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Poster for Rodan

Rodan

Seen it?

1956 | 72 min | Horror, Science Fiction

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for horror fans and sci-fi fans. If you loved Frankenstein, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Scary.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 12 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1956: an older pace and style.

Mining engineer Shigeru investigates the disappearance and death of his fellow coworkers when prehistoric nymphs are discovered emerging from the mines. After an attack on the local village, Shigeru heads deeper into the mines only to make a more horrifying discovery in the form a prehistoric flying creature. Soon a second monster appears as the two converge in Fukuoka.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    75% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 42K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ishirō Honda

  • Kenji SaharaShigeru Kawamura
  • Yumi ShirakawaKiyo
  • Akihiko HirataProfessor Kyuichiro Kashiwagi
  • Minosuke YamadaMining Chief Osaki
  • Yoshibumi TajimaIzeki
  • Akio KoboriPolice Chief Nishimura
  • Mitsuo TsudaStaff Officer Takeuchi
  • Ren ImaizumiSunagawa
  • Jun'ichirō MukaiMilitary officer
  • Rinsaku OgataGoro