to know when, and when not to, use such power. Not easily asked nor easily answered questions. Also, saying KotM is pro nuclear weapons is like saying the Hulk is pro nuclear weapons when he fights alongside the Avengers.
That's a gross oversimplification. Yes, they used a nuke to empower Godzilla, but once he defeated King Ghidorah, he immediately turned on Japan and left them so desperate that they needed Mecha-King Ghidorah to save them. It was basically a game that could only be won by never being played in the first place. The film still had a strong anti-nuclear agenda.
The Oxygen Destroyer as it's depicted in the original Godzilla would possibly be a far worse WMD than nukes. We don't know if it could be deployed on land, but if it could, you have a weapon that kills all organic life, doesn't damage structures, doesn't leave lingering toxic chemicals, doesn't involve deadly pathogens, and doesn't produce deadly radiation. You could set one off and wipe out a building or a whole city, wait a little while, then just send in your people; it's all benefit and almost no risk. Even if they say otherwise, any military on the planet would want that kind of weapon. That's the reason the original Serizawa took his secret to the grave.
Shawn Burke One of theories going into the movie that Serziawa’s family actually already created the oxygen destroyer or at least a prototype of it. With the final having it be deployed against Ghidorah because Godzilla is nearly beaten, but it doesn’t kill Ghidorah instead greatly injuring him so Godzilla can capitalize on the opening.
Let’s not forget how Destoroyah was born. An unforeseen consequence of using to Oxygen Destroyer. Something even its creator didn’t fully understand the ramifications of.
I was always confused by the claim that Godzilla is anti-nuclear. Even considering the metaphor of the Oxygen Destroyer, I think there’s a better one presented by Godzilla himself. If nuclear is always evil, why did the living embodiment of it make the transition to hero at all? Certainly he is not always heroic either. Rather, Godzilla is a great and destructive power that must be respected, not played with recklessly. Even his help comes at the price of irradiated lands and massive destruction. The choice to enlist the aid of Godzilla to avoid greater loss is always made with great weight, an insane plan that demands you know exactly what you are about to unleash. Godzilla, the Oxygen Destroyer, and real nuclear weapons. In my opinion, all different perspectives on the same theme. A complex power requiring careful thought. Consider Destoroyah, the unforeseen consequence of using the OD creating a new kaiju entirely. Even his name is Destroyer. Do you think he won’t be popping up in Monsterverse soon after someone hastily fired off that missile?
To be completely honest I think that the Godzilla movies that came after the original just didn't follow up on the nuclear part of the topic, well some of them at least.
I would say that Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah was far worse in it’s depiction of nukes. It has a private citizens unaffiliated with the military secretly building a submarine equipped with nuclear weapons! The military using nukes is one thing, but a businessman operating outside the military and the government creating and using weapons of mass destruction? That is downright terrifying.
Omni viewer, make a video about the unseen titans of KOTM (Leviathan, mokele mbembe, abaddon, typhoon, Baphomet, Quetzalcoatl, bunyip, amuluk etc) and what they may look like.
Hey Omni, which of the four new titans shown in KOTM is your favorite? Behemoth, Scylla, Methuselah, or MUTO3? My favorite of the new titans is Behemoth.
When comparing Serizawa's sacrifice to Luke's sacrifice, both are about characters doing something that they were against at first but ended up doing for the greater good. But Serizawa's is narratively better constructed. At first, Serizawa was against the use of nuclear weapons due to Hiroshima, but always saw Godzilla as the key to coexistence between humanity and titans, so when the world needed Godzilla, he took it upon himself to revive him for the greater good - while also benefiting himself and Mark. Luke wanted to die on an island so the Jedi can end, but he had to be the hero the Resistance needed to escape the First Order and died for it. That's nice and all, but this plot line is a literal contradiction of Luke Skywalker's character because Luke would never contemplate killing his nephew while he slept which resulted in Kylo Ren and the Sequel Trilogy as a whole - especially after Luke saved Darth Vader because he was his father.
Hell, in Godzilla vs. Megalon Japan is attacked by Megalon because of nuclear tests. Then Godzilla fights against Megalon - so in a way in support of nuclear tests.
I'd also like to add that the type of radiation the Titans give off might not be the radiation we're thinking of but actually something akin to Mana from the Gamera Heiseiverse since it's clear the Monsterverse is going with a more Maybe Magic, Maybe Mundane approach.
Just realized this. I see a good amount of videos going over Daisuke Serizawa and his oxygen destroyer(with good reason of course), but I've not seen as many go over what I'd consider to be the other major view shown in the film. That being Dr. Yamane and him wanting to keep Godzilla alive for science but perhaps more(?) I don't necessarily know what that more could be, but I think it could be a interesting subject to broach.
@GojiBro Davidson "I don't necessarily know what that more could be, but I think it could be a interesting subject to broach." Godzilla 2000 actually covered something along those lines. What's the big plot point in the movie that both humanity and the Millennian aliens take an interest in? Regenerator G-1, the substance that gives Godzilla his incredible regenerative abilities. When the humans discover it, the first thing they think of is how it could revolutionize modern medicine. Godzilla's potential benefits are also the source of the conflict between the characters Shinoda and Katagiri. Shinoda wants to keep Godzilla alive for the potential boons he could bring to science, while Katagiri wants to destroy him for endangering Japanese lives.
