Minus One

by chuckofish

Godzilla Minus One (2023) is a Japanese epic kaiju film written, directed, and with visual effects by Takashi Yamazaki. Produced by Toho Studios and Robot Communications and distributed by Toho, it is the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise and Toho’s 33rd Godzilla film. I would venture to say it is the best. Seriously, I thought it was great–made in the tradition of the best Japanese films (i.e. Kurosawa films) but with a thoughtful bow to the original Godzilla franchise of the 1950s.

Unfortunately, I viewed it at my friend’s house on her very large TV and was distracted by her incessant talking throughout. She was not riveted as was I. At one point, she fell asleep. So I guess it is not for everybody. But as soon as it becomes available on DVD, I will buy it and watch it again.

The actors are all excellent, in particular Ryunosuke Kamiki as the penitent Kamikaze pilot who has survived WWII and is wracked with survivor guilt.

All the characters are well-defined, highly distinguishable, and display significant development. That’s saying something for a “monster movie”! I also thought it was interesting that the movie is critical of Japan and its part in the war and in the manner it treated its citizens. The way the veterans come together to solve the problem and take down Godzilla is moving and patriotic.

Come to think of it this country has treated life far too cheaply. Poorly armored tanks. Poor supply chains resulting in half of all deaths from starvation and disease. Fighter planes built without ejection seats and finally, kamikaze and suicide attacks. That’s why this time I’d take pride in a citizen led effort that sacrifices no lives at all! This next battle is not one waged to the death, but a battle to live for the future. (Kenji Noda)

And there is a miracle at the end of the movie, complete with angelic singing, which made me very happy.

If you have Netflix, watch this movie! It is definitely the best movie I have seen in a long time.