Watch The Dawn of Kaiju Eiga

The Dawn of Kaiju Eiga is a 2019 documentary film that explores the origins and evolution of Kaiju (giant monster) films in Japan. The film features interviews with various industry experts and legends, including Akira Takarada, Haruo Nakajima, and Shinji Higuchi, who have all played significant roles in creating and bringing these iconic monsters to life on the big screen.

The documentary begins by tracing the roots of Kaiju films back to the early days of Japanese cinema, when special effects were still in their infancy. The first Kaiju film, 1933's King Kong, which was a massive success in Japan, served as the inspiration for the first Kaiju film produced in Japan, 1938's King Kong Appears in Edo. The documentary highlights this connection between King Kong and the first Kaiju films, discussing how the fascination with giant monsters permeated Japanese culture and eventually led to the creation of the Kaiju genre.

From there, the film delves into the most famous Japanese Kaiju: Godzilla. The original Godzilla film, released in 1954, was a response to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the dangers of nuclear power. The filmmakers behind Godzilla were keen to create a monster that represented the devastation that nuclear power could cause, and the film's success spawned countless sequels and spinoffs, the documentary explores how the character of Godzilla evolved over the years and the impact it had on the Kaiju genre as a whole.

The film also examines the various other Kaiju that have come out of Japan, such as Gamera, Ultraman, and Mothra. The documentary highlights the unique characteristics of each creature and how they both complement and contrast with the iconic Godzilla.

One of the most fascinating aspects of The Dawn of Kaiju Eiga is its exploration of the special effects used to bring these monsters to life. The film delves into the techniques used in the earliest Kaiju films, such as stop-motion animation and practical miniature models. As technology progressed, filmmakers began using more advanced techniques, such as suitmation, which involved actors in Kaiju suits interacting with miniature sets. The documentary explores how this was achieved and the challenges that came with creating realistic movements and expressions for the giant monsters.

The Dawn of Kaiju Eiga also examines the role that music has played in the Kaiju genre. From the iconic Godzilla theme to the various musical scores that accompany other Kaiju films, the documentary explores how music can heighten tension and add to the overall atmosphere of the films.

Finally, the film looks towards the future of the Kaiju genre. With the ongoing success of recent films such as Shin Godzilla and Pacific Rim, the Kaiju genre remains as popular as ever. The documentary explores the challenges that come with creating new Kaiju films in the modern era and how filmmakers might update the genre for a contemporary audience.

Overall, The Dawn of Kaiju Eiga is a must-watch for any fan of Kaiju films or Japanese cinema in general. Its interviews with industry titans and detailed exploration of the evolution of the genre make it a compelling and informative documentary.