The History of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

[@BigActionBill]

**Notes/Clarifications** 40:24 - 1.70M tickets lol 43:43 - Banno denied the Africa storyline for a Hedorah sequel in an interview with Sci-Fi Japan, saying that it might have been for another project he had. 44:26 - Roger Holden created the idea for Godzilla 2001 and Banno had encouraged him to develop it further. 48:59 - animistic* Apologies for the long wait on this one, had a lot of Summer plans so I didn't have many opportunities to sit down and write/record/edit. Hope you enjoy!

[@Clay3613]

Well at least you enjoyed yourself!

[@MontaukFilms7]

THANK YOU!!!! You are the fucking MAN!!!!

[@trevorstockwell8290]

U need to take a break so u don't get burnt out and its good to take a breather it's fine we are still hear

[@fryapp4life]

Always worth the wait

[@johnnybravo9194]

Don't worry man. I could wait even longer, in meantime I've rewatched the previous episodes several times. This series is SO good and nostalgic.

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

Back in 1972, my brother took me to see this film at the cinema-I was four. I cannot explain the profound impression this film made on me at such a young age. The scenes with cat and mahjong players shocked me, and the animated sequences captivated me. I love everything about this film. For years I tried tracking down the soundtrack. And seeing Godzilla fly as a kid was a blast. Twenty years after seeing this film, I paid a person to dub it off of laserdisc onto VHS. I was intrigued by the number of scenes I had remembered from such a young age. To this day, people think I’m being facetious when I say it’s my favorite Godzilla film. I had a similar experience with Godzilla vs Gigan, but while Gigan is fun and has interesting aspects (the manga theme), no Godzilla film beats this film for me. I even made a friend who returned from NYU Film School watch this film with me after he forced me to watch Godard film. He lucked out since Godzilla vs Hedorah is better than ANY Godard film. “Cinema is Godzilla at 24 frames-per-second.” -Jean-Luc Godard

[@t.andrewhanes872]

@@theleastsignificantbit4794 that cat and the skeletons really hit hard when I saw this at around 6 years old…

[@williamglass2223]

I owe you a big thank you Mr. Bill. I hadn’t touched Godzilla in such a long time, that when I stumbled across your Godzilla movie reviews, I started watching the movies again with a giant wave of nostalgia. I got some art I drew commissioned of Titanosaurus and SpaceGodzilla, bought a 1954 figure and started watching the movies again with my fellow soldiers. So far I’ve watched vs. Megalon, vs. SpaceGodzilla, and Final Wars with my buddies. I’m dreading having to watch the Minilla movies.

[@migsyh2065]

I love that your back I really love your work!

[@OfficialBo420]

LITERALLY THANK YOU FOR THIS CHANNEL, WILL BE SAD ONCE THE MOVIES ARE DONE

[@niktri8312]

I like to think that some crazy marketing executive had the cast-iron balls to trek all the way to Monster Island to somehow get Godzilla's permission to make officially licensed toys based on him, and what's even crazier, Godzilla agreed.

[@koolkidkameronsir6088]

Even Godzilla has to chase the bag

[@LonelyGamerMan]

Bill, the old people (After researching), Banno was asked that and the interviewer said " I finally remembered to ask Banno-san about the older people who watch the concert at the foot of Mt. Fuji just before the final battle between Hedorah and Godzilla. He explained that they were peasant farmers and that they were shown to emphasize the generational gap. The concert in the film was based on a real one (or a series of concerts) that took place at the foot of Mt. Fuji around that time. "

[@WhatsUpFella]

Honestly my favorite Godzilla film besides the original. So creative and experimental. There’s nothing else like it.

[@goldzilla1507]

Agreed. This was a great movie. Hedorah was hardcore, Godzilla fried its eggs (eyeballs?), and the "Save the Earth" song in English, and Godzilla FLIES! Also, the first Godzilla movie I saw stoned.

[@DasNordlicht91]

I love how expressive Godzilla is in this movie, like when he shakes his head in disappointment at the army’s incompetence.

