Long obscured in this country by its semi-comic sequels, the original Japanese-release version of Godzilla is a work of unexpected sensitivity and pathos. Using disarmingly simple special effects, Godzilla offers a mature and even devastating study of the deterioration of human civilization by unmitigated militarism. Kurosawa favorite Takashi Shimura stars as the scientist who tries to shield the beast from the uncaring world that spawned it.