All Monsters Attack (1969)

About All Monsters Attack

"All Monsters Attack," also known as "Godzilla's Revenge," is a 1969 Japanese kaiju film directed by Ishirō Honda. Released by Toho Studios, this movie is a part of the larger Godzilla series. The movie revolves around the lonely son of a neglectful parent, who dreams of being friends with Godzilla's son, Minilla. To deal with his situation, the boy imagines himself visiting Monster Island, encountering various monsters. The film is an amalgamation of fantasy, adventure, and internal drama that provides a unique take on the monster movie genre.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Ishirō Honda, written by Shinichi Sekizawa, and produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka. In conjunction with a smaller production budget, the filmmakers utilized stock footage from previous Godzilla films to bring to life the young protagonist's imaginary world. The film departs from being purely a monster film to incorporate elements of social commentary and fantasy.

Actors

• Tomonori Yazaki delivers a commendable performance of a lonely young boy named Ichiro, who seeks solace in his dreams.
• Kenji Sahara plays Kenkichi Miki, Ichiro’s neighbor, managing to balance a relatable and supportive role amidst the fantastical narrative.
• Machiko Naka portrays Tamie, Ichiro's mother, capturing the struggle of a working-class parent in Tokyo.
• Sachio Sakai brings to life the role of Shinpei Inami, a toymaker who adds another layer to the film's urban milieu.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film is the first time Minilla exhibits the ability to communicate verbally with humans.
• All Monsters Attack was initially received poorly, but its status has been reevaluated over time, often seen now as a film tailored more to children and exploring the theme of escapism in a complex society.
• Despite being included in the title, "All Monsters Attack" features only a select few monsters from the original Godzilla universe.

Awards

Despite its cult following, "All Monsters Attack" did not receive any renowned awards or nominations.

Quotes

• "You can't always run away from bullies."
• "You're never too old to learn from a young mind."

Music, Soundtrack

• Music in All Monsters Attack was composed by Kunio Miyauchi, including refreshingly playful themes that add to the film's light-hearted undercurrent.
• The official soundtrack features an intriguing blend of adventurous melodies complemented by the traditional Godzilla statement pieces.