Alright, time to fulfill my months-old commitment to this video and the debate therein, now that I'm back online a bit: Honestly, I don't have many objections here. As a theme, I think "nukes = technology that is too capable = FORGET IT WAS EVER A THING!" would be a dead-end (technology is not going to stop making us progressively more capable). I think the movie's condemnation of both arrogant willingness to assert power beyond compare, when the consequences can't be entirely understood and refusal to use any at all, when you do know the consequences of refraining are too dire is all sound, as a theme - and seems perfectly Godzill-ian. What I don't care for is how that and any other themes were baked into what takes place at the forefront. Most defenses I've heard of this movie (any more complex than, "c'mon, gotta love the monsters!") remind me of a chef's defense of his dish that I heard in one of those Top Chef-type shows, about how he had a vision of bitter and sweet combined just right and had fully expected to be in the top-group that night, as opposed to the bottom. He certainly got brownie points for his defense, as opposed to the chef who rambled and sighed about how she didn't know how it got away from her, but it didn't change how the end result just didn't gel. Would I have liked a movie placing its tension on Dr. Serizawa, in what truly seemed like no-right-answers dilemma on how/how much to interfere with this monster uprising? Would I have enjoyed a convincing depiction of a villain so seduced by a "how things SHOULD be" narrative, that she became so irredeemably arrogant/unhinged as to condemn millions to their death (or just arrogant/unhinged enough to do so unintentionally, when her grief-induced balance crusade turns out to be miscalculated by just a single toe over the line)? Absolutely. What I got, in its finished state, tasted differently from what our chefs seemed to intend. Our "heroes," instead of caught in a dilemma that was clearly compelling and difficult, seemed to be forwarding their passive agenda by keeping important information to themselves, to an extent that conventional wisdom would say is ungodly arrogant and stupid - and the movie never gives us a reason to think otherwise. Dr. Emma Russell DID go the irredeemably cruel/arrogant/unhinged route - and the movie treated it like it was the toe-over-the-line, redeemable character route (not helped by what I WILL call a nuclear narrative stretch, even by sci-fi standards, of said radiation CREATING all the growth an environmentalist could ever want in half a decade). I've heard the explanations for how they should all be considered a miraculously perfect balance of characters who are just _______ enough to not be X, yet not enough _________ to be Y, and it always conveys more complexity than the movie ever actually seemed to insist on, while still skirting on the part where people are responsible for their own actions. Do I think the movie set out to be just an action spectacle? No. In fact, I've been more satisfied with movies that seemed to have about 1/10th as much on their minds. If anything, I think the finished product tried to add more ingredients than it was ready to mix in. Interesting to analyze and perhaps even fascinating for how it draws from and pays tribute to the series, but as a finished product, not unlike some overloaded, unrefined think-pieces I've written myself, which ended up being more clunky than compelling (this hopefully not being one of them...). So yeah, I hope that was worth the months-long wait ^_^;
Nice video Omni! I was wondering if you happen to know the lexile of Operation: Red Dragon because I’m doing a book report on it. It’s ok if you don’t but just in case.
Trey The Explainer made a video about radiation and the environment. I know KOTM 2019 is science fiction. BUT the radiation observed in Chernobyl and how nature has returned now took decades to be in it's current state. Meanwhile in KOTM, nature returned to San Francisco within 5 years. In short, the effects radiation have on nature now is STILL not yet fully understood. It's still being debated at best. What we DO KNOW is that nature returned to Chernobyl mainly due to the absence of human interference. Serizawa's sacrifice is still handled well, and is an inversion of 1954. Just don't apply this movie's take on nuclear power and nature to real life.
Wow while I still haven't seen the movie yet I have to admit that this was a really good video and it taught me a lot so when I go in to see this movie or see it on DVD I'm going to have a pretty good perspective of it thank you I'm Omni viewer!
The pro-nuclear argument for Hedorah & Vs. King Ghidorah is a MASSIVE STRETCH! By the 70's, Godzilla didn't represent nuclear holocaust, he was a superhero by that point. His atomic breath didn't bring questions of accountability or consequences. It became part of his superpower. As for Vs. King Ghidorah, there were consequences to bringing Godzilla back. The new Godzilla was bigger, more aggressive, & unpredictable that began attacking humanity after defeating Ghidorah, thus forcing the humans to take a step backward & revive Ghidorah as a cyborg. Additionally, the submarine never got a chance to use the nuke. Godzilla was already irradiated by the fallout left by a different sunken sub in the 70's, showing that nuclear proliferation had polluted the world. GKOTM ignores the consequences of nukes & radiation, which is the whole point of the franchise's origins: the folly of man.
I wouldn't say it ignores it but is not as black and white as one may think, godzilla did become a superhero in the showa era but Godzilla was still nuclear but use his powers for good. I don't think king of monsters was upright saying nuclear energy is good but more on how you use it after if all this source of energy can cause major damage but it can also help people like the omni viewer pointed out. I don't about you but how i interpreted godzilla was he supposed to represent the duality of nuclear power and is not good or bad but how that power is use.
