As a kid, the kaiju monster Godzilla was always my all-time favorite. The cool thing about the latest film ‘Godzilla Minus One’ is that it is a throwback to its glory days. Thanks to writer/director Takashi Yamazaki for going back to the monster’s roots. The film is set in Japan during the post-World War II era. It returns to the themes of the original 1954 production about the dangers of nuclear power. Not only are the monster scenes incredibly entertaining but Yamazaki added a compelling human narrative that gives the story an emotional resonance. Godzilla is back and better than ever!
Set in the aftermath of World War II, it follows Koichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), a disgraced kamikaze pilot. This poor guy not only failed to give his life during the war but also to a group of comrades on a small island when they encounter Godzilla for the first time. It’s an impressive scene. Godzilla looks amazing. He has a pudgy body and the reptilian face with menacing eyes. This is a mean Godzilla. He takes no mercy on his victims. When Koichi returns to Tokyo, he meets Noriko Oishi (Minami Hamabe) and an orphaned baby. Their blossoming love story is what sets Minus One apart from the other Godzilla movies.
There are so many exciting scenes in ‘Godzilla Minus One.’ Some of my favorites happen on the ocean. There is a scene where he is chasing a tugboat that is reminiscent of Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws.’ It’s funny as Godzilla chases after the boat with his gigantic head and piercing eyes locked onto his prey. When the battleships take aim at Godzilla, I pity the fools. His tail begins to light up a brilliant Cobalt blue and then he breathes out an atomic blast that destroys everything in its path. These action sequences have just the right tension.
The message is clear in ‘Godzilla Minus One.’ After the war, it is a time for self-reflection. The story shows soldiers still devastated with the aftermath of World War II, asked to return to service to stop Godzilla. The military commander pleas to the veterans to stand up and fight. He implores the government won’t help them. It’s a way for the citizens to forget about the past and look to a brighter future. Once again, it gives the characters a charisma lacking in most monster movies.
American studios, please stay away from making Godzilla movies. Nobody and I mean nobody knows how to make a Godzilla movie like the Japanese do. Hands down, this is the best Godzilla film ever made. Everything fires perfectly on all cylinders from the script, the pacing, and the special effects. Thank you, Toho Studios for making Godzilla great again!
