Mothra (1961) Saturday Monster Movies

Before we consider the next Godzilla movie in line, we have to go back and look at another kaiju that was introduced before 1962/63’s “King Kong vs. Godzilla.”

In 1961, Toho released “Mothra.” It is the story of an island adventure. Sailors are wrecked on a supposedly uninhabited and uninhabitable island, only to be rescued unharmed by the radiation that is supposed to be there. When investigating the island, two tiny women are discovered, and captured by the movie’s baddie, Nelson. A whole plot ensues where the ladies need to be returned to avert impending disaster. You see, the island as well as the ladies, are protected by a monstrously giant moth.

As is always the case in these early kaiju films, themes about the dangers of nuclear war are dealt with. Also, exploitation and colonialization are seen. However, unlike Godzilla up to this point, the giant monster here is never a villain. Mothra is good to the people of her island and their protector. So, the philosophy of religion and the nature of early, animistic beliefs are again on stage.

Bottom line in “Mothra”: don’t disrespect cultures and places you don’t understand, and certainly do not try to exploit the them!