New Replies (Page 774)
Let me guess, in the second pic Gman posted, the four Godzillas are:
1954 Gojira
FW Gojira...?
Legendary Gojira
and, obviously,
Shin Gojira
Gman that's awesome! Love both fanarts!
I think the comparison to the heart at the end of GMK is an apt comparison, but it's also part of my intuition against a direct sequel. The heart at the end serves a mostly symbolic purpose, but also provides an ominous open end to the story. But as we all know, the story was never continued, because that scene was never meant to be a sequel hook, just an ominous open ending. The same thing applies to the post-credits scene in Tokyo S.O.S., for which Toho even took the time to provide an illustration of the what-if scenario that could happen if the Kiryu Saga continued.
I look at the humanoids at the end of Shin Godzilla in the same way. They show that the story is not completely over and serve a symbolic purpose, but do not necessarily suggest that the story ever will be continued. In my mind, they work best to inspire viewers to just think about what they mean or to imagine various scenarios that could happen after the events of the film. If Toho felt the need to make a direct sequel, the humanoids would have to explained in some way, even if it's just showing that they are dead and not going to actually split off from Godzilla. But doing that in my mind would diminish the meaning behind the first film's ending. I have no doubt that writers would be able to work around the ending to create the sequel they want (just look at all the small retcons done to the 1954 film in the Millennium series), I'm just arguing that they shouldn't have to if they'd prefer to just start over in a new continuity instead. In my mind, the humanoids are an excellent visual with which to leave off Anno's unique standalone interpretation of the franchise.
Of course, that isn't to say Toho won't want to immediately capitalize on Shin Godzilla's success with a new film. I'm just arguing that maybe a direct sequel isn't the best route to follow. But who knows, if Toho gets a writer and director who are extremely clever and know just how to continue the story and create a solid sequel, then by all means they should.
I...WANT...MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
^In a way I agree. I think Shin Godzilla's unique risks and structure is what sets it apart as both a successful experiment and a strong stand-alone story. However, I still think if the writers are clever there are ways around the fairly open and mostly symbolic ending--As I specified above.
Like Godzilla's heart beating at the end of GMK, I mostly view the creatures splitting out of Godzilla's tail as an artistic, symbolic visual. Not necessarily a literal moment in need of dissecting with one explanation after another.
Either way I would be fine with either route. If Shin Godzilla does get a sequel, then hurrah! If it doesn't, then at least it's an excellent and unique stand-alone effort. However, if Toho still likes to repeat history I don't think they'll ignore the $75 million+ it's made in Japan alone.
As much as a hate to say it, I don't really think Toho's next live-action Godzilla film should end up being a direct sequel to Shin Godzilla. Like pretty much everyone else, I'm tired of the Millennium series formula of reboot after reboot, but in this case I think starting off in another continuity would be for the best. I feel like Shin Godzilla is just one of those unique movies destined to be a one-off thing; Anno's personal style is what made Shin Godzilla what it was, and without him returning it would be next to impossible to make a worthy sequel. I imagine Higuchi would probably be approached to direct the next live-action film whether it is a direct sequel or not.
The big plot-relevant reason I don't see it being likely for there to be a direct sequel is the ending. There have been many interpretations of the ending, but I'm tempted to interpret it as Godzilla evolving into his next form, an army of humanoid creatures in response to the group of humans that defeated him. Regardless of the interpretation, the ending implies a scenario where once Godzilla unthaws, there might be an army of smaller Godzilla-like monsters running around. While that is an interesting what-if scenario, I think it should stay as exactly that: a what-if scenario. Shin Godzilla was a unique and new take on the franchise in many ways, but it still stayed true to the basic formula and very much felt like a Godzilla film. Continuing this story could result in a movie that feels nothing like a Godzilla film at all. I'm sure once Toho decides to make a new Godzilla film, they will want to have Godzilla battle another monster again, and therefore it would be difficult to do so by continuing the storyline from Shin Godzilla.
Now I'm not saying there 100% won't be a direct sequel to the film, I'm just saying that in my mind it would be best to leave the Shin Godzilla story on an open and ambiguous ending and start a new one. Shin Godzilla works very well as a unique standalone film, and I think attempting to continue it in the absence of Anno and overriding the cryptic ending would be a disservice to it. We'll have to wait and see what Toho does, but given the film's success there is little doubt they will greenlight another live-action film soon.
Great! So...when???
alright.. lets get the party moving.
Really brilliant chapter, took me some time to read it. The writing is good, story is good--you're doing a great job!
Gman also in the 2nd fan art you showed us, their are some humanoid figures on the top left and right corners. What are these?
Wow your thoughts and theory are amazing! I love the idea. Maybe these little buggers are not fully evolved to the other stage.
