This review may contain spoilers
So good!
I have been watching Godzilla movies as long as I can remember. Most are enjoyable and enteretaining except the 1998 American made one. It's one of the worse movies I have ever seen.This movie has no right to be as good as it is! But it is good. Very good and a great movie to celebrate the 70th anniversay of the most well known kaiju in the world. Must be seen on the big screen.
I didn't know a Godzilla movie could pack an emotional punch the way this film did. It's a testament to the writing and acting in this film. Kamiki Ryunosuke, Hamabe Minami, Yamada Yuki, Aoki Munetaka, Yoshioka Hidetaka, Ando Sakura and Sasaki Kuranosuke. I'm listing all the actotrs here b/c everyone played their roles well. I also, must shout out the little girl actress. I don't know her name b/c she's not listed in MDL for this film but she was magnificent and I think she was only 3 or 4 years old. I can't give much away but the film explores survivors guilt, shame and forgiveness.
12/3/23
Was this review helpful to you?
2"This battle is a fight to live for our future"
When I saw the Toho logo my heart jumped with joy knowing Godzilla was back home where he belonged. In Godzilla Minus One he was no longer a comic character playing catch with a giant lobster or the King of the Kaiju restoring balance to the Earth. He was a destroyer and an indictment on humankind’s hubris and a reminder of the horrors of war. If Japan was at level zero after WWII, Gojira put them at minus one when he surfaced from the depths of the ocean with a terrible judgement.Near the end of WWII, Shikishima Koichi is a kamikaze pilot who lands his plane on a small island held by the Japanese ostensibly for engine trouble. It’s not long before the mechanics realize he has run away from the fight. They don’t have long to berate him when they are attacked by a monster the locals call Gojira. When Shikishima freezes once again, he is labeled a coward by the only other survivor. Back home he is reviled by a sister for returning alive, as she blames the country’s problems on his failure. Koichi takes in a woman with an orphaned baby, unable to throw them out when Noriko makes herself at home. The war isn’t over for Koichi as he is paralyzed with regret, guilt and PTSD and unable to move on with his life. When Gojira heads for Japan, the pilot will have a second chance to redeem himself and his honor.
Godzilla Minus One succeeded in two areas. Firstly, they went back to Gojira’s mythology and his evolution from nuclear testing. Gojira was personification of the fear and memory of atomic weapons, something the people of Japan had suffered horrifically from. He was also a punishment for Japan’s militaristic era and the damage done to others and their own people. This monster claimed his territory with a fearsome rage. Capable of regenerating, modern weapons were all but useless against him. Secondly, for one of the first times since the original, there were compelling human characters with interesting stories seamlessly woven into Gojira’s appearance and threat. Too often, the humans were dead weight in Toho’s Gojira films saddled with mediocre actors and dialogue. Koichi was a complicated character and his boat buddies were developed enough to remember them. Noriko as a character was thinly but heroically drawn. Even the characters who reviled Koichi came around to being more well developed.
If there was one flaw, the horrors of the war were laid solely at the government’s feet, which categorically absolved the rank and file from atrocities committed during the war. And yes, the government had the “best ability of spinning and hiding information from the masses”. The government also, “...treated our lives too cheaply...Tanks with insufficient armor, poor supply chains-leading to starvation and disease…and fighter planes without ejection seats…as well as kamikaze and suicide attacks.” The characters emphasized living for their country and its future instead of dying for it even as they bravely faced a seemingly indestructible foe.
For a film made for 15 million dollars (USD), it looked far richer. The special effects were excellent whether it was Gojira’s atomic breath, miniatures, ships, or buildings crumbling like houses made of cards. Gojira himself, was frighteningly majestic and terrifying. Able to regenerate, he did come across as a vengeful god. This film deservedly earned an Oscar for Visual Effects. One last little production note--Sato Naoki is credited as the composer but much of the score was a reworking of Ifukube Akira's iconic Godzilla theme.
