Akihiko Hirata Movies
With appearances in over 125 movies and television shows, Akihiko Hirata was a busy working actor for over three decades, but he remained best known for a role he played at the outset of his career, in Ishiro Honda's Gojira (1954) (better known in the United States and the rest of the world as Godzilla, King of the Monsters). Born Akihiko Onoda in Kyogo, Korea in 1927, he was educated for a career in the army. But the timing of his birth (and coming-of-age in postwar Japan) put a military career out of reach, and his own preference seems to have carried him in the direction of an acting career. His early career included an important role in Ishiro Honda's World War II romance Farewell Rabaul (1954), and he distinguished himself sufficiently enough to earn a prominent role in Honda's next movie, Gojira (1954). An unprecedented spectacle film in the then-unusual genre of science fiction, Gojira was a huge undertaking, built upon outsized special effects (for the time) and a serious drama at its core. Hirata had the key role of Dr. Daisuke Serizawa, the brilliant, enigmatic young physicist who finds that he holds the fate of the world in his hands twice over. His portrayal of the conscience-stricken Serizawa was among the more memorable acting contributions to the movie, even working alongside the likes of such acting veterans as Takashi Shimura. The movie proved a huge hit in Japan and went on to find unprecedented success in the rest of the world during the second half of the 1950s, after it was re-edited and adapted as Godzilla, King of the Monsters. Hirata subsequently appeared in numerous movies of all genres (including such acclaimed art-house favorites as Samurai 3: Duel at Ganryu Island), but he became most well-known for his work in giant-monster and science-fiction films, such as Rodan (1956), The Mysterians (1957), The H-Man (1958), and Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975), many of them directed by Honda. Hirata died of lung cancer in 1984 at age 56. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi
This Japanese-American co-production is set sometime in the near future. The United Nations Space Bureau sends its star vessels to the treacherous terrain of Venus. The traveller's initial encounters with the Venusians do not bode well for a lasting peace. However, when another planet invades the 2nd rock from the sun, Earthlings and Venusians band together to ward off their common foe. Kensaku Marita, Yuko Asano and Ryo Ikebe top the cast. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
A race of malevolent aliens bent on world domination unleash the ultimate weapon of destruction on mankind, leaving them with no hope for survival but the power of the mighty Godzilla. Their galaxy dying, the endangered aliens discover a planet that could save them from extinction if it wasn't already populated. In order to solve that significant problem, the scheming extraterrestrials construct Mechagodzilla, a 400 foot destroyer of worlds armed with powerful lasers and guided missiles. As Godzilla prepares to face off against his powerful intergalactic doppelganger, the traitorous Professor Mafuni lends his genius to the aliens to create the mighty Titanosauraus. Titanosauraus is a massive amphibious dinosaur that Professor Controls via a biomechanical connection with his android daughter Katsura. But just as it begins to appear as if all hope has been lost for both Godzilla and the human race, Interpol agents discover that Titanosauraus has one weakness that may give the Godzilla the crucial edge that he needs in order to emerge victorious. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1975
This speculative drama's original name, Prophecies of Nostradamus is perhaps more descriptive of the subject. Set in the year 1999, this feature dramatizes the events predicted by the great French seer. Disasters depicted included severely polluted air and water, crazed adults, war, and natural disasters. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
This time, the overgrown-lizard hero is confronted by a mechanical doppelganger, courtesy of an army of extraterrestrial apes. Unable to best his metallic twin in combat, Godzilla seeks out the aid of Okinawan monster god King Seeser. The film is peppered with moments of humor; so much happens in the final reel that one is disappointed not to see the kitchen sink. After the TV popularity of The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla was rechristened Godzilla vs. the Bionic Monster. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Masaaki Daimon, Kazuya Aoyama, (more)