I think godzilla can represent many different things from being a destroyer who punishes humans folly to a protector who teaches us how to coexist with nature. I interpreted king of monsters themes as trying to coexist with nature and how nuclear energy is not as black and white as one may think which i very interesting. Im just glad it has brought very good discussion into the godzilla community. How the movie fairs in what i brought up is up for the viewer to decide. Thank you if read both my comments
and yet, without Mothra's interference (or, in other words, nature's interference), Godzilla would have exploded like an atom bomb, killing millions and worse, Godzilla himself, leaving, not just humanity, but the whole planet at the mercy of King Guidorah. Also, lets not forget the famous line of "Good thing he is on our side" "For now". Godzilla ISNT a hero. He is a force of nature, nature's wrath. He killed millions in both 2014 and KOTM, and when Humanity finally decides to help, it comes at the cost of a man's life, a whole underwater kingdom and, potencially, the whole planet. It was only thanks to Mothra's help aka nature's help, that that final consequence didnt happen. Overall, much like how life isnt black and white. Nukes and radiation also arent black and white. It just comes down to how we use them.
The issue I take with the movie is not with the plot. It's with the technicalities and cinematography. Like the stupid cuts during the monster action. And the chants in the soundtrack.
I agree the cuts during the fight make KOTM just an okay movie in my opinion without cutaways from the fight this movie would be much better but I disagree on your other point I think the soundtrack of the movie is awesome
I liked the chants, personally. I felt it gave the score a primal feel, fitting for creatures that ancient Man worshipped as deities. And I just like vocal additions to music in general.
the atomic artist guy King of the Monsters is definitely my favorite modern kaiju film, for an older one I would say the Heisei MechaGodzilla film is pretty good.
I don't have any one particular favorite, so I'll just leave a list of my favorites (in no particular order). - _Godzilla: King of the Monsters_ (2019) - _Godzilla_ (2014) - _Godzilla 2000: Millennium_ (1999) - _Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla_ (2002) - _The Return of Godzilla_ (1984) - _Destroy All Monsters_ (1968)
The real truth is that Godzilla has become a corporate character and thus has lost allot of that original meaning except for the occasional movie or moments. Godzilla is still radiation based but legendary couldn’t afford to let the character die, so what could a writer do? He is the hero and he needs to live for the sequel.
I like to think that Godzilla could also represent the duality of nuclear power. It could be a great horror of destruction, or a great asset of energy.
This is why i like you, Omni, you have an analytical eye that catches what most of us would miss.
John Gonzalez That’s how I see him in the monster-verse. After all this Godzilla shown he doesn’t particularly care for humanity but he doesn’t hate humanity.
John Gonzalez that’s what and how I see Godzilla in the Monsterverse
Just how it should be
@John Williams Same. I get the distinct impression that this is a Godzilla who could go both ways in regards to humanity. We've just been lucky to get on his good side thus far.
I imagine Janjira became the Brody Memorial
You seriously deserve more attention than you get. In all my life, I've never heard someone break down the themes and stories of the Godzilla films quite as deeply as you do.
Admittedly, I've only heard this complaint once while taking a look at some forums on Toho Kingdom. My idea of an answer (I don't actually have a Toho Kingdom account) is more or less the same as yours. But I'm glad to see someone else thinking about it, and fleshing it out more than I ever possibly could.
TL;DR, thank you so much for this.
JurassicKaiju14 he did good explaining this the whole meaning of the movie and everything else should of been given more attention than what it was given the critics really have no clue of what the movie was trying to tell us and the critics are just blinding other people about it unfortunately
And people think this a terrible monster movie?
Considering how much of a hardcore fan Michael dourety is he probably did all of this to make us think these things over much like the original.
Josh Chiang God bless and keep that man.
Yeah u are right
Michal Dougherty didn’t ruin Godzilla. Roland Emerich did and he will be remembered for taking the God out of Godzilla
@@rickyrackey7930 yup
I think King of the Monsters is a much better movie than a lot of people have given it credit for.
Indeed it is.
That's a fact.
Agreed.
I blame movies like the Meg, Rampage, and Pacific Rim: Uprising, as they seem to have tainted people's view on monster movies.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is truly a great Godzilla movie, and a great movie in general, and it pains me to see it underpreform at the box office, as well as get destroyed by critics (EFF YOU ROTTEN TOMATOES).
Once you analyze the film and see all the details, it stands as one of the best monster movies ever made.
I wholeheartedly agree
King of the Monsters has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.
I like to imagine the new Janjira became the Brody Memorial
To add more to the topic:
1. This falls in line with the anti-humanism (or ecocentrism as I have been addressed) themes the character has always been associated with as Omni previously discussed. This movie proves this is made by actual fans who love, respects, and understands the source material from the bottom of their hearts, this is a massive improvement over 1998 and more than makes up for it.
