Mothra [DVD]

Review

Director: Okihiro Yoneda Screenplay: Masumi Suetani Music: Toshiyuki Watanabe Cast: Megumi Kobayashi, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Akino Hano, Kazuki Futami -- Synopsis (from the "CD Journal" database)

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This is the first in a trilogy produced by Toho Films, following the conclusion of the Heisei Godzilla series (which ended with "Godzilla vs. Destroyah"). "No urban destruction," "No defense organizations like the Self-Defense Forces," and "No nuclear weapons or other weapons." To differentiate the film from the Godzilla series and capitalize on Mothra's popularity with women, the production team established these three principles and positioned "Mothra" as a fantasy film. The main characters are a young boy and a girl, along with Elias, a little fairy who can communicate with Mothra. The sealed space monster Desghidorah is resurrected and battles Mothra in the wilderness of Hokkaido. Director Okihiro Yoneda and special effects director Koichi Kawakita, making their debut with this film, have delivered a memorable fantasy masterpiece.

The film's greatest appeal is that it's told entirely from the perspective of its protagonists, a young boy and girl. Scenes like the battles between monsters and the communication between parent and child Mothra might seem hackneyed, but they're portrayed from a consistent perspective, and this perspective remains consistent throughout both the film and the special effects. While showcasing these fantastical scenes, Director Yoneda also portrays scenes of residents stricken by Desghidorah's attacks, covered in wounds and receiving treatment in the hospital, with a sense of realism and restraint.

Large-scale special effects, such as the Mothra larva crossing the ocean and landing on land, are impressive visuals that could only have been captured in the now-defunct Toho Studios' large special effects pool. However, there's a sense of incongruity with the Mothra seen since "Godzilla vs. Mothra," with its vibrant colors, thick legs, and antennae that could easily be mistaken for a UFO catcher prize, and its appearance with beams of light. (Morihiko Saito)