GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023)

 

Written & Directed By: Takashi Yamazaki 

Based on characters created By: Ishiro Honda and Takeo Murata 

Cinematography: Kozo Shibasaki

Editor: Ryuni Miyajima

Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Sakura Ando, Munetaka Aoki, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Yuya Endo, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sae Nagatani 

Feeling as if he unfairly cheated death too many times, Shikishima, a surviving Kamikaze pilot, is attacked on Odo Island along with many war plane engineers by a gargantuan monster. After the engineers die because of Shikishima fails to distract the monster, an overwhelming amount of guilt weighs on him, especially after a homeless woman and a baby move into his home when he returns. Shikishima, now on a personal mission, teams up with a large group of veterans to finally take down the monster known as Godzilla.

I am not a huge fan or follower of Godzilla and any Kaiju series of films. 

This is by far the best and most impressive Godzilla movie though truthfully I have only really watched the American reboots and the current buddy science-fiction versions that usually pair him with King Kong. Though I have seen a few of the older Japanese ones.

The special effects are impressive and noticeably pay homage to old-school Godzilla and bring them into the present. that are effective. 

It’s enjoyable how they never really explain him just as a natural disaster. They continuously have to deal with and how in his aftermath. He is still an imminent threat. This also works as a metaphor for the character's war lives, trying to find some new kind of normal but everything is different and gone. While the world keeps seeming to move and constantly Change even if some Old Truths stay the same and offer Promise. 

It’s A Perfect Example of a lead character dealing with life, death, and guilt. Giving him a hero’s journey in full. We follow mainly through the experiences of one character and those around him. Especially during the years and aftermath of wartime. 

Like a war movie in itself, only They are again fighting a war against an unknown enemy though this time feels more worth it as more of a threat 

It’s also just a cool movie with a good story, Which is quite effective and relatable. This might have even been bigger during the pandemic. Though it wouldn’t be able to be seen properly. This is a movie that is best seen on the biggest screen possible.

This is a movie that could have been pure entertainment, but It grabs you and pulls you into the plight of the characters and tells a story resonant with rich backstories that are felt. Even if not fully explained 

Grade: A-