2. *_This is literally what we fans have often talked about whenever describing how powerful Godzilla is._* _Looooong_ before Legendary ever got the rights, we fans have always talked about how Godzilla is so powerful that nuking him only makes him stronger, and only in one or two comic book issues from both Dark Horse and IDW's Godzilla comics ever supported that claim. Now, we _finally_ get a movie that confirms this 100% and now some fans are bitching about it. Like, what the hell? Was this one of those things that you like better as just an idea but never wanted to ever see it in any Godzilla related media? Or is this straight up hypocrisy from the fans' part in that it's okay when Toho does it but not Legendary? That is straight up double standards right there.
@Shawn Burke Because those fucktards are those retarded fan purists, who can't accept anything Godzilla related outside of Toho despite the fact that: A) just because Toho owns the character doesn't mean they always know best, and they have done more fuck ups than they claim America has; B) the only piece of American Godzilla media that legitimately fucked up was 1998, everything else from 1956 to the Marvel Comics, Hanna-Barbera, Dark Horse, IDW, Trendmasters, the MonsterVerse, and the first two cancelled Hollywood Godzilla movies have been much closer to the Toho spirit and source material and kept Godzilla's characterization intact, unlike Zilla '98 which was the complete opposite.
• *_"I believe ALOT of those fans would be ok with it if Toho did it."_* Then they're hypocrites to the core, with some seriously screwed up double standards. Who gives a fuck if it's made by Toho or Hollywood? If it stays true to the ecocentrism themes Godzilla has always been associated with, then what does it matter. Coming from an actual fan that has no bias, I'm not a fan of Toho or any other studio, I'm a fan of Godzilla, and I will support anything that has the name on it regardless of where is it made, just as long as it's made by someone who actually cares.
• *_"Along with the people angry that KOTM has more or less ditched the realism of 2014."_* That grounded tone is still there. Some of the technology showcased in the movie are things that look like they could exist, and even with Ghidorah's alien origin, which was downplayed and kept subtle, he is still a natural creature by his own standards and is still tied to the MonsterVerse's zoology-meets-mythology tone.
MrAwesomeness360 My thoughts exactly.
@Shawn Burke *_"The tech was far from anything in use today, especially the Monarch command jet."_* I said "could". Some of that tech _could_ exist. Things like an underwater base, or the ORCA, or the Argo Jet, while very sci-fi, aren't far off from what _could_ exist in real life.
@Shawn Burke Weaponless? Shawn, it had missiles, unless if your referring to something else in the Argo, ill let this slide. But about the Mecha-G take you want, how about Legendary mixes it, like have both the classic take (Simeon Mecha-G) and the modern take (Kiryu or Super MechaGodzilla, but most people are favoring Kiryu being in the MonsterVerse instead, but i digress) both in the same film. That would honestly be a wild thrill ride.
@Shawn Burke Well, if i were one of the writers of a MonsterVerse film, i would put two MechaGs BUT one would be evil and Kiryu would be the prototype that would save the day since the AI controlled MechaG went rouge (and i might make Kiryu an intelligent self-controlled robot without pilots, i know it would disrespectful to the character but its my take on him, causer directors make their own versions of a famous character, except portraying them in the wrong direction thats when i draw that line)
Dang you deserve to get more attention from this, you really nailed KOTM’s terminology of how the movie is trying to perceive about radiation and how you interpreted Serizawa’s quote very well
There’s been so much evidence since the last Toho films that the use of nuclear energy is in fact a complicated topic to go under
including to how characters have to sacrifice their own morals in order to benefit life itself and that they must let go of certain things in order to flourish
Like all of your videos you explained about the mood of this whole movie well Godzilla King of The Monsters truly deserved more than what it gained from its own release this movie on its own taught an fantastic lesson one that should’ve been given more attention
I don’t see how it’s an issue, this wouldn’t be the first time nuclear material was used to bring back from the brink of death/thought that he was dead. I don’t see what is wrong with showing the titans radiation either sense the in the real world radiation has allowed endangered species to come back from the brink of extinction.
Brandon Davis Maybe that’s why the creators added the Titans have their own radiation
The story themes of this film is my favorite thing about this movie, it’s very interesting and deep (well to me). With themes of balance, coexistence, faith (mankind as whole in one character of Mark Russell).
I noticed this the very first time I watched KOTM. This movie has depth, I couldn't care less about what "the critics" rant.
I'd say that my particular view of Godzilla started in the later Showa Era where Godzilla gradually changed from a Destructive Force menacing mankind into a well-meaning, benevolent force of good.
I always saw that as a metaphor for the complexity of the use of Nuclear Energy. Yes, the power has used to create the most devastating bomb at mankind's disposal and they've only got stronger. But, Nuclear Energy has also led to new revelations in safer, renewable, clean energy that has powered civilization for decades now. Sure if an accident happens, the consequences are detrimental; but then again, Fire is a Source of Heat and Energy too, and if misused can had detrimental consequences. All forms of energy need to be used respectfully and responsibly.
I'd like to think that's why the movies with the Aliens trying to control the monsters always have their plans backfire on them, indicating that their misuse of the monsters will inevitably go out of control.
I wish the movie was 3 hrs long, because everything from the character archs, themes, the genocidal kaiju destruction and Battles could have been more fleshed out. Other than that, I still liked the movie and This video alone shows enough character moments that those critics were oblivious too.
