Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) Saturday Monster Movies

The reboot of the Godzilla franchise begun in 1984’s “Return of Godzilla” didn’t get rolling right away. It took five years to see the franchise resume. Up until this point, the films had been released while Emperor Showa was ruling. Now that a new Emperor (Heisei) was ruling, the two eras of the Godzilla franchise were distinguished by the names of the emperors in charge during their run.

The Heisei Era gained full steam with the release of “Godzilla vs. Biollante.” For the next several years, movies would be released almost annually. They would also have a higher level of continuity.

“Godzilla vs. Biollante” is perhaps the most creative and innovative story in the franchise since 1971’s “Godzilla vs. Hedora.” Where that story had created a new, unique monster that symbolized the problem of pollution, Biollante introduces a unique monster with built in commentary on genetic manipulation. Godzilla stories are always at their best when integrating an overt commentary on social, scientific problems: nuclear power and weapons, pollution, or gene manipulation. It seems the common denominator is mankind’s impact on the world around us.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Godzilla movie if things weren’t convoluted and over the top. This film adds industrial espionage, psychic powers, and terrorist plots into the mix. However, the obvious message is that age-old, sci-fi concern that people should not tread into areas where only God should have domain.