Written By: Ken HulseyAfter the tremendous success of the first two Godzilla films, visionary director Ishiro Honda and producer Tomoyuki Tanaka embarked on an ambitious project that would elevate the giant monster genre to new heights. This bold cinematic venture eventually became known as "Sora no daikaiju Radon." The initial idea for the film sprang from the creative mind of writer Ken Kuronuma, who was inspired by a unique tale he had translated for the Japanese edition of *Amazing Stories*. It centered around a Kentucky Air National Guard pilot who crashed his plane while pursuing a UFO, a narrative ripe with suspense and intrigue.
However, as the project evolved, Kuronuma’s original concept was transformed by the talented duo Takeshi Kimura and Takeo Murata. They ingeniously replaced the UFO element with two fearsome flying dinosaurs and introduced the smaller yet formidable insect-like creature, Maganuron.
Creating the flying monster Rodan posed numerous technical challenges for Eiji Tsuburaya and his special effects team. They had to devise intricate rigging systems capable of supporting the heavy, 150-pound Rodan suit and the actor inside it. Performing in the cumbersome costume was not only challenging but also perilous for the actor Haruo Nakajima. During a thrilling scene where Rodan bursts out of the water, disaster struck as the support wires snapped, resulting in Nakajima plummeting twenty feet. Fortunately, the water and the costume's massive wings acted as a cushion, and aside from a few shakes, Nakajima emerged relatively unscathed.
As the story unfolded, a cave-in at a mine unexpectedly opened a portal to the prehistoric past. In the desperate search for trapped miners, chaos ensued as giant insects began to swarm the caverns, making rescue operations virtually impossible. The situation escalated dramatically when these monstrous creatures ventured beyond the mine, launching predatory raids on nearby villages. Coinciding with these events, reports of two fast-moving UFOs began to flood in from across the Pacific. Even the Air Force jets struggled to keep pace with these mysterious objects.
In a remarkable twist of fate, one of the lost miners was discovered alive, wandering the hills. It took several days for him to regain his senses and recount a truly astonishing tale: he was certain he had witnessed the hatching of a colossal flying reptile. As astonishing as it sounded, his claims would soon be confirmed.
When the Air Force intercepted the two UFOs, they were shocked to find they were not alien crafts but rather gigantic flying reptiles. The jets, despite their advanced technology, were no match for the massive creatures' incredible speed and size. The scene shifted to cities across Japan, which soon faced the wrath of these titanic beasts. Rodan's sweeping wings could generate hurricane-force winds, obliterating everything in their path.
With mounting panic and destruction, the military recognized the urgent need for action. Reconnaissance revealed that the two Rodans had made a volcano near the mine their nest, prompting the decision to unleash the full force of their artillery on this location. The military's relentless bombardment produced an awe-inspiring spectacle—the very earth trembled as the volcano awakened, spewing fire and ash into the sky.
Tragically, in the frenetic outcome of the confrontation, one of the Rodans met a heartbreaking fate, choosing self-destruction after witnessing the demise of its twin. In this clash of nature's titans, emotions ran high, leaving a lingering sense of sorrow amid the spectacular chaos. Would this be the end for Japan, or could redemption be found in the wake of such destruction? The gripping saga of "Sora no daikaiju Radon" unfolds, blending thrilling adventure with the sobering consequences of monstrous power unleashed.
When the film made its debut in Japan in 1956, it dazzled audiences and earned Tsuburaya another prestigious Japan Film Technique Award, further cementing his reputation as a special effects wizard. However, what happened next was nothing short of remarkable. When the film was released in the United States in 1959, it was met with an enormous marketing campaign that piqued the interest of moviegoers. Against all odds, "Rodan" soared at the box office, raking in an impressive $500,000. While that amount may seem modest by today's standards, back then, it solidified Rodan's status as the highest-grossing science fiction film of its time!
This immense success sent ripples through the American film industry, opening the door to a newfound appreciation for Japanese monster movies. In the years that followed, film distribution companies eagerly vied for the rights to bring these captivating films to the US, forever changing the landscape of monster cinema. The legacy of Rodan not only showcases the creativity and perseverance of its creators but also highlights how a single film can turn the tides of an entire industry!
I have seen both the Japanese and American releases. This is one of the few time I believe the American version is better. The emotion the narrator evokes as the Rodans are burned to death in the volcanos is one of sadness. I don't feel relief. I lament that these creatures are being destroyed even though they are living in an era they should be in. This emotion I find lacking in the Japanese version. The film develops a nice sense of tension as miners are killed by an unseen force. There are also some graphic scenes when the mutilated bodies are brought to the coroner's office. There is also some unintended humor when in the American version, one of the male characters shouts to responding police, "Hey, there's a monster in my house."
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