KaijusaurusG2K The kaiju scenes we got were still amazing, especially the final fight.
@@brandonshmandon1799 true. We didnt see the global kaiju attacks enough, along with those new kaiju
KaijusaurusG2K so they should of made KOTM like that Overating Complicated movie, sorry I meant endgame
@@rhinosaurus6085 no, I dont think it should as overrated or complicated as Endgame, a 3 hr runtime of KOTM could have fleshed everything out and make the movie more realized.
My Man!
Here's my take on the debate. Yes, a nuke was part of the solution, but it was also the cause of a problem that we didn't think about until the battle in Boston: It worked so well that Godzilla was overloaded with more radiation than he could handle, and he was going to explode and die as a result. In a way, our solution to one problem was the cause of another one. So KotM didn't completely contradict the anti nuclear message, but it didn't completely support the message either. Rather, it was pointing out the pros and cons of nuclear radiation.
Good thing Mothra was there.
@Alan Carrillo I like this take on it. Good thinking.
I recently watched “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms” for the first time and my mind was aroused by the starkly different take in attitudes to nuclear weapons between itself and Godzilla 54.
The Americans are excited to detonate a bomb in the name of science and furthering human knowledge, a radioactive isotope is even used to save the day. I don’t think I need to tell anyone here how Godzilla 54 portrays the same topic.
It’s great that these movies can generate actual discussion despite being “dumb” monster movies.
That movie is so good. The animation is top notch.
Holy cow, I never thought about it that way...
I feel like the only reason people didn’t like this movie is because they didn’t try to take the time to figure out what is actually going on...
Still drives me up a wall when I see comments about this movie being dumb, or shallow, or lacking an interesting story. I have no idea what movie some of those people watched, but it sure wasn't KoTM. Is it flawed? Sure, it's got a few issues here and there. But man was it ever deserving of getting more credit than it has.
@Shawn Burke I kinda liked the realism of 2014, but I love the more Toho-crazy feel KOTM has.
@Shawn Burke Totally agree. For all the flaws KOTM's characters had, at least they were actual _characters._ They had goals, they had emotions, they changed and grew from their experiences, and they _actually had a reason to keep running into these monsters without it feeling like a series of weird coincidental meetings._
And yeah, the Bryan Cranston thing has really grown to annoy me recently. I saw at least one fan rewrite that just put him in a wheelchair for the rest of the story or something.
I never had a problem with the nuclear bomb being used to heal the Legendary Godzilla. There is plenty of lore showing the Godzilla species feeds off of nuclear energy, and that it is a primary source. The original was awakened and mutated/powered up by the Bikini Atoll test. Then in Godzilla 1985/Return of Godzilla he is revived by lightning from a nuclear explosion. In the same film Godzilla attacked a nuclear power plant. With the new Godzilla being so wounded only a nuclear bomb could have helped him. He wasn't shown in the film to be well enough to attack a nuclear power plant like the previous Godzilla in the 1980s did.
So what your saying is that this movie has a balanced nuclear narrative
RaptorofRex07 perfectly balanced, as all things should be.
I'm happy to see I'm not alone in saying there's far more substance to KOTM than most people can see.
I am so sick of that criticism that king of the monsters is all spectacle there's a lot of depth to it you just have to dig
I've rewatched it a few times since first theatrical viewing, and I have to say that the human plot isn't just better than many people give it credit for, it's legitimately well made as a whole. Not perfect compared to other movies in general, but the cast of characters and their arcs are well written and portrayed. This video is testament of that, and I appreciate it.
My interpretation was always that Japan isn't against Nuclear energy, they are against nuclear power used incorrectly. Just as gunpowder has saved as many lives as it has destroyed, just as vehicles and computers have served and severed the lives of people worldwide, nuclear power is the current endpoint of such power that can be used for great evil or for good, it is both what is done and how it is done. The movie isn't pro-nukes, it's pro "the correct way of using power." Hence why, while I'm not happy with how rushed the Oxygen Destroyer was introduced and used, the fact that it continues to exist in this world isn't an issue due to that. It's a great power, and in so doing a great test of mankind to know when, and when not to, use such power. Not easily asked nor easily answered questions.
Also, saying KotM is pro nuclear weapons is like saying the Hulk is pro nuclear weapons when he fights alongside the Avengers.
The ORCA also plays that role as well, and look how much destruction it cause when in the wrong hands.
I always like the symbolism in that scene
This isn't the first time humanity has used a nuck to save godzilla remember godzilla vs king ghidorah 1991 anybody no one complain then.
That's a gross oversimplification.
Yes, they used a nuke to empower Godzilla, but once he defeated King Ghidorah, he immediately turned on Japan and left them so desperate that they needed Mecha-King Ghidorah to save them. It was basically a game that could only be won by never being played in the first place. The film still had a strong anti-nuclear agenda.
@@TheLukeMonster true
@@TheLukeMonster Hit the nail right on the head.
Awesome Video Analysis Omni. May this be added to the list of reasons why Godzilla: King of the Monsters 2019 is a Cinematic Masterpiece.
