Attack of The Mushroom People

Attack of the Mushroom People, originally released in Japan as "Matango," is a 1963 Japanese horror science fiction film directed by Ishiro Honda. The film boasts the participation of Akira Kubo, Kumi Mizuno, Hiroshi Koizumi, who are all frequent collaborators with Toho studios which produced the film. Despite being frequently categorized as a B-movie due its title, this film offers much more in terms of social commentary and visual aesthetics, elevating it among the ranks of inventive cinema from the 60s.

The story revolves around a group of seven people who represent a cross-section of post-war Japanese society: a wealthy businessman; his beautiful and trending girlfriend; a college professor; a writer; a struggling entertainer; a yacht's skipper, and his assistant. They are aboard a yacht, indulging in pleasures and games, reflecting the hedonistic high life of the privileged class. Their pleasure cruiser is off the coast of Japan and due to an unexpected storm, they are cast away on a deserted, mysterious island. The island, as it turns out, holds quite the surprise for our protagonists, turning their leisurely trip into a fight for survival.

While the island initially seems unoccupied by anything other than lavish flora, the group soon stumbles upon evidence of human intervention. The discovery of a derelict research vessel indicates that the island was previously inhabited, and it's quite the unsettling message they stumble across. The deserted ship holds a logbook, warning about the unusual fungi found on the island. The island's giant mushrooms hold a terrifying secret, which turns the castaways' mundane fight for survival into something far more horrifying.

What follows is a series of mysterious, thrilling, and terrifying events that outlines their struggle against a frenzied struggle for survival, the terrifying transformation that awaits them, and a deeper allegory of societal decay and implications about the nuclear age paranoia that was prevalent during that time in history. The appearance of the eponymous Mushroom People provides a creepy and disquieting counterpoint to the lush and exotic jungle surroundings — a testament to the extraordinary production design which has become a characteristic feature of this film.

Ishiro Honda, best known for directing the original Godzilla (1954), along with some of its sequels and other monster movies, steers the film towards a deep, psychological exploration of the human condition. He uses the mushroom people not just for schlocky horror value, but to hold up a mirror to society, focused on the consequences of what happens when the trappings of civilization fall apart, and every man and woman has to fend for themselves. His unique blend of horror and intricate storytelling unfolds within a claustrophobic and nightmarish landscape that makes ample use of moody, atmospheric cinematography by Hajime Koizumi to create an underlying sense of doom that pervades throughout the movie.

The enthralling script, courtesy of Takeshi Kimura, keeps the audience invested and maintains the suspense throughout the narrative. Akira Kubo and Kumi Mizuno, both familiar faces from other Toho productions, excel in their performances, adeptly navigating the psychological underpinnings of their character arcs.

Prioritizing atmosphere and character development over cheap scares, Attack of the Mushroom people stands out as an unconventional member of its genre. The movie has garnered a cult following over the years, thanks to its thoughtful narrative, eerie atmosphere, and excellent performances. Although initially dismissed by some critics as a simple creature horror, the film's persistent endurance and continued analysis underscore its deeper significance far beyond the creatures that inhabit its narrative.

In the end, Attack of the Mushroom People, while having its roots in genre convention, forges an individual path, one filled with smart societal commentary, psychological insight, and stylish filmmaking. It transcends the limitations of both its era and genre to deliver a thrilling and haunting spectacle that's capable of captivating audiences even today.