Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) User Reviews

One of the Godzilla movies with a distinctive plot.

[OllieSuave-007 · 7/10 · 26 November 2000]

This is a Godzilla movie that tells a very different story than the previous films. The root of the story all lies on one aspect-the Godzilla cell. The plot is solid and intriguing - a story about some of the world's power-hungry people who want to get their hands on some Godzilla DNA for their own devious purposes. When the Japanese refuse to hand over the DNA, terrorists release Godzilla from his lair and he begins a new spree of terror. In an act of desperation, a scientist merges some of the Godzilla cells with a rosebud, mutating it into the one of the most unique monsters in the Toho universe - Biollante. The two do battle as our protagonists in the film try to track down the terrorists. As a result, what we have is not the usual Godzilla vs. movie with an alien-invasion plot. This one is unique and substantive in its monster origins, plot flow and character development.

While an exciting movie, there are some people that this film could have done without, like the horrible Saradian agent SSS9 and the campy Biomajor people. I have to give credit to this movie, anyhow, because it introduced the Godzilla-centered psychic Miki Saegusa (played by Megumi Odaka). She would take a very significant role in this and the following Godzilla films. Her using her psychic powers to locate Godzilla and stopping him from coming ashore in Osaka was intriguing.

Overall, not a bad Godzilla film. Very distinctive, albeit a little too focused on the human subplot and the military, and the Biollante angle wasn't emphasized enough.

Grade B-

Blu-ray review.

[DustinRahksi · 7/10 · 22 January 2013]

What? a Godzilla movie on Blu-ray, well about time. Well of course destroy all monsters came out on Blu-ray, but was discontinued. I would love it if they re-released all the films on Blu-ray, that would be a dream come true.

Blu-ray disc: The picture quality is much better, but I can only compare it to my VHS tape. Whats one thing that Godzilla movies have a lot of, explosions. What does Blu-ray enhance, explosions. Well unfortunately the sound wasn't on par with most films, what I mean by that is, the explosions lacked base, and there for didn't rattle the walls. That was my only complaint. And for the first time I actually get to watch how one of these films is made, it includes a behind the scenes bonus feature. The MPAA rating in the opening states that there is the usual Godzilla violence, I thought that was funny.

The film: This film is a big leap forward for the series. The action scenes look great, and the special effects are outstanding. The final form of Biollante looks incredible. Some of the musical scores are great too. Take note this film is actually pretty violent, lots of blood spraying, and there is more swearing than usual, man there's even a sexual reference at the end. Not really PG material, but oh well.

Overall it's pretty entertaining, with the fight scenes being the highlights. Although Biollante served a small part, it's still worth watching.

Although it's not one of the classics, "Godzilla vs. Biollante" works due to a refreshingly imaginative premise and a strong visual presentation

[TheUnknown837-1 · 7/10 · 7 December 2009]

Out of the twenty-eight entries in the long-running Japanese Godzilla series, one of the more artistic and welcomingly imaginative ones is the unfortunately overlooked "Godzilla vs. Biollante", a film that is so-so in its story and characters (although that is a standard for most Godzilla movies), but tremendously entertaining in its premise and its visual style. The movie follows the majestic monster movie masterpiece "The Return of Godzilla", in which Godzilla is released from his volcanic prison on Oshima Island and begins to wreck the countryside of Japan again around the same time that a scientist's (Koji Takahashi) experiment to preserve his dead daughter's spirit in an immortal plant species goes awry.

"The Return of Godzilla" was not only a great Godzilla movie, but one of the finest monster movies, Japanese or otherwise, that I have ever seen and I do like to sometimes pretend that "Godzilla vs. Biollante" and the not-so-special sequels that followed never existed, that it ended with Godzilla falling into Mount Mihara and being imprisoned there forever. But although this movie does kind of ruin that feeling, it's quickly forgiven once its slow beginning departs and its truly majestic middle begins.

As I mentioned earlier, this is one of the more artistic Godzilla movies there is. Most entries in the series are formulaic and repetitive. And although this is okay for the fans, it is refreshing to see one that tries something new and original. And "Godzilla vs. Biollante" most certainly is original. Basically everything except the human characters tries something new. The movie boasts a battle between Godzilla and his new monstrosity of an opponent, but it's not all about their clash, it's really more following the spirit of the preceding movie with military trying to eliminate Godzilla. What's more, the movie boasts some incredibly visionary and impressive special effects. Godzilla's appearance is one of his finest yet. There are a few shots where he didn't look very good, such as this one where the way he was positioned reminded me more of a bear than a reptile, but other times the mobility that he had in his jaws and his neck provided some surprisingly convincing movements. The miniatures for the destruction scenes are thoroughly impressive, and the effects used to create Biollante are a pure triumph without a single weak shot.