A masterpiece? No. A fun movie? Yes.
I hadn't heard of this criticism before, but I was very invested in this video. Bravo to how you handled it and explained your thoughts on it all.
The Oxygen Destroyer as it's depicted in the original Godzilla would possibly be a far worse WMD than nukes. We don't know if it could be deployed on land, but if it could, you have a weapon that kills all organic life, doesn't damage structures, doesn't leave lingering toxic chemicals, doesn't involve deadly pathogens, and doesn't produce deadly radiation. You could set one off and wipe out a building or a whole city, wait a little while, then just send in your people; it's all benefit and almost no risk. Even if they say otherwise, any military on the planet would want that kind of weapon. That's the reason the original Serizawa took his secret to the grave.
Shawn Burke One of theories going into the movie that Serziawa’s family actually already created the oxygen destroyer or at least a prototype of it. With the final having it be deployed against Ghidorah because Godzilla is nearly beaten, but it doesn’t kill Ghidorah instead greatly injuring him so Godzilla can capitalize on the opening.
Let’s not forget how Destoroyah was born. An unforeseen consequence of using to Oxygen Destroyer. Something even its creator didn’t fully understand the ramifications of.
Shawn Burke that’s why I said theories of course with the final film we know it’s just a weapon the military made.
Great Video Omni!
I was always confused by the claim that Godzilla is anti-nuclear. Even considering the metaphor of the Oxygen Destroyer, I think there’s a better one presented by Godzilla himself. If nuclear is always evil, why did the living embodiment of it make the transition to hero at all? Certainly he is not always heroic either.
Rather, Godzilla is a great and destructive power that must be respected, not played with recklessly. Even his help comes at the price of irradiated lands and massive destruction. The choice to enlist the aid of Godzilla to avoid greater loss is always made with great weight, an insane plan that demands you know exactly what you are about to unleash.
Godzilla, the Oxygen Destroyer, and real nuclear weapons. In my opinion, all different perspectives on the same theme. A complex power requiring careful thought.
Consider Destoroyah, the unforeseen consequence of using the OD creating a new kaiju entirely. Even his name is Destroyer. Do you think he won’t be popping up in Monsterverse soon after someone hastily fired off that missile?
@Obscenerio You hit the nail on the head here.
Believe it or not, I kinda had a similar thought during Sirizawa’s scene, though I just thought it was a nice reference to the original Gojira.
Dr. Serizawa: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.
LOL!!! I knew someone would make a Dr. Strangelove reference, considering i havent seen the film yet, but still, nice reference.
To be completely honest I think that the Godzilla movies that came after the original just didn't follow up on the nuclear part of the topic, well some of them at least.
Yeah, I think we can all agree that the original handled it the best.
That Doesn’t Make The Following Films Inferior though
I think the nuke scene just means that it was a necessary evil.
Please make a video discussing Emma’s motivations as they’re the subject of debate and criticism among the fandom!
I would say that Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah was far worse in it’s depiction of nukes. It has a private citizens unaffiliated with the military secretly building a submarine equipped with nuclear weapons! The military using nukes is one thing, but a businessman operating outside the military and the government creating and using weapons of mass destruction? That is downright terrifying.
Heck, this film did a much better job handling that plot point than Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.
Have you seen Omni's video on that?
@@jurassickaiju14 Yep. And, while I still consider that a nostalgic piece of my childhood, I will admit it has some problems.
Omni viewer, make a video about the unseen titans of KOTM (Leviathan, mokele mbembe, abaddon, typhoon, Baphomet, Quetzalcoatl, bunyip, amuluk etc) and what they may look like.
KaijusaurusG2K Doesn’t the novelization mention what they are like?
@@brandonshmandon1799 some of them, though the movie could alter the design of the unseen titans.
@@SaurianStudios1207 yeah you right exactly Those unseen Titans is totally Unknown
Godzilla vs King Ghidorah is better in this aspect because the nuke solves a problem, but creates a bigger problem.
But why would a private citizen even own a nuclear submarine to begin with?
Great job on the video analysis.
Well done sir *tips hat*
I look forward to the Oxygen Destroyer vid.
The entire idea of deterrents is complicated as all hell. It's not as simple as "nuke bad".
You deserve two KAIJU-sized thumbs up!
I nearly cried during that scene
SkySlasher I broke into tears..
I wonder what Blunova thinks of this...
Hey Omni, which of the four new titans shown in KOTM is your favorite? Behemoth, Scylla, Methuselah, or MUTO3? My favorite of the new titans is Behemoth.
Brilliant! As always.
Great job explaining that all, awesome!
I wasn't even aware people had an issue with this.
When comparing Serizawa's sacrifice to Luke's sacrifice, both are about characters doing something that they were against at first but ended up doing for the greater good. But Serizawa's is narratively better constructed.
At first, Serizawa was against the use of nuclear weapons due to Hiroshima, but always saw Godzilla as the key to coexistence between humanity and titans, so when the world needed Godzilla, he took it upon himself to revive him for the greater good - while also benefiting himself and Mark.
