"As in the original 1954 Godzilla, there is a brilliant scientist who has the unique ability to create a new super-weapon that will supplant nuclear bombs. This then poses the moral dilemma: The new weapon will put Japan ahead of the two former superpowers and likely incite significant international tension. At the same time, the new weapon is essential to defend Japan from Godzilla. Ultimately, the scientist does implement the weapon against Godzilla, but dies, taking the dangerous secret with him. Viewed in closer detail, though, important differences between the 1954 and 1989 handling of this theme illustrate a generational change in attitude towards Japan's position in the world. While the first Godzilla series exhibited an optimism born out of Ishiro Honda's political beliefs, the new series reflected a modern, morally complex sensibility."