Also i thought of it and came to this idea: This Godzilla is ever evolving but maybe that these guys are his clones, maybe they will take different branches of evolution and ultimately become other kaiju. So the kaiju in the Shin-verse (if it ever happens) may have originated from this Godzilla and maybe one of his clones will take the Godzilla evolution and become the new Shin Gojira. This idea of the new Shin Gojira sounds a bit like what they did in the Heisei timeline with Godzilla Junior. So after Shin is born, he may fight his "brothers" and "sisters" or ally with them to fight humankind.
(Edit: sorry for saying "maybe" a lot XD)
Bro how you sure have drunk a lot!
I usually just end up watching one movie and drinking, and it was also GMK! Neat! Last year I did Gigan, 2014 I just drank a lot because I really thought it was the end, then before it was Biollante, which it usually is, and it gets fuzzier from there.
Interesting to hear about what other folks do. So it's common that folks just watch one or two of the movies? Anyone else have any fun traditions?
Something I was thinking about during the movie: Godzilla's role in the movies is usually split down the middle with the ones where he's a threat and the ones where he's the good guy. But when he's a threat it's never malevolence, it's more like a metaphor for war or a force of nature, while when he's a good guy whether he's reluctant or not he's still clearly made out to be a hero. This is the only movie where he acts with genuine hatred and spite, like the opposite of the 70's Godzilla. How wild would it be to watch the Monster of Justice go up against the vengeful spectre of Tojo's war crimes? Now THAT'S some tonal whiplash~ Good thing in real life these movies were separated by 26 years x3c
Also you know as cool as GxVBA would have been you have to admit making Anguirus a non-radioactive kami-esque guardian beast makes almost no sense while having Ghidorah be explicitly a pre-mature Orochi is kind of perfect.
So what did you guys end up doing, Gman and Sci-fi King?
I currently don't have any expectations since it's yet to be greenlit and Anno isn't returning.
However, I don't expect a sequel to follow up much with the creatures splitting out of his tail. The reasons are fairly simple. First of all, the ending is exactly the kind of strange, symbolic and unexplained thing that Anno does with most of his films. It leaves audiences bewildered and disturbed because there isn't much of an explanation for it.
Second, although I enjoy that Toho wanted to do something different with Godzilla, I believe they will also maintain the basic concept of him for future films. I feel as though the creatures splitting from his tail were not offspring, but merely his next evolution. Remember, Godzilla is called the "perfect" organism and it's hinted that his body can evolve into the next best, superior creature. Symbolically and literally, since Godzilla's enemy was a committee of humans, and his current form was being defeated by said committee, his body recognized this and tried to evolve into a committee of humanoids itself. But it was too late and he was frozen instead.
To counter the idea (and issue) that Godzilla might evolve into something that is not the usual "idea" of Godzilla, I think it would be wise for the filmmakers to follow a path regarding "damaged" biology with Godzilla. For instance, what if the blood coagulate caused enough problems with his cells that he is no longer able to evolve? Thus he could not turn into smaller creatures or grow wings and fly anymore, as it was theorized. Instead his evolution could be restricted to perfecting his current form, which would give filmmakers the freedom to continue to tweek Godzilla's look from movie-to-movie, just like most films--Only this time we have an in-story reason for any physical changes.
I feel like whoever takes over the sequel, if they're smart, they should go this route and ultimately presume the creatures splitting off from Godzilla's tail are dead due to an incomplete and damaged evolutionary process.
SAVAGE AWESOME AND AMAZING!!!!!!!
GODZILLA316 - How fantastic! Chapter 12 was extremely fun to read! I am very pleased with the narration you impart within your work! Thank you so very much for continuing to share this wonderful adventure with us! :)
Chapter Three is up!
(It's going to be a little confusing with another Godzilla in town. Also his dormancy isn't as heavy as the movie, more like a nap because of quite a bit less power used. The Maser attack wasn't as large or as devastating as in past entries because the program was discontinued twelve years before this entry, and the ones used were either in storage or put together in a short amount of time.)
I like the idea gman288y. A screwball in the movie sounds spectacular.
And Lord Shiro the memes aren't for you. TOHO not agreeing to make Godzilla a antagonist is making me not want to watch any of the films again.
But how's Kong going to get involved? It should get a new discussion thread. I love it but back to Rodan, Mothra and Gidorah... I got something in my head but I can't pull it out. It's frustrating and pleasant.
- Well I remembered that all three could get killed by the military. I'm not sure on Gidorah. Also a weapon that's the speed of sound would Penetrate Godzilla and Gidorah. Am I right about that?
I was planning on going to see Shin Godzilla one more time for Godzilla's birthday since my theater is still showing it, but unfortunately none of the times it's showing worked out for my schedule. I'll probably have a double feature with my glorious Godzilla 1954 Criterion Collection Blu-ray and the Kraken The Return of Godzilla Blu-ray instead.
Pretty busy today, but I'll watch some clips of the movies. Might watch Godzilla vs Destoroyah (my favorite) if I have the time.
