the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in Japan, he’s known as “Gojira” — a name derived from the Japanese words gorira (meaning “gorilla”) and kujira (meaning “whale”). In America, he’s “Godzilla”, a name that’s part deity and part mystery: “God” combined with the suffix “zilla” — which has no literal meaning but has since become synonymous with anything towering, monstrous, or overpowering, inspiring terms like “Bridezilla” and “Momzilla.”
The original Godzilla film first roared into Japanese theaters 70 years ago on November 3, 1954, forever changing monster cinema. While the name might have lost some meaning in translation, the impact of this sea monster rising to destroy Tokyo is universal — and you can still catch it on streaming services like YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Tubi.
From Japanese Legend to Hollywood Sensation
“Gojira” was an instant hit in Japan, combining the suspense of monster horror with post-war cultural reflection on nuclear devastation. In 1954 the crew of a Japanese fishing boat had suffered radiation sickness after exposure to fallout from an American nuclear test on Bikini atoll; this incident was directly alluded to in Godzilla with a fishing boat being the target of the monster’s first attack.
When it crossed the ocean in 1956 as “Godzilla, King of the Monsters!”, the film was re-edited with dubbed dialogue and added scenes featuring American actor Raymond Burr, who played “Steve Martin” (no relation to the comedian) — an American reporter covering the chaos as Godzilla rampages through Tokyo. Despite the tweaks, “Godzilla” resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, cementing its place as both a drive-in classic and a cultural icon. The American version of the film, Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956), was severely cut, and extra scenes starring Raymond Burr were added to appeal to American audiences. The original version is widely considered superior, and the special effects were ingenious for their day. Godzilla was played by actor Nakajima Haru, who wore a monster suit weighing 200 pounds (90 kg).
A Legacy of Monsters & Mayhem
Godzilla’s success in the U.S. led to a string of sequels and an ever-expanding universe of monsters, including famous foes like Mothra, Ghidorah, and Rodan. With a modest budget of $100,000, the original 1954 film went on to gross over $2 million, proving that monster mayhem has universal appeal. This year, the latest chapter, “Godzilla Minus One,” started streaming on Amazon Prime, marking another evolution in the saga.
Why We Still Love Godzilla
Beyond the thrilling destruction, Godzilla’s story reflects real fears, from nuclear war to environmental disasters, making the character as relevant today as he was seven decades ago. What started as Japan’s iconic “Gojira” has become a symbol of resilience, power, and the consequences of our actions on nature and the world around us. So, grab some popcorn, find a cozy spot, and celebrate 70 years of Godzilla — the monster with atomic breath and a legacy that’s far from over.
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