[@JackSmith-ns1uq]

This & Megalon were the only Showa films I hadnt seen as a kid - but I always wanted to see it. Hedorah looked so spooky I loved it. I recently watched it for the first time, and this is my favorite of the era. I only wish I couldve seen it as a kid.

[@PungiFungi]

@@JackSmith-ns1uqHedorah, when walking upright , looked like a sludge covered demented geisha.

[@calumsanderson6741]

Hedorah should be Godzilla's arch nemesis, not Ghidorah.

[@blaster2187]

I’m happy you’ve remade all the Showa series with your current style and depth. I’m looking forward to seeing the rest!

[@seanmckelvey6618]

I've always really liked this one, it's weird and uneven but it's that strangeness mixed with the sincere message that draws me to it and I think makes it stand out in such a good way compared to films preceding and the next couple following it. Hedorah is also one of my all time favorite of Godzilla's enemies, it's a really cool design & a pretty inspired concept. I remember watching Shin Godzilla in the theater and being struck by the similarities to Hedorah in terms of the constant evolution of forms and the "experts" being totally wrong in their predictions of it's abilities. I like that in recent years Hedorah and his movie of origin are becoming increasingly loved and appreciated. Can't wait for the next video, Godzilla Vs Gigan might be a pretty average movie but Gigan is another enemy monster that I absolutely love for just how insane of a design he is.

[@PhycoKrusk]

BRILLIANT! Bill, I don't know if you picked up on this, but look at, ultimately, how Hedorah is beaten: With electricity that can only be provided by Godzilla's atomic breath. If we truly want to fight against environmental damage, we have to stop belching smog into the air and use only electricity that is created from nuclear power. I mean, maybe that wasn't actually an intended message, but now that I've seen it, I have to inflict this on the rest of the world.

[@ronbarton7799]

Now that is irony. We need nuclear energy to save the environment

[@mechakingghidorha9776]

I never thought of it like that.

[@imperialguardproductions]

I've been a big advocate for more nuclear energy for a few years now. Reading this comment, I never thought about Hedorah's defeat like that, but I see it now.

[@adamsinclair1959]

I always thought this as well, I remember thinking it was pretty heavy-handed but kind of clever messaging.

[@jonathonriddle9922]

This movie is the reason I'm a Godzilla fan today. After seeing this weird, funny, and genuinely frightening head-trip of a film, I knew I had to watch the entire franchise!

[@coopermarvelironman8135]

Bill. If you're reading this I must say this was my most anticipated video of the Showa era part of your retrospective and you did not disapoint. Thank you.

[@mgkiryuu]

Love all the history about Japan's trouble past with companies and pollution. Really does make me appreciate the film a lot more. The film is a lot more deeper than I think people give it credit for. This is probably one of your best ones so far. I can't help but see that construction worker jumping from the building and trying to end his life before Hedorah got him, is a metaphor for the poor people that decided to kill themselves when they were stricken with such painful lung disease and crippling asthma. :/ Very dark 😦

[@Special_Tactics_Force_Unit]

Yeah, Godzilla flies, but this movie is great. The crazy psychedelic aesthetic and the music, the atmosphere. So good

[@Deephouse_Gent66]

WOW! "EYES?" and not eggs? I have been wrong about this since I was 11yrs old! Always thought this film was wackadoodle as a kid, but I'm in my 50s now, and can appreciate the film's eccentricities, the stone-cold brutal message, the unique visuals, and the realization of just how powerful and toxic Hedorah was. Ghidorah is often touted as Godzilla's deadliest enemy, but I would argue that Hedorah is certainly nothing to sneeze at.

[@loopdog8710]

I always thought they were eggs too

[@marhawkman303]

Yeah, Ghidorah is no slouch. One of the most iconic kaiju ever. But in terms of being dangerous in-universe... Hedorah was SCARY powerful.

[@TheWagn156]

I thought they were eggs as well! I thought that was pretty cool and brutal. Godzilla making sure this thing and its kin were wiped out.

[@Deephouse_Gent66]

@@TheWagn156 - Yeah, I actually still think they're eggs. Just my opinion!

