Godzilla Minus One: Spoiler-free Review

He's known well in pop-culture, Godzilla. Everyone knows the giant monster that destroys Tokyo! There have been 36 Godzilla films since 1954, and they will probably continue for a long time as well. And for each rendition, there is a slightly different interpretation of this kaiju, ranging from a mindless force of destruction, to being highly intelligent and strategic. There are so many stories, it can be easy to forget where it really started. The last few years of productions have leaned into the campy style of Godzilla, and especially American versions makes Godzilla a more intelligent, benevolent creature. But Godzilla Minus One (2023) is a much more harrowing rendition. It brings back the original concept of Godzilla, and reminds us that he is a representation of war, and ultimately, serves to highlight humanity's will to survive. And in doing so, they have made an instant classic for the cult fans. 

I love Godzilla. It's a weird little bit of lore about me; I grew up with the black and white films, and I always found myself drawn to these stories since, for some reason (okay, maybe its just cause the roar is so iconic). So, naturally, I immediately watch any Godzilla media that comes out, and trust me there's a ton. Some are better than others, and after a point it just feels like brain candy and less like cinema. So, Godzilla Minus One really took me by surprise with just how effectively it made me care about the story. Let's be real, no one watches a Godzilla movie for the story - we wanna see the man shoot his iconic atomic breath and defy all attempts against him. It's easy, fun action and honestly doesn't need to be more than that. But, Takashi Yamazaki writes and directs a piece that actually effectively turns fans against Godzilla, and makes us want to root for the humans. 

I found myself incredibly moved by the characters' motivations in this film. We see how World War II has left Japan in ruins, and just how difficult it is to rebuild after the destruction of nuclear bombs. It's brutally honest, and does not sugarcoat the experience; it's a fight every day to see hope for a future. We follow the story of an ex-kamikaze pilot, Koichi Shikishima (played by Ryunosuke Kamiki), who fled his post due to his cowardice. This desertion haunts him for the rest of the film, and it follows him in the form of Godzilla. We see these people desperately try to rebuild in any way they can, and in time, they do. Even through the horrors of war, humanity prevails. Their tenacity can only be admired, and you want to root for their success. So when Godzilla shows up, it only feels like a slap in the face for these people who are just trying to survive now. This Godzilla has no apparent goal, and it is truly a force of destruction. This brings in a level of horror that feels more personal and daunting. We get some classic Godzilla tropes, and some newer concepts as well. Yamazaki has shown a mastery in understanding what makes Godzilla so enticing, while also somehow giving us a story we care about. I found myself stifling sobs during the third act, genuinely taken aback by my own reaction. The story is a completely thought out 2-hour arc for our main character, and it integrates a giant monster so well. Godzilla Minus One marks Yamazaki's third time working on a production utilizing Godzilla, but this is his first feature film with the creature. Yamazaki is a clear fan of the franchise, and successfully wrote, directed and produced a film that will go down in kaiju history.

I want to give credit to the actors who brought this amazing film to life. Ryunosuke Kamiki portrays the pain Koichi is experiencing with passion; we are able to easily understand what is going through his head without a single utterance. His portrayal of PTSD is hauntingly accurate, and felt like I wasn't even watching a movie anymore. Another character I want to highlight is engineer Kenji Noda, played by Hidetaka Yoshioka. I knew the moment Kenji showed up on screen, he would become my favorite character. Yoshioka is a huge part of this; not only is the character written in a compelling way, but Yoshioka brought a quirkiness that mirrored the theme of the film: fighting even when it seems hopeless. 

The CGI and practical effects of a Godzilla movie is paramount. To bring such a creature to life, it takes a lot of time and attention. This rendition of Godzilla is reminiscent of a T-Rex, if it stood up more straight. There were moments where it felt this Godzilla looked a bit unnatural, but for the most part fit well into grading of the film, and is one of the cleanest designs. I especially loved moments in the water and on the island. I treasured how much we got to see Godzilla in broad daylight; this is not always common as it is easier to hide CGI mistakes when the action takes place at night. Seeing this movie in IMAX is well worth it to truly experience the film at its best. 

Finally, was the music. We get the classic Godzilla musical themes throughout the film, and for me it is just as effective to represent the grandeur of the kaiju as it has always been. Naoki Sato is brought onto the project to compose the music, and though he has not had experience with a Godzilla film before, his reputation is renowned. He has shown great consideration for the franchise, and the result has pleased longtime fans. 

Godzilla Minus One is a great introduction to the franchise for new fans. While it is not necessarily a reboot, it perfectly showcases what makes these films so charming, while also appealing to a wide audience as a standalone film. In a digestible 2-hour frame, I think this is a great way to not only understand what all the hype around Godzilla is, but to enjoy a genuinely great film regardless of the longstanding history. I really could not ask for a better interpretation of my favorite monster, and if you see me at the theater again...no you didn't!