Godzilla maven Inoshiro Honda helmed this quaint, old-fashioned fantasy adventure (loosely styled after 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) about the crew of a damaged deep-sea craft who are taken aboard a high-tech atomic submarine dubbed "Alpha," commanded by the Nemo-like Captain McKenzie Joseph Cotten. The Captain then transports them to the underwater city of Latitude Zero, whose inhabitants are dedicated to monitoring and protecting human civilization. Cotten's next mission involves the rescue of a Japanese doctor from the clutches of the diabolical Dr. Malic Cesar Romero, whose scientific experiments include the transplanting of human brains into various animals. Mindless fun, with some marginally effective underwater model effects, and Honda even throws in a few giant rubber-suit monsters for old times' sake. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Starring:
- Joseph Cotten, Cesar Romero, (more)
- 1968
In this sequel to the Japanese epic, Secret Scrolls, Part 1 (1957), the Samurai wizard and his brother finally find one of the three scrolls their evil employer needs to overthrow the Japanese government. Unfortunately, the two fight over it and tear it in half. Ashamed, the two separate, but find themselves pursued by angry members of the Yagyu clan. For most viewers, it is necessary to see Part I in order to fully understand the complexities of Part II. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Toshiro Mifune, Koji Tsuruta, (more)
- 1968
In this Japanese costumer set in the 17th century, three powerful families endeavor to keep three sacred scrolls from ever being pieced together in one place, as they contain the necessary information to overthrow the government. These scrolls are coveted by several greedy, power-mad clans who will do anything to get them; one of these clans even hires a samurai wizard to work magic on their behalf. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Toshiro Mifune, Koji Tsuruta, (more)
The Japanese gargantuan reptile fathers a son who is a chip off the old eggshell. The men of the family take on oversized mantises and arachnids in this exotic sci-fi adventure. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi
This star-studded and relatively lavishly produced fact-based war drama, set in 1945 Japan during WW II, chronicles the attempts of Japan's War Minister, (played by Toshiro Mifune), to prevent Emperor Hirohito from publicly broadcasting the declaration of surrender. The War Minister rallies those officers around him who also want to keep the war going. The conspirators murder the leader of the Imperial Guards and storm the palace. Fortunately they are stopped by the palace guard. On learning of this failure, the War Minister commits suicide. At least one Western reviewer of this 1967 film (for Variety) still bore very harsh memories of the war and attributed all sorts of face-saving propagandistic intent by the Japanese to this relatively innocuous movie. He was particularly distressed that the aura of sanctity surrounding the Emperor remained intact and was even enhanced by this film; even so, he praised it as expertly acted and entertaining in its own right, despite being an apparently "official" film. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Toshiro Mifune, So Yamamura, (more)
The seventh film in Toho's Godzilla series (and the first without the direction of Inoshiro Honda), this colorful installment finds the natives of a volcanic island enslaved by the armies of an unnamed country claiming to be in control of a giant crustacean named Ebirah. A boatload of teens and a wanted criminal are washed ashore on the same island, where they encounter a large group of escaped slaves who hail from Mothra Island, home of another popular Toho monster. They pray to their moth-god to liberate them, oblivious to the fact that a certain green lizard is trapped beneath their cavern hideout. The teens soon discover this and release Godzilla from the rock with a well-placed lightning rod. Released and re-energized, Godzilla soon goes head-to-head with Ebirah, while Mothra eventually flaps into action to free the captives. Silly and cartoonish despite some more menacing elements, this is nevertheless one of the more interesting chapters in the Godzilla pantheon. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi
- Starring:
- Akira Takarada, Toru Watanabe, (more)
In this Japanese sci-fi adventure, Japan and the rest of the planet is being destroyed by a deadly series of earthquakes. Explorers soon discover why: beneath the sea is an enormous city, Mu, and to keep it going, they have been stealing energy from the Earth's core. They refuse to stop and so the Japanese government pleads with the commander of the air, land, and sea supership, the Atragon, to help them destroy Mu. Unfortunately, the skipper cares nothing for saving the world. But when the Mu-folk steal his own daughter, the commander changes his mind. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tadao Takashima, Yoko Fujiyama, (more)