[@terrondt]

I always thought they were eggs

[@epicurusstan3223]

Interesting that "return the sun" is opening song and the first scene with Godzilla has him juxtaposed with the sun. Nice touch.

[@kevinr.3542]

I love your content man. I'm going through a major kaiju phase. Godzilla vs Hedora is one of my favorite Godzilla movies. The early 70s psychedelia, the environmental message, Hedora huffing the smoke stacks, it all comes together to make an enjoyable viewing experience. All the shots of pollution and sludge are gross. They leave an impression for sure. I always loved the lyrics in the intro song. Great video man. Have you covered Gamera yet? I would love to see an in depth dive into those too!

[@kevinr.3542]

Also, i actually dont mind the odd cue that plays when they first show Godzilla. Its startling and intense, kind of shocking and off putting..It fits the terror and awesomeness of Godzilla. I can at least see what they were going for.

[@AceZilla2000]

Great video! Hedorah is the strongest enemy of the Showa era. Mr. Banno was on to something when making this. If Mr. Tanaka banned list exist, I would hope that Roland Emmerich, Kōbun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita are a part of it. I don’t want any more complaints about this movie or Godzilla‘s Revenge. With all that aside, thank you, Mr. Banno for giving us the MonsterVerse. As well as give us a creature who should be the rightful choice to end the MonsterVerse.

[@tonesdad0408]

You're getting close to the one I've been waiting for, Jet Jaga!

[@dinonuggetzz]

After waiting for days and days…this finally comes out! Yay! Thank you Big Action Bill!!

[@AshTreeDweller]

Favorite Showa era Godzilla movie. Awesome night for a Big Action Bill upload!

[@josemontano7767]

I love this movie. I remember as a kid On thanksgiving watching The Godzilla movies

[@kcadventures1454]

Banno's dedication in king of the monsters further proves my point of the film being a true Godzilla film by a fan for the fans.

[@HeartIIess]

It will never cease to amaze me the amount of history you craft into these videos, keep up the good work!

[@TroyGreen717]

I just want to thank you for making the absolute best Godzilla films retrospectives on the internet. They're such a treat.

[@sts__]

Now THIS one I've been waiting for. Even more than most in the series.

[@danthomas2146]

This is a great presentation. I saw this at my hometown theatre when I was a kid back in the early 70's. Thanks for posting!

[@flintlocke1344]

42:00 I actually discovered your channel when I was doing research for a college project. I had to make a presentation about cultural differences, and I used Gojira/Godzilla: King of the Monsters as my example. Your history video about the 1954 original helped a lot with it!

[@ShinGoji1987Official]

Welcome back Bill and thank you for another excellent video! Very underrated showa entry filled with unique imagery and a scary enemy kaiju. Thanks for clearing up the eyeball scene at the end too, always thought they were Hedorah eggs

[@ShinGoji1987Official]

@@mikehunt4986 I remember reading a scifi Japan article years ago about this film that interpreted that scene as an abortion. If they simply would have painted the props red it would have saved a lot of confusion lol

[@VampRock]

As a kid I was a slave to whatever the networks chose to play. Since the day after Thanksgiving was Godzilla day on channel 9 (I think it was 9) this one always reminds me of late 70s/early 80s holiday season Hell, the original was NEVER on tv when I was a kid. There was always the same handful shown and this is one of them

[@terrondt]

It was WOR 9 late 70s to early 80s. I remember as a 70s kid after thanksgiving. Too bad they Stopped it

[@clintmcbride7830]

It's crazy to see how your videos have improved over the years. From your research to your writing and your editing. Seriously, top notch stuff. 👌

[@NeoMonsterIsland]

This was a joy to watch. I consider this movie one of my favorites, and just as an important social commentary as 1954 and 2016.

[@LiquidHayter]

Seeing a new Big Action Bill vid makes me ecstatic. My son (bigger Goji fan than me) and I love watching your videos and he's only 3.

