Rodan (1956)

Rodan (1956)

Dir. Ishirō Honda

If you were to list the events of Rodan as a simple flowchart, it'll read just like many of the less inventive kaijū eiga from the era:

Human story

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Creature(s) awaken(s) + atomic power is mentioned

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Creature(s) rampage during last 30 mins + JSDF shoot weapons repeatedly to no avail

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Quick fix

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End.

What sets it apart is that the human story it offers up is better than most. There’s a feeling of genuine concern between the folks of the small coal mining village, while the terror they experience is shared among the workers and the usually distant decision makers.

Forbidden Planet (1956)

Forbidden Planet (1956)

Dir. Fred M. Wilcox

If you've any interest in the history and/or evolution of science fiction on film, then Forbidden Planet is a must-see, considering how influential it was on the genre. It was a direct influence on Star Trek: TOS, so fans of Kirk and Co. should be making a beeline to the front of the queue if they haven't already.

Of course, not everyone likes it. Some folks balk at the old school FX and criticise the music. I'm not just referring to kids weaned on CGI. Adults that ought to know better, that ought to be able to place something in its time and judge it accordingly, are just as dismissive. I feel genuinely sorry for them; they're missing out on so much. The FX are amazing; the miniatures and matte paintings are a thing of real beauty, filmed and presented in stunning Eastman Colour.