JAPANuary

Godzilla Double-Feature Film Festival

joystikNik

I had the pleasure of hosting the JAPANuary Godzilla Double-Feature Film Festival on the PH16 Discord server. As a huge fan of kaiju films I was thrilled to bring together fans from all over to celebrate these iconic monsters.

Throughout the month of January 2023 we explored different themes and aspects of the Godzilla franchise, showcasing some of the most iconic entries from the series. From Mothra vs Godzilla to Godzilla vs Destoroyah, each week had its own unique theme and set of films to explore.

In week one, we explored the theme of "Monsters and Their Allies," featuring Mothra vs Godzilla and Godzilla vs Gigan. These films not only showcased epic battles between iconic monsters but also explored the complex relationships between these creatures. Mothra, for example, is not always an enemy of Godzilla, and in fact, the two have teamed up several times to save the world from other threats. These movies highlighted the power of unlikely alliances and the importance of working together to achieve a greater good. Mothra also just happens to be my number two favorite, right behind the Big G.

Week two focused on the "Evolution of Godzilla," featuring Shin Godzilla and Godzilla vs Biollante. These films highlighted the ways in which Godzilla has evolved over the years, both in terms of his character and the special effects used to bring him to life. Shin Godzilla, in particular, took a more modern approach to the character, portraying him as a force of nature rather than a simple monster. This film highlighted the continued relevance of Godzilla as a symbol of environmental destruction and the ways in which filmmakers have updated the character to reflect modern concerns.

In week three, we explored the theme of "Machine vs Monster," featuring Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla and Destroy All Monsters. These movies showcased the epic battles between Godzilla and some of his most iconic mechanical foes, but they also highlighted the ways in which technology can be used for both good and evil. Mechagodzilla, for example, was created by humans to protect the world from monsters, but ultimately it became a tool of destruction. These films underscored the importance of responsible technology use and the potential dangers of relying too heavily on machines.

Week four focused on "Planetary Threats," featuring Invasion of Astro Monster and Godzilla vs Megalon. These films introduced the idea of Godzilla and his allies fighting against enemies from outer space, adding a new level of excitement and intrigue to the franchise. But beyond just being fun popcorn flicks, these pieces also highlighted the importance of cooperation between different nations and the need to work together to face global threats.

Finally, in week five, we celebrated "Godzilla's Legacy," featuring Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs Destoroyah. These films showcased the most recent entries in the franchise and highlighted the impact that Godzilla has had on the world of cinema and popular culture. But they also highlighted the ways in which the franchise has evolved over time, from a simple monster movie to a complex exploration of themes like environmentalism, technology, and global cooperation.

Overall, the "JAPANuary" Godzilla Double-Feature Film Festival was a fantastic opportunity to not only watch some amazing films but also to delve deeper into the world of kaiju cinema and gain a greater understanding of the themes and ideas that make these movies so enduringly popular. I want to thank everyone who participated in the festival and helped to make it such a success. Here's to the next one!

Films Shown

Week 1

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Mothra vs Godzilla
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Godzilla vs Gigan
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Week 2

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Shin Godzilla
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Godzilla vs Biollante
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Week 3

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Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla
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Destroy All Monsters
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Week 4

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Invasion of Astro Monster
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Godzilla vs Megalon
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Week 5

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Godzilla: King of the Monsters
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Godzilla vs Destoroyah
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