[@loopdog8710]

Another amazing retrospective, you never dissapoint Bill

[@MaskedRiderChris]

This has always been one of my favorite of the Showa movies, for sure. It's weird, surreal, creepy, and really dark. Even though Japan's drug laws are this side of draconian compared to here in the US (based on what I know anyway), and I'm pretty sure no illegal drugs were involved in its making, I always joke about how the makers of the movie were on the good drugs when making it! I also really like the music; it's minimal and sparse, heightening the tension in the monster battle scenes, though the attempts at acid rock were charmingly awkward. Fun fact; Keiko Mari's and Adryan Russ' singing voices sound remarkably similar! True, this movie does a lot of changing tone on the fly, but for me that's another part of its charm. It's unique, and that's why I love it so. It was interesting to hear you correct some of the stories surrounding this movie, further, so I'm glad I watched it now. Good show!

[@CWinther95]

THIS IS THE ONE I'VE BEEN MOST EXCITED FOR!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@kyleinstereo7988]

Once again great video Bill! This is probably my favorite Godzilla movie. If not, definitely top 5.

[@tomnorthcutt4754]

i love these videos please never stop lol

[@reddeadspartan]

Godzilla vs Hedorah feels like it's so close to being one of the greats. I really like the idea of Godzilla, the embodiment of nuclear fear, going up against a new age threat like Hedorah, the fear of pollution, and would have liked if the movie focused on that aspect a bit more. Anyway great video, I can't wait to see your take on Gigan.

[@supergiganprime54]

I’ve been waiting for you to cover this one. And I’m super happy you did. I love this movie for how weird it is

[@steev2DBx]

It's definitely one of my favorite Godzilla movies. I think it was the first one I saw as a kid. I remember it being the scariest Godzilla movie, too. Thanks for the history and knowledge from this classic.

[@dinosaurman116]

Another banger of a video!!! Keep 'em coming!

[@PrivateIvan]

Thank you for such a well-researched and thoughtful (and sometimes hilarious) essay. I was lucky enough to see a pristine 35mm print of this at the Walter Reade Theater in Lincoln Center back in the 1990s; I haven't seen the new DVD/Blu-Ray, but on the big screen Hedorah's glows and sparkles really stand out, making the scenes where it's just standing there somewhat kinetic. Also on the 35mm print, Hedorah's eyes glow intensely red when he's sucking on those smokestacks like they were a bong--I love to think the monster is getting high (which might tie into the anti-pollution message in a stretch?). In addition to the kaiju genre, for me GvH easily lands in the "head trip" / psychedelic genre, like The Trip, Head, Phase IV, Willy Wonka, Brewster McCloud, and Bakshi's movies, among others. Deffo a product of its time, and I love it for that.

[@conmereth]

Godzilla Goes To Woodstock is easily one of my favorite of the sillier Godzilla movies, I think the consistent psychedelic atmosphere really sets is apart from the others. These behind the scenes videos of yours are excellent companions to the movies by the way, I can't think of many better ways to extend my time with the series.

[@billlange9408]

I actually just rewatched this one the other night. As campy as it can be, it's always been a favorite of the Showa era for me. It's not nearly as good as say, DAM, but it's better than a lot of the other entries around it. I've loved Hedorah since fighting him on Jupiter in the NES Godzilla game. It was always a shame to me that he never went into his flying form in the game despite them having the artwork for it in the end credits. I love the music in this film. It's such a departure, but that's not a bad thing. It's like '74 MG. What a wild time that score is, and I can't get enough. I love your videos and can't wait for the next one!

[@EdgarFierce]

YAAAAS! I’ve been dying for this one! Love your channel!

[@herbaldragonX]

Thanks man been looking forward to this one

[@raptorrex4438]

He’s back!! And I couldn’t be more happy!

[@bubandlisa]

This has always been my fave Big G movie since i was a kid. I was lucky to see a showing in a theater of this + Rodan at a rented out old cinema and even though it was the dubbed version it was still awesome seeing it so big. Keep up the awesome work!

[@DreamDaddie]

He’ll yeah! Love this movie! Always felt really bad for the kitty though

[@alexanderjohnson231]

The videos flow into one another really well in the playlist too. Makes it easy to listen back to back.

