Godzilla: Minus One (Review)
WARNING: Spoilers for the films opening scene below.
Godzilla fans have been eating good these past few years. Ever since Marvel started their cinematic universe in 2008 with Iron Man, cinematic universes have become more and more popular. In 2014 with the American retelling of Godzilla, we thought we were just going in for a solo stand alone film and there would be nothing more to it. Same thing with Kong: Skull Island in 2017 - we all probably went in thinking "Oh this is just another King Kong movie."
Then, the end credits of Kong: Skull Island introduced the wider world and how they are going to intertwine with each and today we have what is known as the MonsterVerse, at least within the United States. Godzilla began in the 50's in Toho and has been one of their most beloved properties since its creation. I am happy that they continue to thrive on these epic monster movies because Godzilla: Minus One, just might be the greatest Godzilla film to date.
In the film, Japan is already devastated by the events that occurred during World War II when a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant monster.
I love the plot. It's simple and intriguing. As someone who likes to learn about WWII, seeing it intertwined within a Godzilla movie and the effect it had on the people of Japan made me care for the characters that much more. The characters are very well written for the most part - there is a lot of weight on our hero, Koichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) which makes us care a lot about him when chaos rises.
Kamiki is fantastic in the role overall. He shines with emotion and dread from the effects that the war left on him and also with the fact that he was a kamikaze pilot that faked a rusty plane. When he arrives on the island of Oho, mechanics find nothing wrong - semi accusing him of abandoning his duty that he swore to his country. Then - Godzilla emerges, wiping out the entire base with the last standing Mechanic blaming Koichi for not firing his plane at the creature. Koichi then must carry this burden with him for the duration of the picture and causes isolation in relationships through most of the runtime.
Outside of Kamiki, the supporting cast is also really strong. Each of them have a purpose for being in the movie and none of the characters overstay their welcome on screen. We care about them each enough to hope that none of them fall victim when Godzilla arises.
Speaking of Godzilla, wow. Just wow. This version of Godzilla is terrifying. An angry monster walking through and destroying cities and wiping out numerous people in the process. The design of him is classic. But there is one new feature that fans are going to chew up - the way his spikes stick up more before he breathes his atomic breath - which with one blow is enough to demolish a city.
Lastly, the music. I was smiling ear to ear when the Godzilla theme started to play. I could not be happier with each of the music beats and choices. I got goosebumps the first time the classic theme began to play as Godzilla arrives in Ginza.
Takashi Tamazaki should be proud of this one. The writing and directing is superb and the look of the movie is breathtaking - perhaps the best looking Godzilla movie I have ever seen. Every choice that Tamazaki makes with this film is the right one. I hope this is not the last we see from him, which based on the reception the film has received internationally, I doubt it will be. If this is the level we are going to get - count me in for much more.
Godzilla: Minus One again, is fantastic. It's a film with powerful characters and a story that is gripping, keeping the audience engaged for the entire two hour runtime not really letting up a beat. The fact that the film was only made for $15 Million is insane and Hollywood studios need to take major notes moving forward. See this film on the biggest screen you can while it is in theaters. Very much worth the price of admission.
