Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

    Ghidorah. the Three Headed Monster marked the start of Godzilla's hero phase. The film takes place after Mothra vs Godzilla, and brings back Mothra. This time it's back to one stating one of the twins died.  The film also brings in Rodan , a giant Pteranodon, who had its own movie in 1956. The big introduction is that of Ghidorah ( Ghidrah in US edit), a flying three headed dragon that spits electricity. Ghidorah went on to become Godzilla arch enemy, and appeared in 6 films spanning all 3 eras. Some of the cast from the last movie also returns, but playing different characters which was common for these films.

  The plot is Police Detective Shindo is assigned to protect princess Selina Salno of Selgina. Her plane is destroyed by political assassins who want control of her country before it reaches Japan. 

 Meanwhile, a meteor shower occurs which gets the attention of the scientific community. The princess turns up proclaiming to be a prophetess from Venus( Mars in the English dub).

She predicts that Rodan will rise from Mount Aso and warns that a ship must not sail because it will be destroyed. Sure enough, Rodan rises from Mount Aso and Godzilla destroys the ship.  The Princess says her planet was made uninhabited by a Giant Monster called Ghidorah and that monster is coming to Earth. During this time Godzilla and Rodan just continuously duke it out. Ghidorah comes out of one of the meteors. The government decides to ask Mothra for help who plans to attempt to get Godzilla and Rodan to team up. Mothra attempts to convince Rodan and Godzilla to put their differences aside. At first they refuse to cooperate. Mothra decides to take on Ghidorah himself, but is no match.

Godzilla and Rodan show up and they take on Ghidorah together. There is an epic fight highlighting all of their abilities.

In the end, Ghidorah flees. Regarding the princess, the assassins make another attempt, but Shindo stops them and the princess returns to normal.  

       The fight is very well choreographed. Each monster uses its strength, and they even use team tactics. Such as Mothra riding on Rodan's back.

   This film marks when the monsters started to gain human characteristics. When Mothra confronts Godzilla and Rodan, He sprays them with his silk to get their attention. When Godzilla gets sprayed, Rodan has a chuckle. When Rodan gets sprayed, Godzilla laughs his ass off. During this scene they have a conversation in monster language translated by the Shobijin( Mothra's tiny fairies) We learn that them attacking humans is not just instinct, but bitterness towards  humans for what they have done to them and the earth.   

  The film has some engaging human characters. Shindo has a sister ,Naoko, played by Yuriko Hoshi from the last movie. This time playing a full fledged reporter.

There is actually some great sibling moments between the two. She also serves as a caretaker for the princess giving her shelter and helping spread her message.

        This is the film where the monster brawl was born. While the plot may be bizarre, the ending definitely pays off.