Well-said, man.MechaGoji Bro7503 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 9:04 am Rewatched this one on HBO Max yesterday, and I found it to be a wonderful film. I never really had ill thoughts towards the movie, I must admit it was one of the first Showa Godzilla films I ever saw (the others being Rodan, MvG, KOTM56, and TOMG). After seeing about 300ish episodes of Showa Ultraman I must say AMA feels right at home with it's contemporaries and of course the situations of the time period. Kids are fascinated with strange and wondrous characters, a little imagination goes a long way in finding enjoyment in life. Even the pollution and smog seen throughout Ichiro's area makes for nice context before Hedorah. As I've said before, AMA most definitely inspired the guys who made the Ultraman Gaia film, since the overall premise is quite similar.
It's a sincere film that I imagine feels personal to Ishiro Honda, who I must say his direction feels comforting and dreamy. I see AMA as a bridge between his non sci-fi work and his tokusatsu fare - reading about his "smaller" work in his biography a few years ago kept popping up in my head as I was watching the movie. I love Minilla's line where he goes: "We monsters don't lie like humans do." I'm pretty sure that opening song states that monsters aren't trying to be evil by choice. The stock footage works, and the battle with monster Gabara is a load of fun. It is interesting how Ichiro's own conflict occurs after the climatic monster battle, not only does it benefit the narrative but I think it makes the film stand out. Off the top of my head I think Biollante is another one where the final human versus human battle occurs after the monsters wrap up?
All in all, I'm a big fan of this film. Full of heart, sincerity, and what fan wouldn't dream of escaping to the world of Godzilla?
Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
- ShinGojira14
- Xilien Halfling
- Posts: 5400
- Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2017 9:08 pm
- Location: Under the Wild Montana Skies
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
"William Knifeman! AH! AH! AH!"
- Terasawa
- Xilien Halfling
- Posts: 5841
- Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:06 am
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
Tokyo SOS is another one kinda like this. The real climax is the JXSDF rescuing Chujo from Kiryu, which takes place after the monster battle has concluded. And I mean Godzilla's technically involved because Kiryu is carrying his webbed-up body to sea, but he doesn't participate in the climactic action at all. Pretty weird.MechaGoji Bro7503 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 9:04 amIt is interesting how Ichiro's own conflict occurs after the climatic monster battle, not only does it benefit the narrative but I think it makes the film stand out. Off the top of my head I think Biollante is another one where the final human versus human battle occurs after the monsters wrap up?
寺沢. He/him/his, etc.
- A list of known Toho export dubs (a colossal, perpetual work in progress)
- Kaiju and Tokusatsu Movies on The Sci-Fi Channel (1992 - 2010)
-
- Justiriser
- Posts: 16015
- Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:45 pm
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
I'm watching the movie right now. It's just an extremely fun, breezy, sincere and well directed little kids movie. It always amazes me how people will trash this simple little film and call it the worst of the worst while praising truly incompetent later films that we should be holding to higher standards.
- eabaker
- Administrator
- Posts: 13758
- Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2012 6:16 pm
- Location: Portland, OR
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
I think AMA may be the most successful of these movies at making a post-kaiju human climax satisfying because, even though it's farthest from the monster action in terms of screen time, it's a human climax that is directly motivated by Ichiro's relationship with Minya and Godzilla. Biollante keeps its human-focused final showdown as more of a coda, and returns to Godzilla pretty quickly, so it's doesn't become a pacing issue or feel like it dominates over the G/B conflict. In Tokyo SOS, on the other hand, Godzilla himself feels completely incidental to the finale.Terasawa wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 12:45 pmTokyo SOS is another one kinda like this. The real climax is the JXSDF rescuing Chujo from Kiryu, which takes place after the monster battle has concluded. And I mean Godzilla's technically involved because Kiryu is carrying his webbed-up body to sea, but he doesn't participate in the climactic action at all. Pretty weird.MechaGoji Bro7503 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 9:04 amIt is interesting how Ichiro's own conflict occurs after the climatic monster battle, not only does it benefit the narrative but I think it makes the film stand out. Off the top of my head I think Biollante is another one where the final human versus human battle occurs after the monsters wrap up?
Tokyo, a smoldering memorial to the unknown, an unknown which at this very moment still prevails and could at any time lash out with its terrible destruction anywhere else in the world.
- Terasawa
- Xilien Halfling
- Posts: 5841
- Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:06 am
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
Definitely agree with that, although I'd like to say that IMO the GMMG climax with Chujo having to escape Kiryu in mid-flight is so much more thrilling than the monster stuff that precedes it.
Another one that slipped my mind earlier (somehow) is DAM, oof.
Another one that slipped my mind earlier (somehow) is DAM, oof.
寺沢. He/him/his, etc.
- A list of known Toho export dubs (a colossal, perpetual work in progress)
- Kaiju and Tokusatsu Movies on The Sci-Fi Channel (1992 - 2010)
- MechaGoji Bro7503
- Administrator
- Posts: 6117
- Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2016 6:02 pm
- Location: Black Hole Planet 3 branch of Majima Construction.
- Contact:
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
Thank you thank you!