Luke wanted to die on an island so the Jedi can end, but he had to be the hero the Resistance needed to escape the First Order and died for it. That's nice and all, but this plot line is a literal contradiction of Luke Skywalker's character because Luke would never contemplate killing his nephew while he slept which resulted in Kylo Ren and the Sequel Trilogy as a whole - especially after Luke saved Darth Vader because he was his father.
Hell, in Godzilla vs. Megalon Japan is attacked by Megalon because of nuclear tests. Then Godzilla fights against Megalon - so in a way in support of nuclear tests.
I'd also like to add that the type of radiation the Titans give off might not be the radiation we're thinking of but actually something akin to Mana from the Gamera Heiseiverse since it's clear the Monsterverse is going with a more Maybe Magic, Maybe Mundane approach.
Thankyou for all that you do man, keep it up
The new atomic bomb: BrUh
Just realized this. I see a good amount of videos going over Daisuke Serizawa and his oxygen destroyer(with good reason of course), but I've not seen as many go over what I'd consider to be the other major view shown in the film. That being Dr. Yamane and him wanting to keep Godzilla alive for science but perhaps more(?) I don't necessarily know what that more could be, but I think it could be a interesting subject to broach.
@GojiBro Davidson "I don't necessarily know what that more could be, but I think it could be a interesting subject to broach."
Godzilla 2000 actually covered something along those lines. What's the big plot point in the movie that both humanity and the Millennian aliens take an interest in? Regenerator G-1, the substance that gives Godzilla his incredible regenerative abilities. When the humans discover it, the first thing they think of is how it could revolutionize modern medicine.
Godzilla's potential benefits are also the source of the conflict between the characters Shinoda and Katagiri. Shinoda wants to keep Godzilla alive for the potential boons he could bring to science, while Katagiri wants to destroy him for endangering Japanese lives.
LETS GOOOO
Alright, time to fulfill my months-old commitment to this video and the debate therein, now that I'm back online a bit:
Honestly, I don't have many objections here. As a theme, I think "nukes = technology that is too capable = FORGET IT WAS EVER A THING!" would be a dead-end (technology is not going to stop making us progressively more capable). I think the movie's condemnation of both arrogant willingness to assert power beyond compare, when the consequences can't be entirely understood and refusal to use any at all, when you do know the consequences of refraining are too dire is all sound, as a theme - and seems perfectly Godzill-ian.
What I don't care for is how that and any other themes were baked into what takes place at the forefront. Most defenses I've heard of this movie (any more complex than, "c'mon, gotta love the monsters!") remind me of a chef's defense of his dish that I heard in one of those Top Chef-type shows, about how he had a vision of bitter and sweet combined just right and had fully expected to be in the top-group that night, as opposed to the bottom. He certainly got brownie points for his defense, as opposed to the chef who rambled and sighed about how she didn't know how it got away from her, but it didn't change how the end result just didn't gel.
Would I have liked a movie placing its tension on Dr. Serizawa, in what truly seemed like no-right-answers dilemma on how/how much to interfere with this monster uprising? Would I have enjoyed a convincing depiction of a villain so seduced by a "how things SHOULD be" narrative, that she became so irredeemably arrogant/unhinged as to condemn millions to their death (or just arrogant/unhinged enough to do so unintentionally, when her grief-induced balance crusade turns out to be miscalculated by just a single toe over the line)? Absolutely. What I got, in its finished state, tasted differently from what our chefs seemed to intend. Our "heroes," instead of caught in a dilemma that was clearly compelling and difficult, seemed to be forwarding their passive agenda by keeping important information to themselves, to an extent that conventional wisdom would say is ungodly arrogant and stupid - and the movie never gives us a reason to think otherwise. Dr. Emma Russell DID go the irredeemably cruel/arrogant/unhinged route - and the movie treated it like it was the toe-over-the-line, redeemable character route (not helped by what I WILL call a nuclear narrative stretch, even by sci-fi standards, of said radiation CREATING all the growth an environmentalist could ever want in half a decade). I've heard the explanations for how they should all be considered a miraculously perfect balance of characters who are just _______ enough to not be X, yet not enough _________ to be Y, and it always conveys more complexity than the movie ever actually seemed to insist on, while still skirting on the part where people are responsible for their own actions.
Do I think the movie set out to be just an action spectacle? No. In fact, I've been more satisfied with movies that seemed to have about 1/10th as much on their minds. If anything, I think the finished product tried to add more ingredients than it was ready to mix in. Interesting to analyze and perhaps even fascinating for how it draws from and pays tribute to the series, but as a finished product, not unlike some overloaded, unrefined think-pieces I've written myself, which ended up being more clunky than compelling (this hopefully not being one of them...).
So yeah, I hope that was worth the months-long wait ^_^;
Since when is all spectacle a problem for some of the people who watch these movies? Hell I'm convinced some people WANT it to be all spectacle.
Would love for you and Blunova to have a debate!
Nice video Omni! I was wondering if you happen to know the lexile of Operation: Red Dragon because I’m doing a book report on it. It’s ok if you don’t but just in case.
I do not know it. Probably isn't big enough to have a lexile yet, since a search turned up nothing for me.
