“Godzilla Minus One” (2023) / Z-View
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Screenplay: Takashi Yamazaki
Stars: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe.
Tagline: Postwar Japan. From zero to minus.
The Plot…
1945. World War II is nearing the end. Kōichi Shikishima, a Japanese kamikazi pilot lands his plane on Odo island for repairs. There is nothing wrong with his plane. The truth is that Kōichi was afraid to finish his mission. That night a giant prehistoric-looking creature comes ashore. It attacks the Japanese stronghold. Try as they might, the creature is impervious to anything the soldiers can do. Kōichi is too afraid to help. The next morning he is one of the only two to survive Godzilla’s attack.
The war ends. Kōichi returns home to Tokyo. He discovers his parents were both killed in a bombing. Kōichi meets a homeless woman with an orphaned child. He brings them to his home. As time goes by they become more of a family, but Kōichi still feels like a coward.
Reports of Godzilla attacking ships becomes more frequent. The government fears Godzilla will come on land and wipeout entire cities. Nothing has been able to stop the giant creature. Then the worst is reported, Godzilla is heading inland.
Will Kōichi get a chance to redeem himself and save his country? What do you think?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The title, Godzilla Minus One, refers to Japan being taken “down to zero” after World War II. Godzilla’s attacks on the country take it even lower. This minus one.
After seeing the trailer and the great reviews for Godzilla Minus One I was excited to see the film. The scenes of Godzilla’s attacks and the destruction caused by the monster are the best in any Godzilla film ever. This is where Godzilla Minus One shines. I wanted more of that. It almost felt like I was watching a more adult film during Godzilla’s attacks and a movie aimed at kids with the Kōichi subplot.
Godzilla Minus One (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.