Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, from Godzilla to Kurosawa

by Steve Ryfle, Ed Godziszewski, Yuuko Honda-Yun (Contributor)

Ishiro Honda was arguably the most internationally successful Japanese director of his generation, with an unmatched succession of science fiction films that were commercial hits worldwide. From the atomic allegory of Godzilla and the beguiling charms of Mothra to the tragic mystery of Matango and the disaster and spectacle of Rodan, The Mysterians, King Kong vs. Godzilla, and many others, Honda's films reflected postwar Japan's real-life anxieties and incorporated fantastical special effects, a formula that appealed to audiences around the globe and created a popular culture phenomenon that spans generations. Now, in the first full account of this long overlooked director's life and career, authors Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski shed new light on Honda's work and the experiences that shaped it--including his days as a reluctant Japanese soldier, witnessing the aftermath of Hiroshima, and his lifelong friendship with Akira Kurosawa. Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, from Godzilla to Kurosawa features close analysis of Honda's films (including, for the first time, his rarely seen dramas, comedies, and war films) and draws on previously untapped documents and interviews to explore how creative, economic, and industrial factors impacted his career. Fans of Honda, Godzilla, and tokusatsu (special effects) film, and of Japanese film in general, will welcome this in-depth study of a highly influential director who occupies a uniquely important position in science fiction and fantasy cinema, as well as in world cinema.

Together, the authors have provided audio commentary tracks and produced supplemental material for numerous home video releases, including Ishiro Honda's Godzilla for the British Film Institute. They co-produced the documentary feature Bringing Godzilla Down to Size (2008).

Genres: Film, Biography, Nonfiction, Japan

336 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2017

Reviews

[Gagne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Honda I never knew before. It felt almost personal with the detail included.

[Jerry Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and scholarly look at a filmmaker whose name may be unfamiliar to western audiences, but whose work will resonate with fans of Japanese science fiction and fantasy films who grew up in the 60s and 70s.

Honda was a filmmaker that became a victim of his own success who, sadly, became pigeonholed as a genre director. I admit to feeling a little conflicted reading the book and discovering that the films I enjoy caused the artist to endure constant frustration (both from an artistic and professional angle). Of course, the art versus commerce struggle wasn't just Ishiro Honda's. It's an age old conflict.

[Kory Torjussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-written, well-researched project to give light to the man who did so much more than just the Godzilla franchise. It does well to provide information about the history of Japan, TOHO, etc. while films were made rather than limiting it to just what was happening on set.

It's just a history on Honda-san's life with no personal opinions reflected in the material, yet plenty of quoted opinions from friends and family to add depth and earnestness. It reads as passively and straightforward as Honda lived.

Definitely a must-have if you're a Godzilla fan, Japanese film enthusiast, or just plain film enthusiast. 10/10 very respectful piece of literature.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the story of some maverick filmmaker and that's what makes it great. His career derailed by war, Honda returns to become a journeyman filmmaker, dutifully toeing the company line while pursuing his craft. At times the overviews of each and every film become exhausting, but the glimpse into the history of Japanese cinema from inside Toho Studios and the cultural perspective of post-WWII Japan in relation to the films are worth the read. The final section covering the years Honda spent working side-by-side with his longtime friend Akira Kurosawa are touching and inspiring.

[Kentsoul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most “G fans” I went in assuming I knew everything there was to know about Honda-San, but Ryfle and Godziszewski dig deep, revealing the childhood, military experiences and early friendships with Kurosawa-San and others that shaped the man who (without knowing) helped shape me and countless others with his fantasy films. My heart aches for his creative frustrations, and I wish I could tell him how much his work meant to a strange, shy kid growing up in Pittsburgh in the 70s.

[Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly in-depth and detailed biography of one of my favorite Japanese directors.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always thought Steve Ryfle was a bit insufferable and pretentious, and a few of his opinions in this book (especially calling Shin Godzilla nationalist) are bizarre to me. However, it can't be denied that his devotion to the scholarship of Japanese scifi films is immense, and he has done much to provide information for English speaking fans. His efforts are clear to see in this book as he provides an excellent and authentic feeling view of Ishiro Honda. He covers not only the far more famous films of Godzilla and other scifi epics, but also all of his dramas, war films, and countless human stories in film. It is fascinating how characters and themes in his early work would pop up in Godzilla films much later, and I appreciate the Showa Era films much more now. I also learned a great deal about the Japanese film industry in the post-war period which was fascinating. It is an excellent book and resource, and every fan of Japanese cinema should read it.

[Shelby Baldock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, thorough portrait of humility, love, and friendship. While Godzilla has meant a lot to me personally, it's a joy to know the man behind him was a soul worth exploring. If you're a fan of science fiction films, Godzilla, or cinema in general, you'll undoubtedly find yourself moved by the end. Honda got cosmically stepped on far too often, and yet he never surrendered to bitterness or spite. A great example of a man and artist.

[Justin Decloux · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating glimpse into the life and work of a man who will always be defined by his work on Godzilla. The authors tackle all of the films Ishiro Honda directed, but the most frustrating part is, that none of them are available with any English subtitles.

[Chris Giles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed, insightful, and surprisingly poignant. Honda bore witness to the seismic changes in 20th century Japanese life and, through thoughtful craftsmanship and warm collaboration, reflected those cultural and political shifts in his astounding body of work.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

rubber soul of a nation

[Max Freese · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of Godzilla movies, and Japanese films in general. It's the only biography of Ishiro Honda in English and it's a treasure trove of fascinating information.

However, I'm only giving it 3-stars because the writing is so bland. The book often feels like an overstuffed Wikipedia page and a lot of times it was a chore to get through.