Beat me to it. I always tend to watch a film on his birthday, although I haven't decided what I'll be viewing tonight. Last year I watched my favorite, Monster Zero. Not sure what I'll throw in this year yet, but it's always a special day.
Love the fact so much fan art has come from celebrating his 62nd Anniversary.
Gotta go with Shin Gojira. He has a massive size advantage, and the only monster that could really do anything to him is MechaGodzilla.
Showa Godzilla basically managed to 1v2 Gigan and Megalon and won for the most part. Titanosaurus also doesn't really bring anything to the table in terms of taking him down since his tail fin wouldn't likely be able to even offbalance Shin, and he doesn't have the size advantage he did in Terror of Mechagodzilla.
Seems like a case of the grass always being greener on the other side.
Now that it's happening, the small minority gets to be vocal about it being a bad thing, granted their arguments against it never have much basis, but they still put it out there.
Well MechaGodzilla's barrier can block the Showa Godzilla's atomic breath which is the weakest. Shin's rays cut through building like nothing. MechaGodzilla's artillery is strong and deadly still yet Shin's size is an advantage and a disadvantage too. He could crush MechaGodzilla yet his size makes him slow. So MG can escape. But judging how Shin moves his head when using his atomic breath he may destroy him. Even if MG were to fly, Shin may get him. As for Titano well he would die too soon. Gigan would hurt him a bit but as i said, Shin swipes his head swiftly while using his ray. As for Megalon, you said it yourself he can't use his weapons that good.
But using that much energy would exhaust Shin. Yet he well would make a light show...that means he will use his tail atomic breath, his mouth atomic breath and his back atomic breaths. So it's 4 birds 1 stone. It will exhaust him but with his agility while using atomic breath he will get them.
But that's my analysis and opinion! Also nethdaniel this is a fun topic thanks for sharing this!
MORE FIGURES YESSSS! SH MONSTERARTS SHOW THAT GODZILLA LOVE!!!
UPDATE 11/02/16:
It's been awhile since I've updated, but there's not been a whole lot of movement due to Shin Godzilla being pulled from many theaters after a massively successful theatrical run.
According to Kogyotsushin, Shin Godzilla is currently at 7.90 Billion Yen. Going off of The World of KJ's conversion from last week's Shin Godzilla stats, that roughly translates to an estimate of $76.7 Million USD.
A gross of $76.7 million puts Shin Godzilla's attendance at 5.60 million tickets sold, beating Ghidorah: The Three Headed Monster and making it the 5th most attended Godzilla movie of all time in Japan. It should also make it the 76th most attended Japanese film of all time--Though we're waiting on more solid numbers to confirm.
Meanwhile, Shin Godzilla had an outstanding limited release in North America that was extended to a second week and is reportedly still showing in some theaters into November. Racking in $1.9 million USD, North American revenue has helped Shin Godzilla's worldwide gross hit an estimated $79 million. However that estimate may be low; other country's numbers are coming from Box Office Mojo which has yet to update in a few territories and hasn't converted he numbers perfectly, including in Japan. (It lists Shin Godzilla a little short, at $75.4 Million USD.) Regardless, Shin Godzilla hovers around the $79-80 million USD mark worldwide.
For 2016, Shin Godzilla has topped every movie released in Japan except for Your Name. (#1) and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (#2), making it the #3 movie of the year. It is, however, without question, the #1 live action Japanese production of the year. It is likely to hold the spot by 2016's end.
Awesome! I remember the time I tried to draw the poster of this film by just looking at it, but all I got right was the his head and neck. Definitely picking this one up!
I know. Also an effect pack will be cool too.
^I'm sure they will. Eventually. What would be cool would be if they had an effect pack for...
(Spoiler)
... the Atomic Rays coming out of Godzilla's back and tail. That would be cool.
Durp,
The fanscape has just changed. In the early 90s it was a dream to see a rematch. Today it's considered a laughable confrontation. I don't know where the shift really began, but I didn't notice it until after the 2014 movie. So something about that film has changed people's minds and I'm not entirely sure what it is. I find it odd, considering this incarnation is probably the most susceptible to Kong.
In any case, I'm still hanging on to the slight possibility that King Ghidorah, or some other threat, will turn up at the end of Godzilla vs. Kong for the two to team up against. Seems to be the thing to do these days.
YASS OMG!!!
Durp004 - Yeah, I know right. Its probably... no thanks to Toho, that they created so many super-kaijus to have Godzilla friends to defeat, that poor King Kong was left in the dust. Also more than half of the showa era Godzilla films were godzilla fought a new Kaiju were supposed to of been King Kong.
Funny how for like 30 year the King Kong vs Godzilla rematch was like a dream, now it's happening and some people seem to want Godzilla to take on "stronger" monsters, as though Kong can't be brought up to his level.
Man i'll have to report you.