Even the music score is something new. The movie reuses three classic Godzilla themes by Akira Ifukube, but most of the score, as with the first film, is done by a new composer and he does it with a completely new style. Now Koichi Sugiyama's score is not incredible as Reijiro Koroku's was for the preceding movie. There are some weak moments and some parts are recycled too much throughout the movie. In addition, after having reviewed the whole soundtrack on CD form, I discovered that the best of Sugiyama's score was left out. Why Toho opted to do this, I have no idea. But as for what we do here, it's mincemeat of visionary triumph and minor letdowns.

I do have some complaints about the movie, however. It does take a while to get started. Whereas "The Return of Godzilla" had great characters and a strong story so that I could stay interested even when Godzilla was not on screen, this movie struggles a little more. And again, some parts of Koichi Sugiyama's dare-deviling soundtrack simply don't work as well as they should have. And the ending of the final battle between Godzilla and Biollante was a flat letdown.

However, despite its flaws, "Godzilla vs. Biollante" is a more unique and interesting and certainly enjoyable entry in this deservedly famous long-running motion picture series. Now I don't think Godzilla will ever be considered art by any major organization. But there are three films starring the big lizard that do stand out pretty strongly due to either their strong allegorical content or their tremendous style. This is one of them.

Decent Monster Movie

[The_Depressed_Star_Wars_fan · 6/10 · 4 June 2010]

This is a good movie. It's no masterpiece, but it is a good film. The plot to this movie, although weird, is very original, especially compared to a few of the Godzilla that had come before and after this movie. Scientists find some of Godzilla's cells and combine them to that of a plant. Why you would want to do something like that is beyond me. Then these weird Venus fly trap like things start appearing and eating people, and then a giant rose/monster creature appearers in the middle of some lake, the creature then gets named Biolante. So sure enough Godzilla then comes out of the volcano that he fell into in the film GODZILLA 1985. Godzilla goes to lake and battles Biolante. He actually ends up wining, to no ones surprise, and moves on and destroys Osaka. But then on his way to the beach, Biolante comes back and takes on a new form. This time she, oh Right I forgot to mention that in this flick they say that Biolante is a female, so she takes on the form of a plant/crocodile/Venus fly trap thing. So there's the whole synopsis. The acting in this movie is good. The effects in this movie are great. Which is good because of the fact that a lot of times in a Godzilla movie the special effects seem rushed. But here, thankfully, you can see that a decent amount of effort got put into this movie. This is a decent addition to the series and I do recommend it.

Godzilla hails!!!

[Ozzdan85 · 24 November 2004]

Being Toho's most mature kaiju film, "Godzilla vs. Biollante" placed Godzilla in the age of bio-terrorism. Your cliché 80's folks are seen here...the shy teen girl, the military hero, the villain with sunglasses and leather gloves, etc. What many fans don't like about this movie is the adult-oriented nature of it, considering that Godzilla films were seen as kiddie fun at this point. Personally, I would say this is the best of the series since "King Kong vs. Godzilla" (1962). The Godzilla design remains the best and most realistic to date, and the final form of Biollante is such an awesome sight, one of the most impressive screen monsters in film. Overall, "Godzilla vs. Biollante" stands out from the rest of the series, and has a poetic touch to it...something I've never seen in a monster movie. This film is much appreciated by me.

I wish Kazuki Oomori made more Godzilla movies

[ebiros2 · 6/10 · 14 October 2005]

I like all Godzilla movies that director Kazuki Oomori have had some hands in creating. The plot is tighter, more interesting and casting is better. Out of the two he's directed (the other is '92 Godzilla vs King Gidorah) himself I think this is my favorite. The tone of the movie is somewhat darker than the other Godzilla movies, and approaches the quality seen in the Gamera series.

There's more original story plots in this movie and Godzilla vs King Gidorah than all of the '60s and '70s Godzilla movies combined. As a fan of Godzilla movies, I wish they explored more story plots as it was done by Oomori.

I'm also a fan of Yasuko Sawaguchi so this movie had three things going right for me.

an experimental film and much too overlooked

[y-02311 · 6/10 · 17 February 2020]

Godzilla vs Biollante is too overlooked, go watch it now, its experimental and it does a much better job with experimental stuff than Godzilla vs Hedorah ever did just go watch this movie, it feels more like a spy film but thats fine

In My Opinion, a disappointing entry, but it's not the worst

[patrickkeastead · 6/10 · 7 April 2015]

It's hard to find a sequel that could possibly top the masterpiece that was Godzilla 85. I was so excited to see this movie, I had never found a copy of f it, and when I did in Bluray, you could see my excitement. It's not bad, it has the same basis as any other Godzilla film, a villain minster that gets most of the attention, a few minutes of Godzilla and great monster fights that are interrupted by humans. It's the same, but yet it works most of the time because is different. Believe me this one is very different, but for some reason, the whole movie could've worked better if Godzilla wasn't in it. Biolante is that interesting of a minster she didn't need Godzilla to be a good monster. The final fight is of course the highlight of the film, but it's the only time we truly get to see Biolante. The first time she is just a rose. Some would argue that Destroyah has the same thing, revealing his true film in the last film, but unlike Biolante, Destroyah was monster that constantly evolved, and he got cooler every time. The first time we see Biolante, she's a giant rose.

