Japan 1947. Two
years after the end of World War II, the country continues to rebuild after the
horrific nightmares it suffered. But
things go from bad to worse when a enormous monster called Godzilla rises from
the ocean. Seemingly powerless to stop
this creature, Japans future now rests in the hands of a small group of
volunteers, many of whom are war vetrans, including a young pilot who has had
first hand experience with the horror Godzilla can bring. For him, and many others, the impossible goal
of destroying Godzilla might be only way to end their personal war for good.
I was hooked on this movie by the time period alone:
Japan 1947. This is only two short years
after the nightmare that changed Japan, and the world, forever. This is Japan at its lowest point and once
Godzilla arrives, it’s as the tagline promised “From Zero to Minus.” In between Godzilla rampages, we are right
there with main characters Koichi and Noriko as they struggle to survive and
get back on their feet amongst the rubble of their hometown. Koichi is the heart of the film, a Godzilla
attack survivor and a Kamikaze Pilot who didn’t carry out his one way mission
duties. He was powerless to do anything
when he first saw Godzilla and when he reappears two years later feels even
more so, despite the fact that he has Noriko’s love and the most adorable
toddler in the franchise to protect.
This movie may have all the necessary carnage a Godzilla film
needs. But at its heart is the story of
a nation in need of hope and miracles and it becomes so compelling that, for
the first time in a while, you want to see Humans triumph over Godzilla, even
if it means they must walk back into battle after surviving the greatest
conflict in human history. It’s stirring
stuff, even rousing at times. I cant
remember the last time I was this invested in a Human story in a Godzilla film.
Godzilla himself has gotten quite the makeover for his 70th
Anniversary. I feel like some of his
lower half, especially his legs, are reminiscent of his Shin Godzilla
incarnation. But unlike the towering
Hell Monster that version was, this Godzilla is very mobile, very ferocious and
very, very terrifying. This is a far cry
from the Showa Era’s kid friendly savior of humanity. This Godzilla is a pure, dominating beast and
every step and tail lashing can be felt.
It’s hard not to think of the original Gojira watching the chaos unfold,
except its during the day instead of night. The damage on display is more
widespread, showing Godzilla penchant for being called a force of nature with
the carnage he brings to bear. You can
always say it’s awesome when Godzilla does his thing and especially when he
unleashes his atomic breath (the fins popping out as he charges up is a cool
addition). But deep down you’ll be
wondering, how the hell is Japan going to stop him this time when its barely in
fighting shape?
Honestly, the stakes of the story have never felt more
dire than they do in Godzilla Minus One and that lends itself well to the
abundance of action sequences. After
all, when you lack Giant Robots and Mazer Cannons, you’ve gotta get a little
creative to even stand a chance against Godzilla. One of my favorite scenes
comes when Koichi and his boat crew engage Godzilla at sea, using only mines
and a mini gun as their means of defense.
It has shades of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws but thankfully, the movie is respectful
of its tone not to have someone say “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Indeed, the amount of care you have for
Koichi and his comrades is testament to Godzilla Minus One having a far smaller
cast than Shin Godzilla. You know who
everyone is, you know why theyre fighting and you know what they have to
lose. As much as I love Shin Godzilla,
the rapid fire introduction of characters with name tags, many of whom didn’t
even matter to the overall plot, was unnecessary. Here, however, you grow to love these guys so
much that the finale becomes one of the most intense and nail biting sequences
in the whole Godzilla franchise. I was breathless and moved to tears several
times…how many times can you say that’s happened to you watching a Godzilla
movie of all things?
On the verge of passing it’s 70th Anniversary
mark, Godzilla Minus One does the impossible and proves The King of the
Monsters still has a lot of life left in him.
By taking him back to an earlier era than even the original Gojira and
showing an ailing Japan caught in Godzilla’s destructive path, the audience is
given several reasons to see the characters make it to the end credits. It’s as much a scary disaster flick as it is
a film about hope amongst the ruins. All
of this is enclosed around a hefty helping of good old Godzilla action and some
cool action scenes at sea. Shin Godzilla
might be my personal all time fav Godzilla movie but it’s impossible to ignore
the successes of Godzilla Minus One that actually manage to top it as an
overall movie. By taking Godzilla back to his roots as an agent of chaos and
centering the story on a smaller group of characters at their lowest point, you
get a Godzilla movie that matches the exciting and emotional heights as Gojira
or a very select few other entries in the entire franchise. Short version: THIS is how you honor a
character as old as Godzilla and to quote a bad Terminator movie, he may be old
but he’s far from obsolete. Still the King, forever may he reign.
10/10
And since next year is the official 70th anniversary of
Godzilla, I’ve already planned a 3rd Godzilla Month for November
2024. Expect a new slew of films to be
covered along with Top 5’s, including one from JMT 117 and a possible Godzilla
Retrospective as well. It’s gonna be a
good year to be a Godzilla fan and the Gundam Anime Corners’ gonna help
celebrate too. But first, we’ve got a
certain Pretty Guardian who fights for Love and Justice to welcome back. The beginning of the end of Sailor Moon
begins Next Monday with the 5th Season Premiere of Sailor Moon
Sailor Stars right here at the Gundam Anime Corner.
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