Ah yes, SOS is another one! Great example Teresawa.eabaker wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 4:48 pmI think AMA may be the most successful of these movies at making a post-kaiju human climax satisfying because, even though it's farthest from the monster action in terms of screen time, it's a human climax that is directly motivated by Ichiro's relationship with Minya and Godzilla. Biollante keeps its human-focused final showdown as more of a coda, and returns to Godzilla pretty quickly, so it's doesn't become a pacing issue or feel like it dominates over the G/B conflict. In Tokyo SOS, on the other hand, Godzilla himself feels completely incidental to the finale.Terasawa wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 12:45 pmTokyo SOS is another one kinda like this. The real climax is the JXSDF rescuing Chujo from Kiryu, which takes place after the monster battle has concluded. And I mean Godzilla's technically involved because Kiryu is carrying his webbed-up body to sea, but he doesn't participate in the climactic action at all. Pretty weird.MechaGoji Bro7503 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 9:04 amIt is interesting how Ichiro's own conflict occurs after the climatic monster battle, not only does it benefit the narrative but I think it makes the film stand out. Off the top of my head I think Biollante is another one where the final human versus human battle occurs after the monsters wrap up?
Eabaker, I think I'll have to agree about AMA having the most successful ending of these aforementioned films. It takes center stage in the best ways possible.
"Bang on, mate.", - Murdoc Niccals 2018.
"Right, wrong... Nobody's got a clue what the difference is in this town. So I'm gonna have more fun... and live crazier than any of 'em." - Goro Majima.
Our G-Force a Kaiju Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/g ... 1509725595
For unique discussions on Ultraman, Godzilla, and much more check out my channel Tiger Drop Films: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCng0uL ... VCg/videos
"Right, wrong... Nobody's got a clue what the difference is in this town. So I'm gonna have more fun... and live crazier than any of 'em." - Goro Majima.
Our G-Force a Kaiju Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/g ... 1509725595
For unique discussions on Ultraman, Godzilla, and much more check out my channel Tiger Drop Films: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCng0uL ... VCg/videos
-
- Justiriser
- Posts: 16015
- Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:45 pm
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
Well, the ending works because this movie isn't about the monsters. All the conflicts in the movie have nothing to do with Godzilla. It's about a kid whose parents are never home, who gets harassed by a bully and who ends up getting kidnapped by bank robbers. It's Ichiro's story, and the fantasy scenes are only there to help teach the kid the life lessons he isn't getting in the real world. It's a film that has a climax that CAN NOT be about a monster battle. It's a very personal movie by a director with something to say.
I know it's a cliche to say people don't get it. But...people don't get it.
I know it's a cliche to say people don't get it. But...people don't get it.
Last edited by Legion1979 on Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
- Voyager
- Keizer
- Posts: 8039
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:34 pm
- Location: On a boat
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
Underrated, too bad it’s shit on by the general fandom to no end.
For Emperor and Empire!
-
- Keizer
- Posts: 8626
- Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2010 1:25 pm
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
Not to mention that some moments from the fight with the bank robbers parallel the fight with Gabara.Legion1979 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:30 am Well, the ending works because this movie isn't about the monsters. All the conflicts in the movie have nothing to do with Godzilla. It's about a kid whose parents are never home, who gets harassed by a bully and who ends up getting kidnapped by bank robbers. It's Ichiro's story, and the fantasy scenes are only there to help teach the kid the life lessons he isn't getting in the real world. It's a film that has a climax that CAN NOT be about a monster battle. It's a very personal movie by a director with something to say.
I know it's a cliche to say people don't get it. But...people don't get it.
The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made.
The strength of the vampire is that people will not believe in him.
The strength of the vampire is that people will not believe in him.
- LSD Jellyfish
- Administrator
- Posts: 14611
- Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2015 11:57 pm
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
It's funny because a few years back you called me out on parroting other people's beliefs (James Rolfe-types) on here, and I think a lot of people in general do the same. A lot of people saw GRA once, after watching a bad review of it and don't give it a second thought. "Haha, this is the one we make fun of right?". It's not my favorite film in the series, and it's not a film I'd recommend to people trying to get into Godzilla, but it's definitely a solid and worthy entry in the series. As you say, it also takes a lot of understanding that the film was made with a really specific idea in mind, and it for the most part faithfully executes what it's trying to accomplish: a simple story about a kid growing up with some minor peril that uses monsters that parallel the plot to entertain the viewer. Like most of the Showa series, the film is reflective of social issues at the time, especially ones that people might not "immediately get".Legion1979 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:30 am Well, the ending works because this movie isn't about the monsters. All the conflicts in the movie have nothing to do with Godzilla. It's about a kid whose parents are never home, who gets harassed by a bully and who ends up getting kidnapped by bank robbers. It's Ichiro's story, and the fantasy scenes are only there to help teach the kid the life lessons he isn't getting in the real world. It's a film that has a climax that CAN NOT be about a monster battle. It's a very personal movie by a director with something to say.
I know it's a cliche to say people don't get it. But...people don't get it.
