Godzilla (1954) Saturday Monster Movies

The first Godzilla movie is a true classic. Some of the later entries in the Godzilla series will be great films, but this first one belongs in the pantheon of greatest movies ever. That is because it is more than just a monster movie. The monster is—first and foremost—a metaphor for the anxieties and real dangers of nuclear warfare. In the aftermath of WWII, when Japan experienced first-hand the devastation of nuclear bombs, it was inevitable that artists there would have something to say.

However, beyond the obvious message, there is an impressive exploration of the philosophy of religion going on here. This movie might ought to be required viewing for people studying intercultural studies, cross-cultural missionary work, and religion in general. The way that people are compelled to worship creation and powers in the world that are beyond their understanding is on display here. It even extends to the way that science and “modern” rational thinking is subject to this kind of worship.