All in all, it's been regarded as the best godzilla film, I enjoy the final fight, it's not the worst Godzilla movie, but in my opinion it's defiantly not one of the best

Best film in the second series

[dee.reid · 10/10 · 10 August 2001]

Gojira vs. Biorante (or Godzilla vs. Biollante as it's know here in the USA) opens up right where Godzilla 1985 left off. A group of scientists searching through the rubble that was once Tokyo make an interesting discovery: Godzilla Cells. These "Godzilla Cells" are actually palm-sized flakes of Godzilla's skin that were either scratched or blown off. Now many different groups of people are fighting to get these cells and one group in particular called Bio Major, which is an American terrorist organization, will stop at nothing to get these cells, even if they have to release Godzilla from his volcanic prison. On a lighter note, a prominent Japanese scientist who lost his only daughter in a terrorist bombing, combines the Godzilla Cells with the cells of a rose plant. Once these cells are joined together, they form a monstrous rose that the scientist names Biollante. Now Godzilla gets loose and pretty soon you can guess that Godzilla and Biollante are going to go at it.

This is in fact my favorite Godzilla movie in the second generation of Godzilla films. It has a real dark tone and a really haunting score. It should also be pointed out that the film is probably the most violent in the second generation of Godzilla films. I say this because there are several bloody shoot-outs, Godzilla gets stabbed in his side by one Biollante's tendrils, a man is strangled to death, and a man is disintegrated by electricity.

Finally, has anyone noticed that the Godzilla costume in this movie is different than the one in Godzilla 1985? I think that is because the costume in G-1985 was stolen and was rumored to be worth over $100,000.

Anyway, Godzilla vs. Biollante gets a 10/10.

A dark and melancholy movie thanks to the score.

[Horror Fan · 6/10 · 14 February 1999]

Godzilla comes out of a volcano and begins his usual rein of terror once again. But standing in his way this time is Biollante, a big vegetable monster that was created by a scientist's genecic engineering. The creature starts out as a huge rosebush then it mutates into a vicious venus flytrap monster. This is a dark and poetic with lots of creepy images and with a creepy score. The special effects are wild but really lacks a score by Ifukube, if it had that it would be perfect.

A shallow dull letdown

[LaLlama · 3/10 · 11 February 2013]

There are somethings you watch as a child that can bring in new insights and perceptions on viewing as an older teen or an adult, and then there are some things which just don't add up or present itself that well as before. Biollante is among the latter. I had such fond memories of it as a big monster-loving kid, and heard almost instant praise from others of my same ilk. The day soon came when FINALLY the kaiju gods answered my prayers and released this film in the US on blu-ray and DVD. I bought it on blu-ray, making it my first blu-ray purchase. I giggly skipped to my room to place this bad boy on my PS3, feeling ten years old again! Oh goody goody!!! Sat down, and began to let the fond memories come rolling back to my conscience. About ten minutes in... am I still ten years old inside?? Just as soon as the line "kiss you guys" echoes from the my sound projector, I knew this was NOT a trip down memory lane, rather a stinging sharp bite in the rear from realization and reality.

What happened? All that wonder and mysticism this film used to give me is gone. Gone are the days where monster fights and nice music are sadly not going to cut it anymore. Now lets break down the reasons this film is a big mess....

The plot - So basically, the film picks up exactly where Return of Godzilla left off. Some factions want to posses Godzilla's cells. One is an American company called Bio-Major, another is some fictional Middle Eastern country called Saradia. Shiragami is a scientist mourning for the loss of his daughter while they were in said country. While the military builds Super X. And there is a psychic girl too. Yes, it sounds like nonsense, cause it is! It seems Toho couldn't decide what kind of plot to go with in this film. An internal drama? A spy film? A military film? A MONSTER film? "I know!!!"; Toho exclaims "Why don't we just forcefully squeeze all four into one without any kind of intelligence or coherency!! Who needs character development!? Lots of explosions and flashy effects will be all the suspense we need!!"

