Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)

Director: Masaaki Tezuka

Written By: Masaaki Tezuka, Masahiro Yokotani

For the first and only time in the Millennium Era, we are given a direct sequel to the previous installment.

With Godzilla badly injured from Kiryu’s Absolute Zero weapon, the King of the Monsters retreats to the ocean depths to recover from its wounds. Meanwhile, a heavily damaged MechaGodzilla is recovered for immediate repair.

A year later Kiryu’s repairs are almost complete, though it lacks its most formidable weapon as the resources required to replace Absolute Zero were no longer available. In this time of need, a retired scientist (a returning character from the original Mothra film) is visited by the Shobujin who warn him that Godzilla’s bones must be returned to the ocean, even though it will require the dismantling of Kiryu.

They pledge that Mothra will defend Japan in its stead but the Japanese Prime Minister is unconvinced, after all from his point of view Mothra has already attacked Japan once before and cannot be trusted.

When Godzilla does return to Japan it is Mothra who comes to the country’s defense before ultimately sacrificing herself (a recurring theme) in order to save her latest offspring. The stage is now set for a rematch from the last film, Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla in a fight to the finish.

This has probably been my least favorite entry in the Millennium Era, there’s nothing particularly wrong with it but it just feels unnecessary, and spends most of the film just retreading old ground. The issue of MechaGodzilla’s ‘life and sentience’ is delved into with more depth and it’s always great to see Mothra, who looks fantastic here.

Mothra's first appearance, cutting through the clouds whilst pursued by fighter planes is a very cool moment, showing both the size and speed of the Kaiju Queen.

Most of the cast from the previous film are either absent or quickly swept aside in favor of the new characters, who have a history with Mothra but are largely uninteresting.

Godzilla's appearance stayed largely unchanged for this sequel to Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla. A new suit, named SOSGoji, was created with a design nearly identical to its predecessor, but it featured a prominent scar on the chest area, a result of damage from Kiryu's Absolute Zero Cannon in the previous film.

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