I think it's so fascinating that this is the film sandwiched between DAM and Godzilla vs. Hedorah. The three are so stylistically different and it really makes you appreciate the variety that went into these films. And yeah, I think AMA has the best post monster ending in the series.
- Spuro
- Keizer
- Posts: 9553
- Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 10:34 pm
- Location: Monster Island
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
Some people get it just fine. We just don't agree that the movie is good at executing its concepts and believe that it mishandles its ending. I appreciate that Godzilla's Revenge has a lot of artistic thought put into it, but at the end of the day the film just doesn't do it for me.Legion1979 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:30 am I know it's a cliche to say people don't get it. But...people don't get it.
eabaker wrote: You can't parse duende.
Breakdown wrote: HP Lovecraft's cat should be the ultimate villain of the MonsterVerse.
- godjacob
- Futurian
- Posts: 3442
- Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2018 6:16 am
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
I am not sure I want to live in a world where All Monsters Attack is considered this "misunderstood classic", for me it is the absolutely bottom of the barrel of the classic Toho franchise.
- Terasawa
- Xilien Halfling
- Posts: 5841
- Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:06 am
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
I totally understand why some fans don't like it, but I think the absolute vitriol hurled at it is excessive and ridiculous. It's harmless, but you wouldn't know that from the legion of mostly casual Godzilla fans who act like it traumatized them.
Edit: I'll always wonder if this film would have a better reputation among American G-fans had it been more widely released under this title as originally intended.
Edit: I'll always wonder if this film would have a better reputation among American G-fans had it been more widely released under this title as originally intended.
Last edited by Terasawa on Sat Oct 30, 2021 3:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
寺沢. He/him/his, etc.
- A list of known Toho export dubs (a colossal, perpetual work in progress)
- Kaiju and Tokusatsu Movies on The Sci-Fi Channel (1992 - 2010)
-
- Justiriser
- Posts: 16015
- Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:45 pm
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
I dont think it would have mattered what this movie was called. People were going to close their minds and hate this film regardless.
- Spuro
- Keizer
- Posts: 9553
- Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 10:34 pm
- Location: Monster Island
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
Mildly off topic, but did they edit that poster to make Ichiro look more Caucasian???Terasawa wrote: ↑Sat Oct 30, 2021 2:21 pm [pic=https://i.postimg.cc/Dng13xX1/All-Monst ... d-States-1[/pic]
Last edited by Spuro on Sat Oct 30, 2021 8:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
eabaker wrote: You can't parse duende.
Breakdown wrote: HP Lovecraft's cat should be the ultimate villain of the MonsterVerse.
- MaxRebo320
- EDF Instructor
- Posts: 2903
- Joined: Thu Mar 22, 2012 5:56 pm
- Location: albaquarky
- Contact:
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
You must have a very fragile ego if you cannot bear to live in a world where many people have a different opinion than you over a freaking movie.
Yeah, ever since seeing this poster for the first time in Sean Linkenback's Godzilla Collectibles guide, I always thought Ichiro looked...off. Though I almost think the airbrushing makes an attempt to have him look more "Asian" with the eyes and all.
Beta Capsule Reviews - Your Guide to Ultraman & other Tokusatsu episode-by-episode!
https://betacapsulereviews.wordpress.com
https://betacapsulereviews.wordpress.com
three wrote:leave me be maxrebo! damn you and your ability to play the game here....
- LSD Jellyfish
- Administrator
- Posts: 14611
- Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2015 11:57 pm
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
A Youtuber named ZaGourdan recently put up a good review of the film:
He doesn't think that it's a classic, but it doesn't deserve the hate.
One thing that is discussed in the review is when Ichiro leaves at the end his mother starts crying. I never really understood that moment, but now I get it. She's upset that she wasn't around more to protect and help Ichiro. Thanks to this review, I got a lot more out of the film.
He doesn't think that it's a classic, but it doesn't deserve the hate.
One thing that is discussed in the review is when Ichiro leaves at the end his mother starts crying. I never really understood that moment, but now I get it. She's upset that she wasn't around more to protect and help Ichiro. Thanks to this review, I got a lot more out of the film.
- LegendZilla
- Sazer
- Posts: 10375
- Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:57 am
- Location: British Columbia, Canada
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
This movie would likely be even more hated if it came out in the Heisei era.
Last edited by LegendZilla on Wed Jun 29, 2022 12:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
- JAGzilla
- Sazer
- Posts: 11919
- Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:45 pm
- Location: Georgia
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
If only because it would be wildly out of place, yes. At least it fits in with its fellow Showa movies.LegendZilla wrote: ↑Tue Jun 28, 2022 11:39 pm This movie would likely be even more hated if it came out in the Heisei era.
"Stop wars and no more accidents. I guess that's all I can ask." -Akio
- Voyager
- Keizer
- Posts: 8039
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2019 12:34 pm
- Location: On a boat
Re: Talkback Thread #10: All Monsters Attack (1969)
I see a pattern of posts.LegendZilla wrote: ↑Tue Jun 28, 2022 11:39 pm This movie would likely be even more hated if it came out in the Heisei era.
We don’t dislike movies for simply being part of the Heisei Era.
For Emperor and Empire!