The writing - This film just teases you by presenting in something that COULD be of interest and a nice break from the dull blandness that this sad picture is, but oops!! Not this time, its back to drivel again!! Characters that could potentially be interesting and serve the story better, are shoved aside in favor for the generic and boring military personals, who only just seem to be there to spout techno and political babble. I could forgive this film more if they had some actual DEVELOPMENT and were treated like actual characters!! Not just plot forwarding machines. Because of a lack of sensible directing, whatever happens in this movie, is simply just an event that happened. For no other purpose then to just keep the movie going. This film does not allow you the time to take in or appreciate the atmosphere surrounding the "characters". No feelings of accomplishment, no reason to give hope, just nothing at all to care for. No consistency whatsover. Just poorly done subplot after poorly done subplot.

The acting - Perhaps the only difference the audience would tell between these "actors" and cardboard boxes with simply drawn facial expressions, would that emotions would be conveyed better with the latter. I know this is a Godzilla film, but they expect us to believe that a reaction to Godzilla approaching would to to simply say " Godzilla is coming", check your watch and calmly walk away? Even Megalon was more believable!! Where these human beings they casted into this movie, and not malfunctioning robots? Not even planks could make a performance this wooden!

The special effects - Maybe finally I can say something complementary this decaying draggy bore fest. Of course, this being a Godzilla flick, I don't expect top notch Hollywood style effects, but for 80's Japanese tokusatsu fare, its pretty neat. This might be the only thing improved form the previous "Return of Godzilla" (I haven't seen it for a while, I might reconsider). Godzilla looks great, and so does Biollante, especially her final form, with her vines, numerous sharp teeth, and the ooze that foams from her jaw that gives quite the impression of a savage beast. Model cities seem to be well crafted and designed. At least SOMETHING was given an effort in this movie.

The score - Another positive for this movie. The film uses a nice blend of classic Ifukube and a new selection of melodies from the famed composer of the Dragon Quest game series Koichi Sugiyama. I just love the style he brings to this film, more majestic compared to early soundtracks in the series, also conveying horror, mysticism, herosim, and romance. Its too bad such music had to wasted on this soggy mess of cinema. Its like writing a beautiful song or poem about a dried up turd.

Overall, Godzilla vs Biollante was a film I REEEEAAALLLLLY wanted to like. Like it as much as I did as naive, stupid, no-nothing child. But I just can't let nostalgia cloud my judgment. It had the potential to be one of the finest entries in the series, but in spite of how good the art direction, the effects (for Godzilla anyway), and the soundtrack might have been. it just can't completely save this film from bad directing, a muggy script, bland "characters" (who are less characters, but more like situation-explaining exposition machines), and just overall, greed, rushness, and, a complete lack of passion. Someone at Toho NEEDS to get fired.

Hard to Find Yet Astounding A+

[gigan-92 · 9/10 · 12 June 2010]

This has got to be one of the hardest G-films to acquire. Neither Sony or Classic Media have released on DVD, among the few that haven't been that fortunate. However, a real fan would know those Heisei double-features Sony Tristar have are crappy editions at best. This DV-R copy of the actual Toho DVD is spectacular. It's in 5.1 audio, re-mastered and is in the original Japanese language. Not only that, but it comes packed with bonus material, though they aren't subtitled. The only way to purchase this, and other unreleased films (like the original uncut versions of "Godzilla 1985", "King Kong vs. Godzilla", and "Godzilla vs. Megalon") is to buy them online. Trust me though it's definitely worth it.

"Godzilla vs. Biollante" is a close contender for my second favorite Heisei G-film, even surpassing "Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla" (1993). Numer one will always go to "Godzilla vs. Destroyah". How shall I begin? Well I'd like to amend Kazuki Omori for his directing and marvelous screenplay. He may not be the original author of the story, but he made it what it is. Entwined with the usual sudo science, there is also a great espionage aspect to it all. Some say the characters are stale, but this is only a fool's utterance. There doesn't need to be American-style over done acting here just to make it work, as some suggest all Godzilla films need. No, in fact it is this dark atmosphere that makes this G-film undoubtedly one of the best. The relationship of Shirigami ( Koji Takahashi) is the most beautiful and twisted character in the whole movie. I can not refer to him without bringing up his daughter/creation: Biollante. The human aspect to it that some may not get is that Shirigami obviously injected some of his deceased daughter's blood or simply a few cells into those roses. Inorder to 'perserve' her, essentially to preserve her soul. When that earthquake hit, he felt she was in danger of finally dieing all together, and so he rushed to save her via the G-cells. I've read so many ignorant reviews stating that this film's story is "convuluted". No, it just needs a little reading in-between the lines is all.

