Ishiro Honda was a working-class filmmaker, if you ask me. A devoted company man, he directed whatever project he was given without complaint. He got enough sci-fi/fantasy films that he was able to explore and refine the genre into something that he could express his own personal beliefs and vision. His friend, Kurosawa, was more forceful in getting what he wanted, but Honda was generous. He took what he had, and made the absolute best of it. His best films are Godzilla, Godzilla vs. The Thing, Matango, War of the Gargantuas, Godzilla's Revenge, and a few others, but the truth of the matter is, they are some of the best films of their kind. Ishiro Honda was a unique science fiction director. I say unique because there is nobody that could have made these movies the way that Honda did. Working-class company man, to be sure. I think that's what I love about him the most. But Honda was something special. He needs to be recognized as such. These days, its seems like if Spielberg, or any of his ilk doesn't have their name on it, it's not worth seeing. Audiences today don't care about the guys that work to make the best film possible, and are modest about how good they are. Honda and Kurosawa were best friends, and very respectful of each others talents. I often wonder if the filmmakers of today are so honorable.
Sorry if I deviated sooooo far from the main idea of this thread, but I needed to get atleast some of my feelings out about this particular man. I don't frequent this site as much as I used to, but Godzilla fandom is still very much apart of who I am, and I always love the opportunity to honor those who brought my childhood hero into existence. Ishiro Honda will never get the respect he deserves, but for those of us who know, he is "the man."