TALKBACK #12: Godzilla vs. Gigan

[Tyler E. Martin]

[planetxleader]

[zekend01]

[Guardian7]

[Legion]

[Guardian7]

That's okay too!

[Benjamin Haines]

[MekaGojira3k]

[Legion]

[Flame of Udin]

[Legion]

[Flame of Udin]

Well.....yeah.

I think the reason the score for one worked for me was because I saw Gigan before Toho's other films. In fact I believe it was my fist ever Godzilla film (its a toss up between this and KK vs. G, believe it or not I know the entire dub for both movies by heart ) so in my mind the soundtrack was fresh and interesting. It took me years to realize Ifukube wasn't even on board for the production.

As for it's aim, four words. BEST NIGHTTIME BATTLE EVER! (or is that five?)

I'm gearing up to pop the DVD in the player so I can have something good to say for Kyle's Mach Kaijucast.

[Rodanex]

[Giganfan]

My perennial favorite Godzilla flick! I just watched it last night, for the first time in years! Yeah, it's a poorly-executed film, but still tons of fun. Godzilla vs. Gigan and myself are old friends, so I'll state it plainly; it's one of my top...TWO favorite Godzilla movies (second only to Ghidrah)!

TONS 'O FUN!!!

And I love the totally nonsensical Cinema Shares title, GODZILLA ON MONSTER ISLAND. Classic!

[Tyler E. Martin]

[ryuuseipro]

[Tyler E. Martin]

[Alpha OTS]

[Arrow]

I'll be honest in saying that Godzilla vs. Gigan is a pretty bad movie, but I have a sort of nostalgic fondness for it. The characters are a lot of fun, and it's pretty easy to get into the parts of the final battle that aren't stock footage (such as when Gigan and King Ghidorah firmly take the upper hand once the Godzilla Tower starts attacking Godzilla; Angurius getting injured when he runs into Gigan's saw; and when Godzilla turns the tide of battle and comes back). The special effects aren't that good and there's a ridiculous amount of stock footage, as well as the Godzilla suit obviously falling apart, but I guess that's forgivable given the circumstances. The score of stock music by Ifukube is actually pretty good and the Space Hunters are my second favorite of the invading aliens (The aliens from Astro Monster take my #1 spot).

I'd sooner take the other '70s films though.

[MekaGojira3k]

[kiryugoji04]

[Arrow]

Perhaps "Godzilla vs. Gigan" is a flawed movie would have been better?
Though I'm surprised to see so much love for it here. It's usually considered a low point for the series, though I prefer it to many of the films coming after it. It's really a lot of fun even with its shortcomings. That being said. I prefer Godzilla vs. Megalon.

[jellydonut25]

[ebirahsmeg1]

Godzilla vs Gigan is a guilty pleasure of mine. It has tons of flaws, and I probably shouldn't like it...but it's just too much damn fun! Sure, this film gets ripped on alot for these flaws (and rightfully so), however, if this film had the same budget as the early/mid 60s showa films (and used the original intended script Godzilla vs the Space Monsters), I personally feel this would have been one of the top G films of all time (though it still is for me sentimentally).

I think Gigan alone is what makes this flawed film work so well for me and allows one to overlook all its faults. Gigan is hands down one of TOHO's best creations. You know, we always hear about the elite "big 5" being Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah, Rodan, and MechaGodzilla in regards to monsters that *must* appear every new G film series, G video games, G book/comics, etc...well, I think we should extend this to "the big 7" and throw Gigan in there as well (and Angilas too)...as far as I'm concerned, he's equal to any kaiju in the "big 5" and he deserves to be mentioned in this elite class...

[MekaGojira3k]

I think when people say it's a bad movie, it's more or less people harping on the SFX scenes and the recycling of Ifukube cues. However, Gigan has a likeable cast, fun story, and a cool looking foe. Those are its greatest strengths. This and Monster Zero got played the most when I was a kid, until I got DAM and Godzilla vs. Hedorah, that is.

I <3 Godzilla vs. Gigan. Though Hedorah is my particular brand of 70s zaniness.