[@meglo03]

This was one of the few VHS tapes I had of godzilla movies growing up so I got to watch it a lot as a kid. Thank you for providing the history behind it.

[@lordshell]

I adore this insane movie. I describe it to people who have never seen it as "the only psychedelic Godzilla movie".

[@bl4nkd4hli4]

I love these videos. They give much of my childhood experiences greater depth and perspective. Keep up the excellent work!

[@SpookyouKnowIt23]

When Big Action Bill uploads a new Godzilla vid, it's a good day

[@JuddKramer]

Very good retrospective. You finally put into words the way I've always felt about the strange cartoon fat guy music Godzilla has in this one.

[@RGSMANIA]

Bro I really hope your channel blows up some, these are proper quality quality videos. one of my favourite KZbinrs hands down. Take as long as you need with these uploads

[@johnathancena5067]

I thought you were done with these and I was heart broken! I’m so hype for the rest of these!!!!

[@justinsullivan1285]

Great job with the retrospective on these videos. Yeah, this was a favorite and brought back a lot of memories when it was on rotating showings on local tv on Saturday afternoons or post thanksgiving marathon. It was the first and ahead of it's time to address pollution/environment even in a odd, entertaining way.

[@20petunia7]

I love this movie! Thank you for your review and deep dive into this classic movie.

[@Fabester71]

I'm happy to know there a lot folks that love these movies and keep them alive and not fade away. Hedorah is my favorite of all Godzilla's adversaries and Megalon coming in second love your channel brother thank you for doing what you do. Cheers from San Francisco!

[@busbrain2215]

each video you publish is an absolute banger and is on repeat for the next few weeks. (i just wanna say you should show your humor more! Each joke you add makes me laugh real hard)

[@superiorcybergodzilla5670]

Godzilla vs Hedorah is one of my favorite Godzilla movies!

[@ikd3240]

This is one of my favorite Godzilla movies. It’s so wild and weird, filled with a bunch of random, odd, weird scenes, such as the cartoons, the psychedelic nightclub scene, the old people watching the youths who are never explained, and all the deaths. Hedorah is one of my favorite kaiju.

[@t.andrewhanes872]

Saw this in the early 70’s on a double bill w Space Amoeba. My first taste of a life long love of all things kaiju. Thank you for including the advertisement at the end. I remember it! (Like your little riff on the movie Hardcore. Nice touch)

[@ineden28]

Welcome back! This was a very very nice surprise to see. Thanks as always

[@AztecAstro19]

Nice! Hype to see you back, Big Action Bill

[@Dehalove]

The history intros are what make these videos so timeless. I love you for introducing me to this amazing franchise!

[@Tohan_Gaming]

I feel really sick right now, but since Bill uploaded one of my favorite types of videos to watch, I will try to watch it now.

[@BigActionBill]

Get well soon!

[@Tohan_Gaming]

@@BigActionBill thanks man!!

[@eveningtsar]

Wow: the real life consequences of pollution are quite horrifying. Provides an interesting context for this. When I was a kid, the drastic tonal shifts were very unsettling. It was so dark at times, part of me honestly wondered if Hedorah wouldn't win in the end. . .

[@bkjeong4302]

Frankly, without human intervention, Hedorah WOULD have won. I consider he/she a Ghidorah/Mechagodzilla/Desotoroyah-level kaiju, as in one of the few kaiju Godzilla couldn’t beat on his own and was actually almost killed by.

[@TheDRexor]

Appreciate you for all these vids man. I binged every single one and learned a lot doing so.

[@ANProductionsOfficialChannel]

I utterly adore Godzilla Vs. Hedorah

[@chrisC052]

Great video Bill, love your video. Ths was one of my favorite Godzilla movies.

[@ronbarton7799]

BA Bill, damn good retrospective and Analysis of the societal factors inspiring this movie. At first look seems like just a fun, crazy Kaiju movie had a lot of serious metaphors put into it. Your research is on point.