Not since the original Godzilla (1954) have I enjoyed a Big G film this much. Gojira was a merciless, destructive force, created by unnaturally splitting atoms. The people of Japan united not to fight to the death against this formidable opponent but to use all of their abilities in a battle that would ensure that they could live for their future. In the face of this harbinger of death, there were those who found redemption, love, and healing. Good job Toho! You made a film worthy of the original and a wonderful way to celebrate Gojira’s 70th anniversary.
2 June 2024
Was this review helpful to you?
An Outstanding Must See Action Movie with a Story
I have to confess I saw the 1954 Godzilla movie with Raymond Burr when I was a little girl and I fell in love with the whole idea of Godzilla, Mothra, and other monsters over time but as time went on the series faded into cliques and boring plots with this mechanical looking monster that did do roaring and fire breathing. So the interest faded. However, heard this movie had gotten the highest Rotten Tomatoes ratings and highest customer reviews ever, so I had to go see it. Was not disappointed - from beginning to end. There was everything you wanted in a drama, action movie. Great graphics, good character development, impeccable editing, and a screenwriter who did not compromise telling a story that was believable and so good that you even forget that 2 hours have passed because you are so engrossed in the story and its outcome. It is worth every dime of movie dollars to go see and it is beyond a masterpiece and brings the Godzilla franchise a new life if not exploited with cheap plots like the past 60-plus years.Was this review helpful to you?
A rolling coaster of emotion & superb cinematography visualize.
With well-written characters, post-war sequelae, and exceptional acting... this movie just proves that it is one of the masterpiece movies this year.First, I never thought I would love a MonsterVerse film, and admittedly looking forward to watching this so badly because heard it won an Oscar, even watched "Shin Godzilla" while waiting. I already watched some Hollywood Godzilla movies and never liked them at all, these movies are all just dull and meaningless which created a showcase for the development of their excellent cinematography.
★ The Plot:
The movie unfolds two years after the end of World War II, when Japan's economy was severely impacted and focuses extensively on postwar living and rebuilding the country from the ashes. Japan was embargoed during the time, and not only the economy but nearly every other aspect of life suffered greatly. Godzilla emerged out of nowhere, bringing the country, which was already in disorder and instability, to the edge of disaster.
--> In contrast to Shin Godzilla, which depicts the conflict between the young and old generations in the Japanese government apparatus, as well as the evolution of this monster, Godzilla Minus One focuses heavily on the personal tragedy of "each human face" to highlight the trauma they were forced to endure. All of the characters in the film had traumas following the war. When the situation pushes them to rise and confront a monster they know little about, the characters try to keep going because they believe the sun will shine again one day.
★ Characters:
While the human character arc is often ignored in Hollywood films, in this film it is the focus and core of the plot, contributing to the film's success. Our protagonist is one of the symbols of all the post-war suffering: survival guilt, and the loss of family that every person and soldier in that era went through. Even the supporting characters have ample screen time to express each of their emotions adequately.
★ Acting:
Kamiki Ryunosuke surprised me with his acting skills, he's nailed it as a kamikaze pilot character, the scared eyes to determine eyes, hands trembling, and lines... are all excellent. Other supporting and background actors also give their best in their roles to make their characters vivid.
★ Cinematography:
A big appreciation for the art of the screenwriter & director Yamazaki Takashi he's absolutely talented and one the best ever by making this art with just 15M$.
In the end, congratulations to the director and all the actors for won a best winning award for their efforts.
Was this review helpful to you?
Japan has nothing to envy from the US
Fans of Godzilla franchise never expected they needed this in a godzilla movie. Basically this movie gives viewers satisfaction out of something they didn’t expect.When I watch a Godzilla movie I am here for the entertainment, the fun, the beast… And I never cared much about the people, sometimes do I usually find myself supportinh godzilla..
But here they gave us a story. A story through japan history to the point you wonder if godzilla was indeed real in our lifetime *joke*. They make us care about the characters and they are very much developed. At least enough to care. To the point that sometimes you actually don’t want to see godzilla. Thanks to everyone’s performance that was top notch.
