Pretty Good
For film students, film critics, or anyone looking for an in depth analysis of the production of the many Godzilla films, this book is pretty good. My only real complaint, other than the "newspaper-style" two columns per page print format, is a seeming emphasis on the American versus the Japanese versions of the various films. While the Japanese films are set center stage, the author often uses their American versions, or releases, in comparison.
Overall, however, an interesting book. Not the liveliest writing, but solid content.
Biased, but that is part of it's strength
This is a great book for any Godzilla or Japanese film fan. It is written by someone who is obviously in love with Godzilla films and that is actually part of it's charm. You get such an in depth read into the history of each film that it makes watching them a second time a natural reaction. I really like the format too. I own no other filmbook on Godzilla (many on Japanese films though) and I am glad this is the only one as it is very good.
It's one fault in my eyes is the extent the author goes to try and point out racism from Americans in regard to the films. He states in the Introduction he does not want to "accuse anyone of racism" but does so throughout. Examples of critics who find the Godzilla films cheap and American or British films made with similar effects as "good" is hardly an example or racism. Or that since the American release of the original Godzilla had a character "clearly implied" by Raymond Burr as dying early in the film (in which he really didn't) and then pops up later is from the American producers belief that no one would notice since they "all look alike". This after describing several times the lead characters in King Kong as greedy "white guys" but does not describe the color of other race's skin when adressing the Japanese films. I felt it may have been an attempt to make the book more socialy critical, P.C. or maybe just a Japanese aplogist but it kind of took me out of a great attempt to legitimize a "lesser" film genre.
Anyway, still well worth getting even if the Mcfarland $50 tag is a bit steep.
Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series
Excellent condition! Quick service. Highly recommended. Would use again.
A Great Book ... Not Only for Godzilla Fans !
I am not a Godzilla fan (I don't dislike them; I am neutral towards them). But this book is amazing even if you don't care about the movies, because like them or not, Godzilla movies are an important part of our modern culture. This book is detailed, interesting, always enlightening, and very often hilarious to read. A great book can be a pleasure to read even for those who would not be interested in the subject. This is such a book.
An Amazing Read for Godzilla & Film Fans
This is an amazing book and I am absolutely fascinated by it, from both the standpoint of a film buff as well as a Gojira fan. I certainly hope Mr. Kalat does a follow-up now that G is enjoying a rebirth in Japanese cinema (from Godzilla Millenium to GMK and beyond) and the book itself stops at Godzilla v Destroyah, his supposed "death" in Japan. (The plan was to turn the reins over to Tri-Star in the USA, but since the '98 American Godzilla stunk so very much, fans worldwide convinced Toho to revive it in their own image). Excellent book for both film fan and Godzilla lover. No pictures, no diagrams, no schlock; just great writing and amazing detail.
(11 reviews)
