Review of Rodan (1956) by Al M — 11 Aug 2010

Rodan continues to demonstrate Ishiro Honda's status as the god of 1950s b-movie sci-fi/horror in Japan. Rodan follows in the tradition of Honda's Gojira but uses multiple monsters and the awakening of a long-dormant volcano as the backdrop for his story.

Rodan features more than just the flying pterodactyl-style monsters--it begins with the appearance of giant buglike creatures that end up being the food source of the Rodan. And it automatically ups the ante by featuring two Rodans, a strategy that allows it to have one of the most poignant and poetic endings in this early history of these films.

While Rodan is no doubt a cheesy film, the ending (even with its campy monster effects) is an emotional and reflective moment that explores the intersection of love and death. If you enjoy kaiju films, then Rodan is a classic that you must not miss.