There is a retro vibe here that is well done. The sounds, the raw sounds, the silence… it is so well done too. It triggers emotions in you which is hard. The crossover with history is gorgeous to witness.
It is also beautifully shot, godzilla is threatening (at least at the beginning) and his look.. nobody made a godzilla this way before ! Special effects are geat anf this is only a 15$ millions budget movie ??
I personally have nothing bad to say about it. But I want to point out something that was looked at by some viewers… they made the whole thing a very Japanese style even to the characterization. Mostly the good but also the bad side of japanese people. Like the relationship between the kid and .. you know who (no spoiler). Also it was criticized that is was too japanese to the point it was not real. Like japanese and japan isn’t this way ? I am taking a bad example but gossip girl isn’t the US and emily in paris is not Paris or parisians. So you see what I am saying.. well if it can bother some, I also think it has its charm here.
Anyway go now watch it !
Was this review helpful to you?
Fantastic Watch Highly Recommend
I want to start this review by saying I went into this blind. Never saw the trailer, and only heard of Godzilla ? but I have never seen a film.Really enjoyed the following...
◇How it was set in Japan where the story was originally from.
◇All in Japanese with subs How international films should be consumed in my personal opinion.
◇The special effects
◇The acting of the leads and extras.
◇The writing from the smallest details to the big moments.
◇Wardrobe department I see you and I appreciate you!
◇The struggles of war and what Godzilla represents. (If you want to go that direction which I 100% did)
◇The character growth of the leads but also side charcters like his neighbor.
◇Times of war and hardship can tear people apart or bring them together.
◇The ending ??????
There is so much more I know I can find when I rewatch it.
My only con...
◇That one main character luck moment. You know what I'm taking about if you seen it.
I have struggled for YEARS with Japanese live action media. (Shows, movies, shorts) At last I have come across one I enjoyed. Looking forward to finding more.
In cnclusion this was a fantastic film and I'm glad I watched it in theaters.
Now ?♀️ to the internet to learn more about Godzilla the tale.
Was this review helpful to you?
Rest in peace Kenpachiro Satsuma, your spirit will live eternally.
To say that Godzilla Minus One is my most anticipated movie of the year is a severe understatement. It currently holds the candle for my most anticipated movie ever. The wait has been agonising, less so for my brother who I brought along for what is our first experience seeing Godzilla on the big screen. For the better part of December seeing Letterboxd members gushing about it has been terrifying. But finally, I managed to catch a screening today, 2 days after its UK debut, by god, it was worth every minute, every second... this is the best Godzilla movie to date, bar none.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 an enormous monster. After the engineers die due to Shikishima failing 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 only as Godzilla.
Having spent the better part of a week watching Takashi Yamazaki's other directorial efforts certainly didn't prepare me for what he would bring to the table with Minus One. Choosing a post-war setting for the movie invited some rather minor scepticism but the film ended up an extension and refinement of his earlier wartime epic, The Eternal Zero. Tension and redemption run high throughout this film, with everyone seeking a path forward in the face of utter destruction and hopelessness.
Yamazaki's proficiency for human drama was not in question, having watched his Always Sunset trilogy the other week, emotions run high and his characters inject so much life and soul into the picture. It's backed by an utterly terrific script, heartfelt and often awe-inspiring and his calling his direction anything less than superb feels wrong.
I still can't believe that Yamazaki and company pulled this off for the money they had, either Hollywood blows their film budgets in all the wrong places or Japanese VFX artists are severely underpaid for the job they do (maybe it's both). Godzilla is one scary-looking bastard, taking his main influence from the Heisei suits but blown up with scales and spikes added into places you didn't know he had, his presence throughout the film is one of constant overhanging dread, cropping up when the characters least expect him and terrifying all who see him. Seriously, the build-ups to his atomic breath gave me constant goosebumps and seeing him standing amongst the ruins of Ginza just sent shivers down my spine.