Of all the monsters I have ever seen in these films, Biollante has the most original origin. It's not a simple mishap with some chemicals or dimensions ( i.e. SpaceGodzilla...), but within that aggregation of Godzilla and a delicate rose is the soul of a man's long dead daughter. Killed by the heat of radical politicians and over ambitious scientist. The real antagonist portrayed in this film; when science runs amok and the government is only eager to exploit it even further, there is often hell to pay. Kazuki Omori has a talent for creating intricate stories, and it is in this film that talent is brought out to the fullest.

Indeed Biollante is an incredible monster, in both forms. Erica's soul is allowed to have a sad and mysterious theme to it, compounded by the creature's tragic echoing wail across the lake. A mixture of beauty that is fragile, and yet in the final form is transformed into behemoth ferocity that has incredible power. Shirigami wanted to make Erica's soul immortal, and believes that he somewhat failed. But in reality, his mission succeeded. Another delight is the composer Kôichi Sugiyama. And yet as good as his score is, he knows the true Godzilla master is Akira Ifukube. To this I'm sure any fan is grateful.

Godzilla looks bad-ass, a lot like the suit seen in 1964's "Mothra vs. Godzilla". It has the same dark eyes, that mammal-like muzzle and thin look to it. The dark tone is still prevalent from the last film, much to my liking. The SFX in the movie are top notch, and even has a horror element to it at times. The actors are excellent as well, and viewers won't fell disconnected with them. In fact, they're heavily involved far more than some other heisei films. Or thankfully not to ridiculous and annoying levels like in "Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla". Miki Sasegusa's first appearance, and I love her portrayal of a woman's who's estranged relationship with monsters, specifically Godzilla is only beginning.

As exciting as all that is, the highlight of this film is inarguably that finale battle between Godzilla and Biollante. Mazaaki Tezuka, director of "Tokyo S.O.S.", should've been paying close attention here. The fight is brutal and bloody, and we actually see Godzilla pierced through!! (!!!)!! Who knew a plant could put up such a fight? A small joke but a terrific fight that ranks among the best. Koichi Kawakita is definitely proving his worth here. The film ends on a somber note, as Shirigami finally is layed to rest, and Erica's soul is at peace.

"How long have we have been living in such an age? Maybe it started when man first stepped out of the Garden of the Eden, and left his innocence behind. Man would do well to remember this day, forever."

Godzilla vs. Biollante 1989 Review

[chandean-69762 · 7/10 · 28 April 2021]

"Godzilla and Biollante aren't monsters. It's the unscrupulous scientists who create them that are monsters." The highlight of this film for me is the destruction sequences and the practical effects which were absolutely stunning and by far the best we've gotten thus far. Biollante itself absolutely blew me away.

Biollante is also one of Godzillas most intriguing and unique foes, Godzilla vs. Biollante brings such a fresh taste to the franchise that was desperately needed after what I thought was a lackluster beginning to the Heisei era with Godzilla 1985. Biollantes origins are also super interesting and whimsical but isn't too absurd to take me out of the film.

We also get some great human characters in this too. Miki Saegusa is by far the most interesting character in the Godzilla franchise and i'm excited to see her character grow in future films. Along with Miki we also get Shu Kuroki who is very charismatic and livens up the screen.

With all that being said, it wouldn't be a Godzilla film without at least one nonsensical side-plot, and we do get that in this film, but it's very small and doesn't weigh the film down too much like it has in previous entries.

I do think the major fault this movie has is definitely its editing, at points it feels all over the place and can be a tad jarring.

Overall Godzilla vs. Biollante is definitely one of the better Godzilla films with a great story for both Godzilla and the humans along with some amazing practical effects and good memorable characters.

big beaver 80-ish salad bowl monster movie

[r-c-s · 5/10 · 15 November 2005]

this is i guess the first Godzilla movie when it looks like a giant beaver (look at its face), rather than a lizard. Disappointing to say the least. The photography is a clone of the most average 80-ish C movies, say those ninjia hotdog or Rambo spoof movies. The plot is waaay too thick. An undisclosed arab country hires a "misguided but well meaning scientist" who plans to create ever growing weeds. He ends up pairing vegetable with his deceased daughter's and godzilla's cells to create a mutant, giant vegetable (biollante). In the meantime secret agents come & go & there is a subplot about bacteria, which could neutralize nuclear reactions, hence Godzilla. This is a yo-yo subplot, coming & going at times. In the end a very disappointing, average, 80-ish C movie. Special effects are decent (in its genre) but remind 80's shows such as knight rider, whiz kids etc. There is even a young Japanese soldier "bada$$" wearing a "topgun" style leather jacket, even if he doesn't leave a computer room; and X2, a remotely controlled weapon able to shot missiles & reflect G's radiations. The score is at times hilarious, goofy, triumphant or just sounds stitched together.