- 1964
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A true "monster rally," this Japanese special-effects smorgasbord stars no fewer than four "A"-list movie monstrosities. Once again, the citizens of Tokyo are subjected to an ill-tempered atomic mutant. This time it's the triple-headed Ghidrah, who breathes electric volts in all directions. Coming to Tokyo's rescue is faithful old Mothra, but Ghidrah proves too much for the outsized insect, even with the ubiquitous "Peanuts" (Emi and Yumi Ito) acting as Mothra's cheerleaders. Fortunately, Godzilla and Rodan stop fighting each other to help Mothra vanquish Ghidrah. The climactic battle royal takes place high atop Mount Fuji (how do those monsters cast shadows on the sky like that?) Lots of fun, Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster surprisingly yielded no immediate sequels. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1964
Japanese sci-fi director Inoshiro Honda and special effects wizard Eiji Tsuburaya teamed up again (Rodan, Godzilla, Mothra) for this thriller/adventure. Set in the futuristic 1980, a group of Tokyo scientists discover that Earth is in the direct path of a star with a gravitational pull 6,000 times than that of Earth's. As a space ship finds itself close to the orb, its team of astronauts are able to transmit important information to Ground Control. Collaborating with other specialists from various nations, the scientists frantically attempt to save the world from a catastrophic collision. Running at only 77 minutes, this version omits the original--and bizarre--Japanese ending wherein a gargantuan walrus emerges from the cracked glaciers of the South Pole. ~ Kristie Hassen, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ryo Ikebe, Akihiko Hirata, (more)
This preposterous battle between the huge ape King Kong and the fire-breathing dinosaur Gojira marked the beginning of Toho Studios aiming their monster films at children rather than general audiences. Director Ishiro Honda stages the battle scenes atop Mt. Fuji for laughs, as the two lovable beasts play ball with a large boulder and generally behave like professional wrestlers horsing around for the camera. Persistent rumors claim that there exist two different endings to this film, with Godzilla winning in the Japanese version and Kong prevailing in the American print. These rumors are incorrect, as Kong wins in both versions. Gojira survived to battle Mothra the following year in Mosura Tai Gojira, while the Asian Kong returned in King Kong No Gyakushu (1967). ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
- Starring:
- Michael Keith, James Yagi, (more)
Set in the mid-19th century when the disintegration of a rigid social structure was turning the once wealthy into paupers, or vice-versa, this kinetic drama by acclaimed Akira Kurosawa features the hero Sanjuro (Toshiro Mifune), one of many samurai whose once traditional positions were fast disappearing. In this tale of false perceptions and truth, of honor and dishonor, Sanjuro is a character who captures and holds attention from the moment he appears on screen. When he arrives in a small city, he discovers that a band of nine men are anxious to overthrow the corrupt ruling elite. Physically strong and agile, mentally sharp and clear-headed, Sanjuro still has an deep commitment to justice and honor underneath his dirty, abrasive, and cynical exterior. The nine men may doubt his nobility, but that is because they are only looking skin deep. While the sword fighting and action scenes are memorable, it is Toshiro Mifune's characterization and Kurosawa's camera eye that enhance the story. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
- Starring:
- Toshiro Mifune, Yuzo Kayama, (more)
- 1961
Two war buddies help each other defend their businesses against gangsters in this crime drama. ~ Rovi
- 1961
Mohei (Toshiro Mifune) is the samurai warrior who battles against the Portuguese arsenal of guns and cannons. With these newly introduced weapons, two families battle for control of a valuable land parcel in 17th-century Japan. This feature was made in 1961 but obviously introduced in America to follow up the success of Hell In The Pacific which stars Mifune, one of Japan's most world-renown thespians. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Toshiro Mifune, Kyoko Kagawa, (more)
