Godzilla vs. Mothra (Mosura tai Gojira) (1964)

89% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(9,051 ratings)

Ishiro Honda directed this fourth Godzilla film (the second for Mothra), which is bogged down at the start by an uninteresting set-up involving corporate intrigue and a pair of boring reporters. Godzilla's first appearance is not very impressive, as he rises from a sandy beach looking distinctly the… More Ishiro Honda directed this fourth Godzilla film (the second for Mothra), which is bogged down at the start by an uninteresting set-up involving corporate intrigue and a pair of boring reporters. Godzilla's first appearance is not very impressive, as he rises from a sandy beach looking distinctly the worse for wear since his last outing in Kingukongu Tai Gojira (1963). The miniscule Peanut Sisters (Emi Ito, Yumi Ito) are around again, looking for one of the giant eggs which their moth goddess is always losing, and the usual heavy-handed moralizing about mankind's destructive nature is very much in evidence. Other than the peculiar set decoration on an irradiated island which looks as if it fell out of a 1930s adventure movie, the first 50 minutes or so are quite weak. After that, however, the toy tanks start firing, the natives start fleeing, the beasts start battling, and the film starts to be entertaining. The fight scenes are well-staged, given the clumsiness of the participants, and stand as some of the best such sequences of the 1960s. The eventual capture and electrocution of Godzilla in a giant net is nicely handled as well. This installment was followed by the much more interesting San Daikaiju: Chikyu Saidai No Kessen (1965), the first of the space-oriented entries in the series. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Ishirô Honda
Genres: Horror, Art House & International, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Sep 17, 1964 Wide
On DVD: May 5, 1998
Studio: Simitar

Critic Reviews

Steve Biodrowski, ESplatter
Only occasional penny pinching (fewer composite shots and elaborate miniatures) and a handful of minor gaffs mar this colorful, elaborate fantasy film, which is thoroughly enjoyable for fans and children, and might even impress a few non-fans.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Solid mutant monster fun.
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
Yes, Mothra vs. Godzilla is bad, but it so revels in its sheer badness that you cannot help but like it.
Steve "Uncle Creepy" Barton, Dread Central
The print is friggin' sweet. This movie has never looked or sounded better. Rock! Take your old DVD and use it as a coaster. You'll never miss it.
Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
One of the better Godzilla films.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
One of Godzilla's grooviest adventures.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Christopher H

Fans and critics alike regards this movie as one of the best Godzilla entries, and it is easy to see why. It is very colorful, the special effects are top-notch for these kinds of films, and the story is quiet unique. The film manages to have the right balance of comedy and drama,… More
Fans and critics alike regards this movie as one of the best Godzilla entries, and it is easy to see why. It is very colorful, the special effects are top-notch for these kinds of films, and the story is quiet unique. The film manages to have the right balance of comedy and drama, with human characters that the audience does not mind spending time with. This is Mothra's second feature film, who previously starred in her own film, while this is Godzilla's fourth appearance. The film also contains probably the best Godzilla suit next to the 1954 original. At first it seems the fight between Godzilla and Mothra would not be much of a struggle, but surprisingly, it is one of the best fights of the series. I do not want to give anything away, but the way Mothra defeats Godzilla is both surprising and clever. This would be the last entry to feature Godzilla as a bad guy for an entire film until "Godzilla 1985", afterwards Toho would slowly transform Godzilla into a hero. Definitely one of my favorite Godzilla movies.
Luke B

Toho continue on an entertaining Kaiju streak. Here the battle is between Mothra and Godzilla. Though entertaining, it does pretty much rehash the plots of both of these monsters independent outings. Godzilla always knows when another monster is out and about and here he comes to… More
Toho continue on an entertaining Kaiju streak. Here the battle is between Mothra and Godzilla. Though entertaining, it does pretty much rehash the plots of both of these monsters independent outings. Godzilla always knows when another monster is out and about and here he comes to trash some shit up. In a desperate attempt at salvation, Japan turn to Mothra for some help. Only problem is a greedy businessman has come into possession of Mothra's egg and refuses to let it go. There are some thematic elements around the battle of the sexes here. With Godzilla representing the destructive and vengeful force of man, and Mothra the maternal do-gooder. However, unlike previous films the themes are swept under the rug for more monster brawling. There's less humor than the previous outing, and even more violence. I doubt it's any coincidence that the most violent scenes come from humans attacking humans, rather than Godzilla's rampage.
Anthony L

Mothra was shit, he's just a big stupid moth! This is a classic though!
Steven V

The last in the Showa era that featured a thoroughly evil Godzilla. Truly spectacular. Good story, decent characters and an awesome soundtrack from Akira Ifukube.
Christopher B

Sure Mothra was made to bring the ladies into theaters, but those Peanuts are my wife's favourites. Mooothora! Moooth oooo raaa haa haa haa.
t h o m !

Giant moth...