A Rather Boring Talk-a-thon

[Michael_Elliott · 20 September 2017]

Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)

** (out of 4)

After the huge success of THE RETURN OF GODZILLA, Toho waited a while before another film in the series hit the big screen. In this movie, Godzilla rises from out of the volcano and sure enough he heads towards Japan. The people there brace themselves for more destruction but then Biollante makes his stand.

I'm not really sure what Toho was thinking but this movie clocks in at 104-minutes and I'm going to take a guess that Godzilla might appear in thirty-minutes of that. This film didn't do very well at the box office and the company blamed the fact that Godzilla was fighting someone new. I really don't think that was the reason this turkey failed at the box office. To me this here is one of the most boring films in the series as there's nothing but non-stop talk, talk, talk.

I'm all for some great dialogue and a terrific story but we get neither of those here. We get endless scenes of people talking and the only thing we're wanting is to see Godzilla break stuff. He finally appears at around the forty-minute mark with awful looking fire sparklers going off behind him. The actual battle scenes between him and Biollante were actually good and especially the various green goo that comes out of Biollante. The special effects are actually above average for a Godzilla film and the destruction of the city was good. The ending was a letdown but it's too bad this thing ended up so boring.

Thought-provoking and entertaining

[Jithindurden · 7/10 · 6 December 2023]

Espionage, bioweapons, psychics, a scientist resurrecting his daughter as a plant monster using Godzilla's cells, this movie is crazy with its ideas. There's a lot in this that made this very worth watching. But at the same time, it also felt like very choppy editing and continuous misplacing of music kind of negates the impact a lot of it could have had. There were a few things that felt too dumb but despite all those issues, the film does manage to be thought-provoking and entertaining. At the end of it, even though it is more mature and serious in tone, it's still only as good as the better Showa-era sequels rather than its direct prequels.

Burning Roses and Psychic Predictions

[visualsbyalan · 6/10 · 17 March 2024]

Godzilla vs. Biollante is a decent entry in the Godzilla franchise, particularly within the Heisei era. Surprisingly, for a sequel, it delves into the aftermath of a giant monster attack, exploring how the world grapples with Godzilla's existence. International corporations scramble for Godzilla cells, hoping to harness their power for their own gain. A fictional Middle Eastern nation, Saradia, seeks to weaponize these cells to create vegetation in their desert, while the American company Bio-Major resorts to terrorism to acquire them for a project to neutralize nuclear threats. Somehow, a giant rose monster emerges from all of this, only to be incinerated by Godzilla's atomic breath.

The plot is refreshingly complex, but the characters are forgettable. Their scenes feel disjointed, offering little backstory or development. Even the scientist who creates Biollante faces no consequences for his actions. The storytelling feels like watching an episode of a monster-of-the-week television show, where character arcs are secondary to the action. This episodic quality creates a strange listlessness, where characters change their minds on a whim and arguments have no weight. It's as if the narrative forgets about itself at times, with characters seemingly unaware of the giant monster battle happening nearby.

Despite its flaws, Godzilla vs. Biollante boasts some impressive visuals. The miniature effects, showcasing Godzilla amidst real-world locations, are well-done considering the film's reduced budget compared to its predecessor. The setting for the first Godzilla-Biollante fight is particularly striking, resembling an arena shrouded in fog with spotlights reaching towards the sky. There's a strange beauty to Godzilla movies, evident in the scene where Biollante explodes into glowing spores drifting towards the heavens.

It's almost a miracle these films work at all, considering their rapid production schedules and studio interference. Biollante even features a somewhat self-aware portrayal of humanity's anti-Godzilla strategies. The JSDF attempts to predict Godzilla's movements with the help of psychics and even hatches a plan to lure him into a zone rigged with lightning attacks. The military's monitoring of Godzilla's advance on transparent maps feels almost reminiscent of Evangelion. There's also a team of soldiers tasked with deploying bacteria engineered from Godzilla cells to consume radioactive material. One scene has a soldier firing a bio-warfare RPG from a destroyed office window - a bizarre but oddly captivating moment that injects the fantastic into the mundane. However, this soldier then inexplicably fails to escape the collapsing building, leaving his demise confusing and unearned.

Godzilla vs. Biollante is a film brimming with ideas - psychics, genetic engineering, corporate espionage - that never quite coalesce into a cohesive whole. The titular battle feels disconnected from the narrative, ultimately failing to deliver on the film's intended metaphor. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, however, as the original Godzilla metaphor itself is somewhat generic. Biollante offers a unique addition to the Godzilla bestiary - a monstrous rose, a mockery of its enemy with its otherworldly crocodile jaws. The film excels in depicting the chaos of a city preparing for a Godzilla attack, with construction vehicles working alongside tanks and soldiers. There's a sense of purpose in their actions, unlike the static defenses of previous films. Biollante is an improvement over its predecessor, but stumbles in its lack of a focused narrative. That being said, it's a film with Godzilla fighting a giant bio-engineered rose, and that's reason enough for most monster movie fans to enjoy it.