Omni Viewer same with me I just wanted to know what you thought but I’ll just take a look through the book again and make an assumption
Trey The Explainer made a video about radiation and the environment.
I know KOTM 2019 is science fiction.
BUT the radiation observed in Chernobyl and how nature has returned now took decades to be in it's current state. Meanwhile in KOTM, nature returned to San Francisco within 5 years. In short, the effects radiation have on nature now is STILL not yet fully understood. It's still being debated at best. What we DO KNOW is that nature returned to Chernobyl mainly due to the absence of human interference.
Serizawa's sacrifice is still handled well, and is an inversion of 1954. Just don't apply this movie's take on nuclear power and nature to real life.
I've been waiting for this
Wow while I still haven't seen the movie yet I have to admit that this was a really good video and it taught me a lot so when I go in to see this movie or see it on DVD I'm going to have a pretty good perspective of it thank you I'm Omni viewer!
The pro-nuclear argument for Hedorah & Vs. King Ghidorah is a MASSIVE STRETCH! By the 70's, Godzilla didn't represent nuclear holocaust, he was a superhero by that point. His atomic breath didn't bring questions of accountability or consequences. It became part of his superpower.
As for Vs. King Ghidorah, there were consequences to bringing Godzilla back. The new Godzilla was bigger, more aggressive, & unpredictable that began attacking humanity after defeating Ghidorah, thus forcing the humans to take a step backward & revive Ghidorah as a cyborg. Additionally, the submarine never got a chance to use the nuke. Godzilla was already irradiated by the fallout left by a different sunken sub in the 70's, showing that nuclear proliferation had polluted the world. GKOTM ignores the consequences of nukes & radiation, which is the whole point of the franchise's origins: the folly of man.
I wouldn't say it ignores it but is not as black and white as one may think, godzilla did become a superhero in the showa era but Godzilla was still nuclear but use his powers for good. I don't think king of monsters was upright saying nuclear energy is good but more on how you use it after if all this source of energy can cause major damage but it can also help people like the omni viewer pointed out. I don't about you but how i interpreted godzilla was he supposed to represent the duality of nuclear power and is not good or bad but how that power is use.
I think godzilla can represent many different things from being a destroyer who punishes humans folly to a protector who teaches us how to coexist with nature. I interpreted king of monsters themes as trying to coexist with nature and how nuclear energy is not as black and white as one may think which i very interesting. Im just glad it has brought very good discussion into the godzilla community. How the movie fairs in what i brought up is up for the viewer to decide.
Thank you if read both my comments
and yet, without Mothra's interference (or, in other words, nature's interference), Godzilla would have exploded like an atom bomb, killing millions and worse, Godzilla himself, leaving, not just humanity, but the whole planet at the mercy of King Guidorah.
Also, lets not forget the famous line of "Good thing he is on our side" "For now". Godzilla ISNT a hero. He is a force of nature, nature's wrath.
He killed millions in both 2014 and KOTM, and when Humanity finally decides to help, it comes at the cost of a man's life, a whole underwater kingdom and, potencially, the whole planet.
It was only thanks to Mothra's help aka nature's help, that that final consequence didnt happen.
Overall, much like how life isnt black and white. Nukes and radiation also arent black and white.
It just comes down to how we use them.
I consider that Godzilla needs more radiation to survive the ages a he has lived and that makes him incredible powerful and strong
Do you have any godzilla theories
Great video, and it never really bothered me.
The issue I take with the movie is not with the plot. It's with the technicalities and cinematography. Like the stupid cuts during the monster action. And the chants in the soundtrack.
I agree the cuts during the fight make KOTM just an okay movie in my opinion without cutaways from the fight this movie would be much better but I disagree on your other point I think the soundtrack of the movie is awesome
@@kriptho4599 I just dislike the chants. Music is great
@STEVE LE distracting
I liked the chants, personally. I felt it gave the score a primal feel, fitting for creatures that ancient Man worshipped as deities. And I just like vocal additions to music in general.
At the time you see this comment what is your favourite kaiju film leave it below
Shin Godzilla, easily
the atomic artist guy King of the Monsters is definitely my favorite modern kaiju film, for an older one I would say the Heisei MechaGodzilla film is pretty good.
I don't have any one particular favorite, so I'll just leave a list of my favorites (in no particular order).
- _Godzilla: King of the Monsters_ (2019)
- _Godzilla_ (2014)
- _Godzilla 2000: Millennium_ (1999)
- _Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla_ (2002)
- _The Return of Godzilla_ (1984)
- _Destroy All Monsters_ (1968)
the atomic artist guy Gamera 2
@Shawn Burke DAM was the movie that got me into the franchise.
The real truth is that Godzilla has become a corporate character and thus has lost allot of that original meaning except for the occasional movie or moments.
Godzilla is still radiation based but legendary couldn’t afford to let the character die, so what could a writer do? He is the hero and he needs to live for the sequel.
Mobile Atrocity A hero for the sequel ? I don’t think he’ll be a hero. Corporate Character ? Shin Godzilla from Toho says hi.
He always was a corporate character. Winnie the Pooh is a corporate character.