MOTW- MOTHRA (1961)

[Xenorama ™]

Frankie Sakai ... Senichiro 'Sen-chan' Fukuda (AKA: 'Bulldog')
Hiroshi Koizumi ... Dr. Shin'ichi Chûjô
Kyôko Kagawa ... Photgrapher Michi Hanamura
Ken Uehara ... Dr. Harada
Emi Ito ... Shobijin (Twin Fairy)
Yûmi Ito ... Shobijin (Twin Fairy)
Jerry Ito ... Clark Nelson
Takashi Shimura ... News Editor
Tetsu Nakamura ... Nelson's Henchman
Akihiro Tayama ... Shinji Chûjô
Obel Wyatt ... Dr. Roff
Akihiko Hirata ... Doctor
Seizaburô Kawazu ... General
Yoshifumi Tajima ... Military Advisor
Robert Dunham ... Rolisican Cop

one of Toho's best films ever, and easily one of the best monster-fantasy movies ever made. shame that it is not on DVD yet (in the US) but it does sound like they are really working on a proper release in '09.

really a well done movie.

[RedKing]

I totally agree with everything you said David-one of Toho's best movies, period! The only thing that always bothered me is the adult Mothra FX which are not Tsuburaya's best work at all. Especially after the magnificent FX work with the larva earlier in the film! It would have to wait until G VS THE THING in '64 to see a truly great aduly Mothra.

[Gwangi]

I count this along with “Gorath” and “War of the Gargantuas” as my favorite Toho non-Godzilla kaiju flick.

You have three likable leads in Hiroshi Koizumi, Frankie Sakai and Kyoko Kagawa and juicy villain in Jerry Ito. (Heck, I even found him likable!). Throw in the lovely Peanuts, the great Takashi Shimura, a good story, and some great special effects, and this is a winner all the way! I think it is with this movie that the Toho cast and crew finally hit all the right marks. DVD would certainly be nice, but must have patience!

[Xenorama ™]

i agree, this movie just is very satisfying on all levels. lots of destruction and then you cheer for the monster. perfect.

[hastur]

Yup. This one is killer !! I watched it last back in June on a lazy Saturday afternoon and got to noticing some of the SPFX that I always just took for granted. Unbelievable! The Caterpillar is great, but the Moth is the coolest! That's one bad-ass bug!!!

Oh yeah, Mark Jackson: International Diamond Thief from Dagorah makes a cameo appearance in New Kirk city!!!!! Man, this guy really got around. LOL!!