6.175/10.

An excellent movie, one of my favorite Godzilla movies

[ciarandino · 10/10 · 30 November 2012]

I am a big fan of this movie. The Godzilla fan base is fairly divided on this film, but personally, I love it. It has wonderful cinematography, acting, themes, music, special effects, characters and all around brilliant.

The characters are likable and well written, they are believable. The music, while you cannot compare it to the work of Akira Ifukube, is still excellent and goes very well with this film. It is very well shot, with many wonderful scenes with a great atmosphere. The special effects are done, as per usual in this series, with great skill and talent. Suitmation is very underrated and all too often the subject of disdain. This film shows just how excellent suitmation can be, as well as all the other practical effects, which come together to create a believable and stunning world.

The themes were well handled, not forced violently down your throat as they were in the 1992 version of Godzilla vs Mothra (which is still a good movie, but the environmental message gets to be rather preachy and forceful at times).

The buildup to Godzilla's arrival is excellent, and when he does show up, it is a spectacular sight seeing him rise out of a volcano (however, going back to the 92 Godzilla vs Mothra film, I think the very similar scene from that film does it much better). The film contains two excellent monster battles, in which Godzilla goes up against the very creative monster Biollante, a combination of rose, human and Godzilla DNA. It's an artful movie, and shows that Godzilla movies are not just cheesy crap like most people seem to think they are (I personally think most of the films are good).

The most striking and surreal of all Big G films

[angelynx · 5/10 · 26 February 1999]

I agree with Guilala, this is unusually dark and mystical for a Godzilla film, and an Ifukube score would have suited it perfectly. I'm not too impressed with Biollante's later metamorphosis, but its original form - a giant, mutant rose - makes it the most unique adversary in any Godzilla film (IMHO). Its first appearance, towering out of a still lake at night, is a tremendously strange and beautiful image. The mystical tone is served by the idea (if I understand it correctly) that Biollante in some way both draws strength from, and imprisons, the spirit of its creator's dead daughter - and can only be defeated when her soul is set free. Despite the fine Godzilla design for this film (the head is especially nice), Biollante and its/her creator are the core of the story and make it a real standout.

One of Toho's Best Godzilla Movies

[FilmExpertWannabe · 8/10 · 24 April 2011]

Despite its less than stellar performance at the box office in Japan, I actually think this is one of the better Godzilla films in the entire 29 (as it stands currently) movie series. For one thing, the plot is a lot more interesting and topical than the traditional beings from outer space or what have you. The character development isn't note worthy, which admittedly is one of the weaknesses of Godzilla films. Special effects work was quite good, on the other hand.

Biollante herself is a wonder all her own, and she just might be the most original creation that is featured in a Godzilla movie. Her second/final form is amazing looking, although something other than a giant rose would've be preferred for the initial form. Her final form continues to hold the record for largest Toho monster. As a bit of an aside, it's a darn shame that Toho perceived Biollante's box office performance to indicate that audiences wanted to see almost exclusively Showa series monsters that Godzilla has already fought (multiple times in some cases).

Downsides? Well, there is arguably too much going on for the humans. The new young military general heading the Super X II and greater anti-G mission seemed to be unnecessary for this film. It's just something that could've been trimmed being that it didn't add to the film in my opinion. Conversely, I wish they'd have explained a bit more regarding the agent following the agents following the G cells (did you catch that?). It isn't confusing in the film, but it could've been finished/explored a little better.

Garnering an 8/10 from me, this is one of highest ratings I give any Godzilla film. A must see for anyone interested in giant monster movies, not just Godzilla. Perhaps that's the real message I'd like to convey. It's actually a good giant monster film, with no need to follow it up with something like "for a Godzilla movie". The real downside with this movie has nothing to do with the movie itself. You will only find official VHS copies if you're a region one consumer (American or Canadian). That's a real bummer in a world that upgraded to DVDs years ago. I still have my VHS copy (in widescreen!), but I'd really like them to offer region one DVDs and Blu-Rays.

slower and more confusing than most

[winner55 · 5/10 · 12 October 2006]

I actually like the Godzilla scenes in this movie, they seem to deepen and complicate his personality (if this is the right description for it); more than any other Godzilla film, we get the sense here that Godzilla is literally 'beyond good and evil' as a force of nature, and that when he saves human beings rather than stepping on them, it's to save the earth and its environment, not really about the humans at all.