I could technically accuse Yamazaki of nepotism given how many of his regulars take on roles here but I'm not going to. Everyone gives it their all, especially given the immense weight they had to carry on their shoulders, everyone is incredible, I can't fault a single performance. Ryunosuke Kamiki especially did a stellar job, the emotional resonance of his dialogue leaves you hanging on every word, Minami Hamabe is the rock to his PTSD-ridded life and the two of them share beautiful chemistry.
Naoki Satō's music is just phenomenal, his music carries so much menace and unease but thoroughly compliments Yamazaki's incredible style, there's a beautiful use of pure silence (especially in the climax) to emphasise both creative forces. His utilisation of the classic Ifukube cues is hands down one of the best of the entire franchise, cropping up at just the right time to not feel out of place or irrelevant.
Godzilla Minus One is truly the first of the franchise to make me truly afraid, the Big G's villainous stance hangs over the picture with a looming dread that remains unshaken even when the credits roll. Putting the trauma of history at its core was an inspired creative choice, evoking the original film more than any other since GMK (which Yamazaki lists as his favourite, based). Everything about this film works and exceeds any expectations I had of it, with its emotional heart just as prevalent as its terror. I'm so glad my brother was along for the ride, no way I was experiencing this alone.
Was this review helpful to you?
Old packaging would still be surprisingly good if done the right way!
My first movie review here and I only want to write one to explain roughly about the representation of Godzilla here in Japan society.Firstly, I’m not a fan of Godzilla, nor a fan of monster or disaster movie but this movie is surprisingly engaging and enjoyable even for me thanks to the brilliant story built by the characters.
Well, the story is nothing new: the fateful encounter of a guilt-ridden deserter and a war survivor in Japan post WWII, where people faced death, poverty and famine day by day unable to think much about future. They came together to make a sort of “family” of their own just to encounter the disaster brought on by the appearance of Godzilla. Facing farewell and loss, the main character decided to join the fight against the monster and through the fierce battle, he made peace with his own conscience, survived despite the odds.
The setting in Japan post WWII helps to create a perfect background for the emotional and touching story of the characters. And this story sets it apart from other Godzilla movie I’ve watched before and makes it easy to build a heroic theme for the characters in the movie.
The visual is fantastic deserving all the hype for winning the Oscar for visual effect.
I believe there are many layers of meaning embedded into the Godzilla itself, one of which is a disaster created by mankind (just like nuclear power), and the fight against it represents human helplessness in countering our own creation when it goes out of control.
If you are familiar with Japan society, the Earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 shakes one of Japan biggest nuclear power plant it almost sent Tokyo and the whole country into a nuclear disaster. Prior to the Earthquake, the nuclear plant was believed to be considerably safe with proper contingency plant in the event of earthquake; but it was apparently not prepared enough for such strong earthquake as at that time, making it almost impossible to shut down the plant, which might have lead to a nuclear explosion, the worst nightmare the world can ever imagine. In the end Japan barely made it through by sheer luck. Still, it is still one of the worst nightmare for Japanese and the fear and helplessness it instilled in people then was something stigmatized and unforgettable.
Even to date, many areas surrounding Fukushima nuclear plant is still restricted due to high nuclear radiation index, making many natives unable to return to their homeland.
So I believe this movie also serves as a reminder of the lurking danger of nuclear power in Japan and in the world we live in.
Lastly, the cast performance is good overall, especially the male lead even though I’m not a fan of him.
I’m not sure about rewatch value but it certainly is a good watch ?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Ok watch
It was ok,I loved.the found family troupe,and they were so damn lucky,they probably had every protagonist's golden fingerThe western One's always show Godzilla as a good monster,but japanese one chose to show it as a evil one
The entire concept didn't touch me,what touched me was the hopeful showcase of their life after the war,the whole kamikaze history is terrible,this is what touched me
The CGI of Godzilla was a bit funny,he moved like a robot.Otherwise the other Cgi's were good.
And usually people in these short of movies run for their life, don't stay still and look at Godzilla like it's a pretty scene.I was super angry at the fl when she pushed the ml and didn't jump into the gap with the ml, probably at that moment she became dumb, it's probably for a future series.