Director Jerry A. Baerwitz created this uninspired, problematical monster story by using footage from a similar but different Japanese monster flic by Inoshira Honda (he who started off Godzilla and followed up with Rodan, Mothra, Monster Zero and more). Viewer opinion overwhelmingly sides with Honda's film. In this story, the Japanese and U.S. military are working together in the Pacific on a Japanese island with a salt water lake, trying out an experiment to desalinate the water. Their desalination technique wakes up a prehistoric monster, Baran, from the longest nap on record. Understandably piqued, the monster sets off to trample down Tokyo in revenge. Some audiences may feel that Baerwitz' treatment of the Japanese in this film should have set the monster against Hollywood. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tsuruko Kobayashi, Clifford Kawada, (more)
- 1961
The Japanese Secret of the Telegian features Koji Tsurata as a reporter and Akihiko Hirata as a detective, both investigating a series of interrelated murders. All the victims had been in on a wartime scheme to steal a fortune in gold. The killer (Tadao Nakamaru) also one of the thieves, has stumbled upon a scientific discovery that enables him to reduce himself to mere particles, thereby enabling him to escape without detection. The murderer utilizes a transmission machine to ship himself from one place to another--so long as the machine is kept in a state of "4.2 degrees below zero." The villain's complex scheme to eliminate his old comrades in crime and claim the gold for himself comes to grief when his marvelous machine malfunctions. Our question: if Nakamaru is in possession of a revolutionary machine that could potentially net him billions in marketing, why does he bother with such mundane matters as murder and theft? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1961
In this patriotic Japanese WW II drama, the army demonstrates its courage and willingness to do anything to win as they endeavor to sneak into Communist China to bring back the flag of a defeated enemy regiment. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1961
Mothra was the third major addition to the Toho Studios' giant-monster stable after Godzilla and Rodan, and the first female beast in the series. The creature begins Ishiro Honda's entertaining film as a giant larva worshipped by island tribesmen and guarded by twin sisters (Emi and Yumi Ito) who stand only a few inches high. Eventually, the larva metamorphoses into a giant female moth and panic ensues as the creature attempts to regain her stolen egg and her tiny protectors. The usual pandemonium and destruction is tempered here by a softer edge which would come to dominate the genre for much of the decade. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jerry Ito, Ken Uehara, (more)
- 1959
This well-wrought, visually stunning tale from Japanese mythology is directed by Hiroshi Inagaki and relates the adventures of a legendary Prince Yamato Takeru (Toshiro Mifune). The reason for those adventures is linked to the creation and/or discovery of the "three treasures" basic to the Shinto religion and the mythic origins of Japan (Yamato) and her emperors. These "three treasures" are a comma-shaped jewel, a mirror, and a sword. As the Prince goes about slaying dragons and surviving all manner of natural disasters -- earthquakes, volcanos, floods -- the heroic stories of how Japan and its imperial family came into being are told in epic style. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi
- Starring:
- Yoko Tsukasa, Kyoko Kagawa, (more)
- 1959
The H-Man rates as one of the most genuinely frightening Japanese horror films of the 1950s. When a minor-league drug runner completely vanishes, leaving only his clothes behind, detective Tominaga (Akihiko Hirata) investigates. Along the way, Tominaga makes the acquaintance of scientist Masada (Kenji Sahara), who theorizes that the missing doper was melted into a liquid "H-Man" as a result of being exposed to nuclear radiation. Sure enough, the H-Man soon resurfaces, seeking out victims to "dissolve" so that he can continue to survive. Director Inoshiro Honda's matter-of-fact approach to the material is far scarier than any of Honda's scream-and-shout "giant monster" pictures from the same era. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Yumi Shirakawa, Kenji Sahara, (more)
- 1959
Released in Japan as Sengoku Gunto-Den, Saga of the Vagabonds stars Toshiro Mifune as a feudal bandit. Koji Tsuruta, entrusted with the money that will be used to fund the local warlords' battle against Mifune, is waylaid and robbed. Accused of stealing the money, the disgruntled Tsuruta casts his lot with Mifune. He assembles the bandits to storm his family castle and wreak vengeance on the younger brother who betrayed him. Based on a story by Juro Miyoshi, Saga of the Vagabonds was co-scripted by Akira Kurosawa. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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