Godzilla vs. Biollante – Criterion

Director: Kazuki Ômori, Kôji Hashimoto, Kenjirô Ohmori
Screenplay: Kazuki Ômori, Shinichiro Kobayashi, Shin’ichi Sekizawa
Starring: Kunihiko Mitamura, Yoshiko Tanaka, Masanobu Takashima, Kôji Takahashi, Tôru Minegishi, Megumi Odaka, Toshiyuki Nagashima
Year: 1989
Country: Japan
BBFC Certification: 12
Duration: 105 min

The Criterion Collection won over a lot of new fans a few years ago when they released a huge boxset containing the complete Shōwa-era (1954–1975) Godzilla films (which I reviewed here). As soon as the set was released, fans of the franchise began to wonder whether or not Criterion would be following this up with a similarly extensive collection of the Heisei era films (1984–1995).

It’s now 5 years after the Shōwa-era set was released in the UK and, sadly, still no sign of a Heisei boxset. However, Criterion are at least finally digging into that series of films, with a UHD and Blu-ray release of Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

This is considered the second film from the Heisei era, following directly on from The Return of Godzilla (clips from which open Godzilla vs. Biollante). Technically that first film from the rebooted series came out during the reign of Emperor Shōwa, but because it’s directly linked to Godzilla vs. Biollante, which was released under the reign of Emperor Akihito, it’s considered part of the Heisei era.

The Return of Godzilla was successful, on release, but series producer Tomoyuki Tanaka wanted its follow up to be even bigger. So, they surveyed audiences and incorporated their feedback into the film. Also, the plot came from a story writing contest, judged by highly regarded sci-fi, fantasy and manga writers (this wasn’t the first time this had happened on a Godzilla film, it must be noted). They received around 5,000 entries but the winner was Shinichiro Kobayashi, who was a dentist by day but had written for Ultraman in the past.

The resulting film, Godzilla vs. Biollante, had some success in Japan but certainly wasn’t one of the bigger hits in the franchise. It didn’t get an American theatrical release either, which is unusual for the franchise. It went on to become a bit of a forgotten entry but fans have since grown to love it. It was hard to get hold of for a while but now Criterion are giving it the respect it deserves.

The film opens following Godzilla’s destructive rampage in Tokyo and subsequent containment at Mount Mihara (as shown in the first film). Some of his cells are found though and these are clandestinely transported to the Saradia Institute of Technology and Science. There, the goal is to combine them with genetically modified plants, aiming to transform the arid Saradian deserts into fertile land, thereby ending the nation’s reliance on oil. Dr. Genshiro Shiragami (Kôji Takahashi) and his daughter, Erika (Yasuko Sawaguchi), were brought on board to assist with this endeavor, but a terrorist bomb tragically destroys the lab and kills Erika.

Five years later, Shiragami, back in Japan, has merged some of Erika’s cells with those of a rose, seeking to preserve her essence. Simultaneously, scientists Kazuhito Kirishima (Kunihiko Mitamura) and Lieutenant Goro Gondo (Tôru Minegishi) of the JSDF are developing “Anti-Nuclear Energy Bacteria” (ANEB) from collected Godzilla cells, intending it as a deterrent should the monster return. They seek Shiragami’s expertise, but he declines.

As international interest in the Godzilla cells intensifies, with both the Saradia Institute and the American company Bio-Major vying for them, an eruption at Mount Mihara triggers tremors, damaging Shiragami’s house and roses. He then agrees to join the JSDF project, secretly incorporating Godzilla cells into one of his roses.

That night, Bio-Major and Saradian operatives infiltrate Shiragami’s lab, only to be attacked by a massive plant-like creature, which Shiragami names Biollante. This monster subsequently escapes to Lake Ashi.

Bio-Major agents then place explosives around Mount Mihara, threatening to detonate them and release Godzilla unless the cells are surrendered. Kirishima and Gondo attempt an exchange, but Saradian agent SSS9 (Manjot Beoi) intercepts and runs off with the cells. The explosives are therefore detonated, freeing Godzilla, who heads towards a power plant to replenish his nuclear energy. However, Biollante’s call draws Godzilla’s attention and the pair face off.

Like many of the films in the Godzilla series, particularly of this era, Godzilla vs. Biollante is concerned with the Japanese government’s handling of disasters and with the moral responsibilities and social implications of scientists meddling with nature. These were major worries of the public at the time. The film isn’t particularly subtle or original in handling these themes, but they add some weight to proceedings, beyond the usual monster mayhem.

Speaking of which, the kaiju carnage is as spectacular as always. Great use is made of miniatures, flames and explosions. As usual for the genre, the creatures don’t exactly look realistic but there’s great joy to be had in watching such tangible destruction, rather than a barrage of pixels.

Biollante is quite an unusual kaiju too. The filmmakers wanted to create a monster that was “beautiful yet terrifying”, a feminine enemy for the more masculine Godzilla. This is most notably the case in Biollante’s first form, which is like a giant rose. Later in the film, when it transforms, however, it gets more grotesque. This is given further ‘ick-factor’ through the heavy use of coloured gunge and slime.

It’s not just kaijus getting in on the action either, there’s some James Bond-inspired gunplay in several sequences where the government agencies fight over the Godzilla cells and such.

Elsewhere, it’s pretty much business as usual, with a scientist facing a moral quandary over his ‘playing God’ and a team of military types trying to keep on top of the situation. There’s also a psychic, named Miki Saegusa (Megumi Odaka), who uses ESP to communicate with and attempt to placate Godzilla.

There are cheesy moments here and there and it doesn’t stray too far from the formula but, overall, it’s a solid, entertaining outing for the big G.

Film:

Godzilla vs. Biollante is out on 24th March on UHD & Blu-Ray in the UK, released by The Criterion Collection. I watched the Blu-ray version and the transfer is very impressive, with a crisp picture and rich colours. It sounds great too.

Disc/Package: