[Godzilla Minus One] Movie Review : The High Value of Life

 Photo Credit: Toho Co., Ltd. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

This isn't a generic monster/kaiju film. It's about PTSD, survivor's guilt, overcoming fear, and the meaning of life.

Hello, this is Cine.

Today, I'm going to review [Godzilla Minus One].

I hope you enjoy my review.

Overview

Photo Credit: Toho Co., Ltd. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

Director/Screenplay/VFX: Takashi Yamazaki

Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Hiroki Yamada, Takataka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sakura Ando, Kuranosuke Sasaki

Music: Naoki Sato

Production: Toho Co.

Distribution: Toho Co.

Production companies: Toho Studios, Robot Communications

Release Date: November 3, 2023 (Japan), December 1, 2023 (North America)

©2023 TOHO CO.,LTD.

Story Summary

Photo Credit: Toho Co., Ltd. TM & ©TOHO CO., LTD.

In 1945, kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima narrowly escapes death by feigning technical issues and landing on Odo Island. That night, a dinosaur-like creature, Godzilla, attacks. Unable to shoot the monster, Shikishima is knocked unconscious. He awakens to find only one other survivor, who blames him for failing to act. Fast forward to 1946, Shikishima returns home to a bomb-ravaged Tokyo, burdened by survivor's guilt. He supports Noriko Oishi and an orphaned baby, Akiko. Godzilla, mutated by nuclear tests, re-emerges, threatening Japan. In a climactic battle, Shikishima leads a desperate mission to stop the monster, ultimately overcoming his own demons in the process.

Review

A Deep Dive into Trauma and Resilience

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Godzilla Minus One isn't just about a giant monster wreaking havoc; it's a profound study of PTSD and survivor's guilt. Koichi Shikishima's struggle with his past and his suspicion that Noriko and Akiko might be hallucinations due to his PTSD symptoms add a gripping layer of psychological depth. The intense interactions between Shikishima and Noriko are masterfully acted and written, making the audience feel every ounce of their pain and trauma.

Godzilla as a Symbol

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Godzilla in this film isn't just a monstrous threat; it's a powerful metaphor for the fear and devastation wrought by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The monster's rapid regeneration symbolizes the relentless and ongoing impact of radiation, while its presence evokes the terror and destruction that Japan endured. Yet, the film avoids portraying the U.S. as the sole villain. Instead, it critiques the Japanese wartime government, separating the innocent citizens from their irresponsible leaders. This nuanced approach underscores the human cost of war without glorifying Japan's wartime actions.

Stunning Visuals and Realistic VFX

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Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, who also spearheaded the VFX, Godzilla Minus One boasts exceptional visual effects, especially considering its modest $15 million budget. It's a testament to Yamazaki's skill that this film looks and feels more realistic than many high-budget Hollywood blockbusters. The depiction of Godzilla as a force of nature, rather than just a creature for action scenes, adds to the film's authenticity. Unlike the MonsterVerse Godzilla films, where the monsters often seem like action figures, this Godzilla is an embodiment of disaster, with every scene emphasizing the human toll of its rampage.

Photo Credit: thejapantimes

With that, Godzilla Minus One won Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards, marking the first Godzilla film, Japanese and Asian film, and non-English language film to win in this category.

Emotional Impact and Human Focus

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The film's strength lies in its ability to make the audience care deeply about the human characters. Scenes of devastation are balanced with personal moments of despair and hope, making the audience root for Shikishima and his comrades. The emotional intensity is palpable, and some scenes are so moving that they might bring tears to your eyes.

Harsh Reality

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On a lighter note, it's ironic how this low-budget film manages to outshine recent Marvel movies with their average $219 million budgets. The realism and emotional weight carried by the characters far surpass the glossy, action-heavy spectacles we've grown accustomed to. In Godzilla Minus One, the stakes feel real, and the human element is never lost amidst the chaos.

Final Thoughts

Godzilla Minus One is a masterful blend of action, emotion, and psychological depth. It's a film that respects its audience, offering more than just monster battles, and instead, delivering a poignant narrative about human resilience and the long shadows of war. This is a must-watch for anyone looking for a kaiju film with a soul. 

What do you think of this movie? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!