Godzilla vs. Hedorah

Godzilla vs. Hedorah

Year: 1971

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Yoshimitsu Banno

ActionScience FictionHorrorMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseSci-fi monster and dinosaur adventures

A massive alien creature known as Hedorah, the Smog Monster, crashes to Earth on a comet from the Dark Gaseous Nebula. The ever‑evolving life‑form feeds on pollution, exhaling clouds of sulfuric acid and corrosive sludge. As the toxic menace spreads, both humanity and Godzilla must confront an enemy that threatens to overwhelm them.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Godzilla vs. Hedorah yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Set in a contemporary, industrial Japan, the narrative combines environmental anxieties with a kaiju invasion. The era features rapid industrial growth, public concern over pollution, and a national mobilization of resources to confront a toxic alien threat. This backdrop amplifies the sense of urgency and resilience as society fights for survival.

Location

Japan, Mount Fuji, Pacific Ocean, Oil Tanker, Power Station

The story unfolds across Japan's polluted coastal regions and industrial heartlands, moving toward the Mount Fuji area for a climactic confrontation. Key locations include the sea where Hedorah first arrives, an oil tanker, and a power plant that becomes central to the plan to defeat the creature. The landscapes underscore the clash between rampant pollution and a nation braced for an extraordinary battle between monsters.

🌊 Ocean 🏭 Industry 🗻 Mount Fuji

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:45

Main Characters – Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

Meet the key characters of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Godzilla

A towering, ancient protector who battles Hedorah across land and sea. He endures corrosive attacks, loses an eye, and finally uses his atomic breath and relentless pursuit to drive the alien back and toward dehydration. His presence embodies resilience and the willingness to stand against existential threats.

🗺️ Monster 🛡️ Protector

Hedorah

An amorphous extraterrestrial from the Horsehead Nebula that feeds on pollution, mutating into amphibious and flying forms. Its toxic body corrodes anything it touches, causing mass casualties and environmental devastation as it grows stronger after each encounter.

👾 Alien ☣️ Polluter

Dr. Toru Yano

A physician-scientist whose work with his wife Toshie drives the investigation into Hedorah. He helps identify the monster's vulnerability and champions the plan to dry out Hedorah's body using high-energy electrodes.

🧪 Scientist 🧭 Innovator

Toshie Yano

Wife of Dr. Yano and a supportive figure in the scientific response. She shares the emotional burden of the crisis and stands with her husband as they work toward a solution to stop the alien threat.

👩 Scientist 🤝 Partner

Ken Yano

Dr. Yano's son who observes the danger and holds onto a hopeful belief that Godzilla will come to mankind's aid. His faith provides a human-centered lens on the broader crisis and the possible salvation from the monster.

👦 Child 🌀 Visionary

Miki Fujiyama

A partygoer at Mount Fuji and a representative of ordinary citizens facing the catastrophe. Her perspective reflects the human stakes in the confrontation between Godzilla and Hedorah.

👩 Woman 🌅 Hope

Yukio Keuchi

A fisherman who witnesses the escalating pollution and the chaos it spawns as Hedorah moves through Japan’s waters to feed and grow.

👨 Fisherman 🌊 Ocean

Correspondent

A reporter who covers the unfolding battle and captures the societal impact of the crisis, contributing to the public's understanding of the events.

🗣️ Reporter 🗞️ Media

JSDF Officer

A member of the Self-Defense Forces who participates in the defense against Hedorah and the execution of the plan to dehydrate the creature.

🪖 Military 🧯 Crisis

Announcer B

A news announcer who helps relay updates to the public, contributing to the sense of urgency and shared experience during the crisis.

🎙️ Media 🗞️ News

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:45

Major Themes – Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971)

Explore the central themes of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌍 Pollution

Hedorah feeds on Earth's pollutants, making environmental damage the central catalyst of the conflict. The monster's lifecycle mirrors the spread of toxic waste through land, air, and water. The film uses this alien threat to critique unchecked industrial growth and its consequences for humanity.

⚗️ Science & Tech

Humans respond with technology, deploying electrodes and other resources to hinder Hedorah. The plan hinges on drying out the creature's body to destroy it, testing the limits of science against a supernaturally durable foe. As Hedorah evolves through forms, the reliance on innovation and coordination between scientists and the military remains a recurring theme.

🛡️ Heroism

Ken and others cling to hope that Godzilla will save humanity from annihilation. The narrative emphasizes resilience, sacrifice, and collective effort—public fear giving way to determined action. The climactic battle reinforces the idea that courage and persistence can prevail against overwhelming odds.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:45

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Godzilla vs. Hedorah

Don't stop at just watching — explore Godzilla vs. Hedorah in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Godzilla vs. Hedorah is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Godzilla vs. Hedorah, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah Summary

Godzilla vs. Hedorah Timeline

Track the full timeline of Godzilla vs. Hedorah with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah Timeline

More About Godzilla vs. Hedorah

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Godzilla vs. Hedorah: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Godzilla vs. Hedorah