bkoganbing When Godzilla with its American scenes with Raymond Burr made it to the USA it started a run of Japanese science fiction that lasted well over a decade. When I was a lad I well remember the TV commercials for this film and how I just had to go see it.60 years later The Mysterians holds up rather well. A group of aliens arrive and demand a small tract of land for use. We have to grant it because these folks are way technologically superior to us earthlings. But when a big robot starts doing to Japan what live monsters usually do it's time to resist. What I remember best from this was the rather quick end the USA and the USSR terminate the Cold War to fight these aliens. They also start researching and move quickly up the scale in weaponry.They are a mysterious group these Mysterians. We never do see their faces.It's always been a pet theory of mine that a lot of cultural differences will melt rather quickly if earth ever did face an alien invasion. The Mysterians is one of those few films that support that thesis.I wish they'd show this thing. Back in my younger days after its theatrical release it was constantly on local TV in New York City.

AaronCapenBanner Ishiro Honda directs this kid-friendly science fiction tale that starts off with a giant robot attacking Japan after emerging from a mountain; after it is repelled, the military and scientists learn that it was created by mysterious aliens who offer a peaceful co-existence but in reality want to occupy and invade the country - and steal their women too... Of course, they must be stopped, and are fought with every weapon at the military's disposal, and that the scientists can create. Lots of action, but is awfully silly and one-dimensional otherwise, though better enjoyed in the original Japanese language track on the DVD.

Woodyanders A rural town gets completely destroyed. The military investigates and discovers a giant bird-like robot that levels everything in its lethal path. The robot belongs to the Mysterians, an alien race who want a piece of land and human women to mate with. The military refuses to comply with the aliens' requests and declares all-out war on the Mysterians. Director Ishiro Honda, working from a compelling script by Takeshi Kimura, relates the engrossing story in a pleasingly straightforward and unpretentious manner. Moreover, Honda does a fine job of maintaining a steady pace and effectively creates a serious tone. The thrilling action set pieces and impressively prodigious sequences of mass destruction really hit the stirring spot. Akira Ifakube's robust, rousing, full-bore orchestral score, Hajime Koizuma's vibrant, expansive cinematography, and the nifty special effects are all likewise solid. The cast all contribute sound and credible performances, with especially praiseworthy work by Akihiko Hirata as diligent tragic hero Ryoichi Shiraishi and Takashi Shimura as the wise scientist Dr. Tanjiro Adachi. Essential viewing for fans of Japanese science fiction.

DrLenera Although best known for their Godzilla series, Japan's Toho Studios made many other sci fi and fantasy films. This was the first of many that would be about aliens from another world invading Earth {that idea would be later incorporated into quite a few Godzilla films}. It's dated in some respects but still pretty good fun and must have seemed quite impressive at the time of it's western release. Before that the only major film that dealt with alien invasion on a "full scale,open war" kind of level was The War Of The Worlds, and The Mysterians attempts even more, if not quite succeeding, in the way of spectacle.The first half hour is terrific, the characters are briefly introduced, strange things happen and a large bird-like robot goes on the rampage in Godzilla fashion. After this,things go downhill a little bit, too much time is taken up with meetings and the lengthy battle scenes between the aliens and the humans are a bit static and go on a little too long. Nevertherless there is a charming toy-like nature to these scenes, as various futuristic weapons are employed against the invaders.Special effects are occasionally poor {watch out for the awful superimposed explosions} but generally better than most Hollywood sci fi films of the time. Filmed in very garish colour {which particularly highlights the alien's costumes} and with a tremendous main march theme by Akira Ifikube, the Mysterians has it's dull bits, but is still worth watching for some childish fun. Toho would perfect the alien invasion idea two years later with the incredible Battle In Outer Space.