Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) Saturday Monster Movies

In Godzilla: Tokyo SOS, humanity faces yet another assault from Godzilla while grappling with the ethical implications of Mechagodzilla (Kiryu), a weapon built using the remains of the original Godzilla. This is the only example in the Millenium Era of Godzilla, where a movie continues the storyline from the previous entry. As such, the message is a continuation of the previous story—and most Godzilla movies—humaity’s hubris in using nature, the unintended consequences, as well as the generational guilt seen represented in Kiryu’s core made up of a Godzilla skeleton. Mothra and her twin priestesses warn that disturbing the natural order by using Kiryu will bring further destruction, offering Mothra’s protection in exchange for returning Kiryu to the sea. As the battle intensifies, Kiryu makes the ultimate sacrifice, carrying Godzilla into the ocean, restoring balance and honoring the past.

An interesting and fresh sub-message is seen, however, in the continuation of Akane’s story. In the last film, she was the main character and her need for redemption and forgiveness was the main thrust. Here, she becomes a side character. However, we see in her continued story, that redemption is not the end of the story, but the beginning. She moves from a character seeking redemption to one who has a purpose. She is a part of the larger mission. She is a mentor to others. Both she and humanity have a past, but that past does not dictate their future.

This is an interesting twist in the Godzilla mythos. Usually the stories are only about the mistakes of the past and the consequences humanity must face and overcome. Life is about more than that.