[@Furthericity]

Saw this in my recommended and went "ooOOoooOo!" out loud. Total insta-sub!!

[@vinnyvanhoe5614]

The subtle love lovecraftian vibes always do it for me in this film along with just how artistically shot it is. Easily one of my favorite of the era visually

[@andrewflashchannelgibbs5384]

Another great video, worth waiting for.

[@SG-jq5vt]

The man is BACK!

[@DanTheMan2150AD]

Can’t believe I missed this upload, gonna bug me all week now! Not one of my favourites but very unique. If anything Godzilla vs. Hedorah is one of the most out there Godzilla films it’s weird and psychedelic that it’s no wonder Banno went on to work on Prophecies of Nostradamus which I hope you will cover in great detail one day.

[@9cross]

I love the flying scene. It's the best showcase for the wide scope of cinema

[@blueravenfire]

I always found this movie to be the most disturbing godzilla movie for how much death you see in this movie, the scene of people getting drowned in sludge and scenes of dozens of people suddenly dying and shots of the skeleton corpses will forever haunt me.

[@SweetieEvie]

I actually panicked when seeing the cat got consumed in sludge. I felt so relieved to see it had survived. 😮‍💨

[@jasonpratt5126]

Unironically one of my all-time favorite Godzilla films, easily in the top 10 (and outranking G2014!) I splurged for a DVD copy of a Laserdisc of the AIP edition, and haven't regretted it! (The superior dub! -- one of its lines is still a favorite saying of mine in real life. "We shall see: it will be an experiment.) Plenty of callbacks to G54/55, weird artistic tone, probably the most monster action percentage by a large margin, plot stays focused on the problem(s) (mostly). One of the best villain kaiju of all time, worthy of the recent anniversary shorts featuring him (especially Shin Hedorah). For me its features far outweigh its problems.

[@austingilles6263]

Ayyyyyyyyeee! Thanks for dropping the vid!!

[@RhettThompsonFilm]

Enjoy this video and your series but I really enjoyed this one most. The insight and history into Banno and how odd but also kind of admirable his mentality was over the years even leading up to credits on the recent American movies was actually really cool to hear how much of an impact he had and continues to have. Well done man. And yeah this was one of the few VHSs we got when I was growing up.

[@Smokr]

I've always loved this one. Maybe my favorite. Dark and funny, weird and profound. The cartoon segments really add a spice and oddness I find great. It was just neat to see this as a kid and have such familiar parts mixed with such gore and horror as well, all centered around Godzilla and a fearsome and different foe.

[@anthonyhuwe6495]

I love this one! I used to watch it a lot as kid for some reason so it's pretty nostalgic for me. I didn't realize how bizarre it was back then tho..

[@sethchapman1425]

This movie is in my top 10.

[@Kaiju-Driver]

Amazing stuff!

[@Klemkee]

It rocks how in these movies kaiju are not only real and cause unfathomable devastation, they are also marketed to children.

[@TheFlanker47]

Amazing! Godzilla vs hedorah is my favorite Showa movie!

[@thejongshow8821]

The one thing I remember from this movie as a kid was when Hedorah flys by people and they turn into skeletons. Had me shook as a kid

[@nintendorakyamato1859]

12:27 Like the character Kazuma Kiryu-san from Yakuza

[@davidstone-haigh4880]

Just found your channel. Subbed straight away. All the best from a long term (1970s onwards) Brit Gojira fan!

[@kyleshiflet9952]

One of my favorite for just how trippy it was

[@Buford_T_Justice1]

Great video as always! Did not expect a Sopranos reference. Nice use of Little Carmine. The sacred and the propane.

[@Mr.Valentyne]

I always look forward to these videos Bill! And you’ve inspired me to make video essays as well! Keep up the great work!

[@leelester1722]

All ways great 👍😃 entertainment movies and actors.

[@thelionsshare6668]

This was probably the most viscerally frightening and dark Godzilla movie since the original. Yeah, not all of it worked, but what did work, REALLY worked.

[@paulrubens776]

Really interesting video, great job

[@CyberXIII]

I've been waiting on this one!