Mosura

I guess it can be argued that all kaiju is for children, but this one is in the way that the old Gamera films were. The principle human characters are children. The dialog is light and cheery, most of the time. This is not so much about monster battles but kids having an adventure and saving the day.

It's nice and entertaining, but those expecting a typical Godzilla-type kaiju film are going to be disappointed.

This is the first of 1990s Mothra trilogy after the death of '90s Godzilla in 1995. The tone of this trilogy is very different from that of Godzilla's. In this movie, Mothra is the protector of earth, and when a monster which threatens to destroy earth's habitat, Mothra comes to rescue.

I rather liked this movie because of its beautiful cinematography and a plot that was not based simply on destruction, but about the importance of protecting our environment. While American cinema was busy producing darker movies in the '90s, this series positively bucked the trend with its brilliant color and putting nature before humans.

Casting was okay. It had a good central focus for a change called the Elias. But for the most part, Toho can use better actors in all its movies. Watch this, and you'll be treated to the most beautiful colors you've ever seen.

Death Ghidora is a terrible three-headed monster that is released when a seal is removed from his tomb. Little fairies Lora and Moll must call upon the aged Mothra. This Mothra won a previous battle with Death Ghidora many, many years ago but that was when she was still a young Moth. Now, the years of battle and time have taken its toll on her body. She has an egg waiting to be hatched but when the battle begins it is not ready. Off to save the world once more is Mothra. Like a battle weary fighter, Mothra tries to pull off a "Rocky" ending. Inside the egg her youngster senses that "Momma" is in trouble and hatches early. Can baby save Momma? Can Momma and baby Mothra team together and defeat the evil. Can the little fairies defeat the evil fairy "Belvera?" This film is a good story of "evil vs good" and also of "family!" A must for all those fans of Japanese monster films.

With Godzilla dead and gone (yah, right), Toho concentrated on their other major star, Mothra.

In this first of a trilogy (more, more!) Mothra (the 1992 Mothra) battles a creature called Death Ghidorah (a cousin of King Ghidorah?). Thrown into the mix is the new Mothra, called MothraLeo. With time running out for Earth, can MothraLeo survive to carry on the long line of Mothras that have defended the planet?

Of course he can! If he couldn't, why did "Mosura 2" follow it?

The effects are outstanding in this movie. How can one moth have so many beam weapons?

I have to say that Megumi Kobayashi and Sayoko Yamaguchi, who play the priestesses of Mothra, now called the Elias, are excellent in this movie, as well as Aki Hano, who plays Belvera, one of the new elements to the Mothra saga. Of the two Elais, Moll is more determined than Lora, especially on calling the "old" Mothra into battle.

On the whole, a very good movie! Roll on Mosura 2!

Although not generally one of the most popular kaiju (Japanese for monster) movies, Mothra: 1996 is in my opinion one of the most beautiful.

Mothra: 1996 is the first in a new trilogy from Toho studios. It features one of their most popular monsters Mothra. Mothra battles a new creation in the form of Death Ghidora. Although, the fairies in this film are not the same in past films they do an adequate job.

What caught my attention of this film was the first 30 minutes. The beautiful visuals of the northern forest and of it being destroyed by man leading to the discovery of the tomb of Death Ghidora. Death Ghidora is one of Toho's most popular recent creations and is a fearsome looking beast. This film contains no less than 4 separate battles between Mothra and Death Ghidora.

The special effects are up to par and the creation of Belvera, the evil fairy is interesting. Although geared toward younger viewers, die-hard kaiju fans should have no problem enjoying this film.