Was this review helpful to you?
Beyond all expectations. WAY beyond.
The Hollywood trash that is, Godzilla 2: King of Monsters, was on TV the other night, playing to itself before I remembered it being pretty bad and turned it off. My point is that it reminded me this film was out, so I thought I'd give it a go.To be honest, after Shin Godzilla absolutely shattered the mould of what a giant monster film should be, I couldn't possibly imagine this being able to compare to it - Shin was just incredibly inventive, insanely fast-paced and packed a punch. If Shin had a weak spot though, it was that it was - even for a lifelong viewer of subtitled films like myself - stupidly difficult to try to keep up with all the text and follow what was happening on screen!
Well, that and the fact that, by effectively reinventing the genre, it was hit-and-miss with audiences.
I'd also really, really enjoyed the animated films years ago when they came out, so I didn't expect this to be much good - I mean: we'd had pretty much the ultimate sci-fi in the cartoons and wonderful innovation in Shin... in this, we moved back in time to post World War 2. Gotcha.
SURPRISE! This was BRILLIANT!
I just finished the film and I still can't believe what I saw - this is writing at its finest with the cast to pull it all off. Survivor-guilt, desolation, people trying to pick up their lives after all the destruction, and then along comes a freaking KAIJU!
This one hits all the feelings.
So, not much of a review - there are plenty of those here already, so, like Shin, I went for a different approach - but I will definitely advise you to watch this.
I did consider knocking off a point for the predictable ending but... nah! After all these people had gone through, the message of hope was plain nice.
Was this review helpful to you?
mudou minha vida
todo filme de ação eu sempre vou com um pé atrás pois mesmo sabendo que existe uma grande chance de eu me divertir assistindo no final costuma ser só mais um filme de ação. estou totalmente impactado com esse daqui, todo esse contexto pós guerra e as consequências dela são tão humanamente bem retratado e comovente. agora sobre a ação, de cair o queixo total, os efeitos são incríveis e as cenas de guerra/destruição são extremamentes bem construídas. fiquei muito feliz com o final e foi uma felicidade muito merecida, espero que nunca tenha uma continuação pra não arruinar minha cabeçaWas this review helpful to you?
A Monster Calls.
The only Godzilla movie I have watched is that 1998 which, I would later learn, was universally panned by critics. So, this is my second Godzilla movie. (Or rather the first one from Japan.)What I liked about this is not the monster or the CGI, which without saying, was stunning enough to land an Oscar.
In the backdrop of a war torn Japan, a kamikaze pilot, Shikishima Koichi, who, instead of going to fight a losing war, evades it by lying that his plane had mechanical troubles. The island in which he had landed for repair is soon attacked by a dinosaur like creature and when he is asked to shoot at it using his plane, he becomes frozen with fear, resulting in the death of the mechanics who worked there.
He returns home grief stricken, only to find out that his family was wiped out in the air raids. Now, slowly struggling to make ends meet, he accidentally picks up a lady, Noriko and a child whom she had rescued.
However, he is plagued with guilt and endless nightmares which hinders him from moving forward. Fate comes in the form of Godzilla, which had now become even more indestructible. Shikishima decides to set things right once and for all.
As usual, Japanese movies make simple events seem touching and this one was no exception. It dealt with grief, guilt, loss and the courage to move forward inspite of that all. Noriko, who has just lost everything as he had, had a much more positive disposition whereas Shikishima's inner monsters a him mad.
I liked the simple banter he shared with his co-workers. The movie stressed along on human feelings. All the cast members were excellent and managed to invoke the necessary emotions without overdoing it.
The Godzilla was plain scary. The way it crushed and destroyed everything on it's path was terrifying. I mean, some of the dog's barking as it approached and people screaming and fleeing is the stuff that triggers your worst nightmares. And the radioactivity thingy coming out whenever it was pissed was beautiful, yet, frightening.
All in all, I really enjoyed the experience. It's one of the few rewatch worthy movies I've seen in recent years and it's definitely worth a try.
Was this review helpful to you?