But while this notion is adequately implicated in the dialog, there's actually too much dialog, and not enough Godzilla. the first half of the film is way too slow; and on top of that, although the story enjoys adequate continuity, the plot elements are too many, and too difficult to relate to one another, leaving viewers a bit confused until the Big Green guy shows up.

Expectations were high for this movie before its release, but it's just a so-so entry for this series.

Gojira vs. Biorante (1989)

[SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain · 8/10 · 13 December 2011]

Another great entry into the rebooted franchise. It picks up where the last Godzilla films left of. However, it soon turns into an espionage thriller, Americans and, most dangerously of all, middle eastern folk, try and steal a Godzilla fragment to experiment with. It leads to the creation of a giant plant. Nothing too dangerous you might think, but as it mutates, the design is really quite breathtaking. This film once again takes it up a notch. It feels so genuine in its portrayal of the events, and even manages to convince the audience that this is all very real. As always, the score is truly dominant. It flows throughout the film bringing both dread and excitement. I loved how they gradually introduce the more "out there" ideas. This time, it's telekinesis with flowers. Like the classics, it is a story of man and nature, and how fooling around could lead to absolute destruction by giant monsters. There were also a number of humane touches and some maturity lacking from earlier attempts. When asked if he will go to America a young man says that he wont, as every country has bad things about it. For once, the foreign devils aren't to blame. Just humanity as a whole.

in the Name of the Rose

[dr_foreman · 23 March 2004]

I once read that, in Japan, the rose is considered the symbol of Western culture. Anyone want to read more deeply into Godzilla's pitched battle with a giant rose...?

Such a ludicrous concept (symbolic resonances notwithstanding) could have made for a ludicrous movie, but I recall that "Godzilla vs. Biollante" is one of Toho's better efforts. I'm operating from my famously bad memory here - it's been a few years - but I think this one holds up to the test of time. The American characters are a bit crass and the spy elements are silly, but the effects are quite good (the reincarnation of Biollante is AWESOME) and the crazy plot entertains with its constant twists and turns. Godzilla's costume design is stylish and fearsome, and many of the action scenes - including a tussle with the navy - are exciting, even if they aren't necessarily convincing.

The music score is a little weak, and the heroes are not the most riveting bunch, but overall this is a strong entry in Godzilla's venerable series.

Despite the plethora of plot ingredients, this Godzilla outing is a bit dull

[Leofwine_draca · 5/10 · 21 June 2013]

There's rubbery mayhem a-plenty in this 1989 addition to the Godzilla series, which casts a newly-reborn Godzilla as the menace and the genetically-engineered super-plant, Biollante, as the heroine of sorts. It's an episodic film whose plot meanders all over the place, drawing together the usual army-vs-massive-monster action, mucho destruction, lots of cool special effects and a sub-plot involving bio-engineering, loss and evil foreign agents.

Despite the overload of plot, GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE fails to be one of my series favourites, purely because it feels dragged out to a degree. There's never quite as much destructive mayhem as you hope to see, and some of the sub-plots involving the human characters are pretty dull. The whole making-up of a Middle Eastern country to supply some human menace is nothing more than a piece of xenophobic propaganda. Not that I have a problem with that, but the action is pretty dull as it stands.

Thankfully, the good news is that Godzilla himself is at his vindictive best, stomping all over Osaka in his bid to destroy mankind. However, Biollante is a rather unwieldy menace and it must have been tough to animate this giant, tentacled plant, so there's a slight lack of monster action limited to just a couple of titanic showdowns. Despite the progression in FX technology I just didn't enjoy this movie as much as the brighter, more colourful '60s Godzilla flicks.

One of the best of Godzilla

[DarthBill · 10/10 · 13 April 2004]

Picking up where "Godzilla 1984/85" left off, Godzilla's skin samples are a hot commodity that everyone is after in the name of science. One scientist, who tried to make a super plant source with his daughter as a way to solve world hunger or something, loses his daughter when terrorists attack his lab and later gets a chance to get her back by mixing those Godzilla cells with plants. This leads to a giant plant monster named Biollante that has the daughter of his dead spirit possessing it. Terrorists also after the cells eventually blow up the volcano Godzilla was trapped in and all hell breaks loose when Godzilla comes to town, battles Biollante in two different forms, and is almost killed by a lethal poison.

Plots and characters are about the same as usual (that includes the dubbing) but production value wise, this was a high quality film. Godzilla has never looked more real and life like in any of his other films than he does here. Biollante also proves to be a very nasty monster, initially a giant rose and later a giant crocodile with tentacles. Lots of violence and cool special effects follow suite, along with good music to boot. And of course, the age old moral that mankind shouldn't be screwing around with the order of things when Mother Nature set certain things up a certain way for a reason.

"Godzilla and Biollante aren't monsters. It's the unscrupulous scientists who create them that are monsters".