Description

Godzilla is one of the most iconic and enduring monsters in pop culture. Originating from Japan, Godzilla first appeared in the 1954 film Godzilla ( Gojira ), directed by Ishirō Honda and produced by Toho Studios. The creature was created as a metaphor for nuclear destruction, reflecting the fears of post-World War II Japan, especially in the wake of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Godzilla is typically depicted as a massive, prehistoric sea monster awakened and mutated by nuclear radiation. Over the years, the character has evolved, sometimes portrayed as a destructive force and other times as a protector of humanity. While its appearance and abilities have varied depending on the film, Godzilla is almost always shown as a towering, reptilian creature with atomic breath (a powerful blast of radiation from its mouth), and a thick, armored hide.