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In the midst of a mining operation in a small Japanese village, a disaster strikes when a group of miners is attacked and killed by an unknown creature. As the villagers fearfully speculate about the nature of the beast, an investigation reveals that it was a prehistoric creature, awakened by mining activities. The creature is soon identified as a Rodan, a colossal pterosaur assumed to be extinct. As the investigation continues, it becomes increasingly clear that not one but two Rodans exist, and the creatures are dangerous and violent to all those in their path.

Kenji Sahara plays Shigeru Kawamura, a mining engineer who helps to investigate the incidents and ultimately becomes the focal point of the story. Yumi Shirakawa co-stars as his love interest Kiyo, and Akihiko Hirata plays a geologist investigating the emergence of the Rodans.

The film is directed by Ishiro Honda, who had made a name for himself in the monster movie genre just a few years earlier with the groundbreaking film "Godzilla." Like that film, "Rodan" is a representation of Japan's fears and anxieties, this time regarding post-war advancements in mining and technology.

"Rodan" was a groundbreaking film in its use of visual effects, specifically in the depiction of the Rodans as realistic prehistoric creatures. The movie's iconic flying scenes were achieved through intricate miniature work, with the models often filmed at high speeds to create the illusion of flight. The Rodans themselves were brought to life through suitmation, a technique which involved actors donning rubber suits to physically portray the creatures.

In addition to its impressive visuals, "Rodan" boasts an atmospheric and unsettling score by composer Akira Ifukube. The score manages to convey both the awe-inspiring power of the Rodans and the terror they induce in their victims.

Despite its titular monsters, "Rodan" is ultimately a character-driven film, exploring the human drama behind the catastrophic events. The interconnected relationships between the characters provide the emotional core of the film, with Shigeru's personal journey serving as the driving force of the narrative.

Overall, "Rodan" is a haunting and visually stunning film, showcasing the skills and innovations of its creators. Its lasting impact on monster cinema cannot be understated, paving the way for future films in the kaiju genre and solidifying Ishiro Honda's status as a master director.

Rodan is a 1956 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.