Godzilla Minus One

Godzilla Minus One is a monster movie of singular power, using horror-infused kaiju spectacle to deliver an emotionally compelling story of grief, wartime trauma, and hope. Most importantly, its genre-leading visual effects scenes are complemented by richly soulful performances and humane themes of reconciliation and redemption.

The Japanese reboot of the kaju king snagged a surprise Oscar nomination for visual effects. It deserves the win, whether you see it in color or glorious black-and-white. For once, the 70-year-old series finds a human depth to match its dazzle. A star is reborn.

As Toho Studios’ new Godzilla Minus One proves, the Japanese know how to get the iconic radioactive behemoth right.

The monster mayhem scenes are obviously the main draw, and they’re terrifically staged, with clean visual effects that look anchored to the real world. And a careful balance is struck between spectacle and horror.

It’s a testament to Yamazaki’s work as both director and screenwriter that Minus One feels like a wartime character drama first, kaiju film second.

The main effect this film’s commitment to emotional intelligence has is to show us what has been missing from the franchise all along. That, and to deliver a climax that will bring tears to your eyes — unless you’re some sort of beast.

For long stretches, Godzilla Minus One concentrates on relationships and conversations, which despite their intent, do little to advance the plot or illuminate simply-drawn characters.

Just a good godzilla movie. He looks like a badass and cant wait for a sequel with another creature to fight. Good storyline as well.

The main release is effective but broad and saccharine. The Minus Color edit is superior. Exposition and emotion that feels childish in color feels dramatic in black-and-white.

- unnecessary long - cringe japanes moments - mandatory happy end + story is good + the showdown is good

I’m not quite understanding of the overwhelming praise for this movie. I understand the limited budget to what Legendary is making in the States but this movie was way too heavy handed with the guilt for the main character and the rigidity of Captain G on land was pathetic. To me, Shin was better in that it brought an entirely different idea of Godzilla to the tablE.

Truly one of the worst movies I’ve seen in years. You have to wonder if the reviews are fake. The acting is absolutely atrocious. The lead actor has the acting range of an old shoe. Absolutely zero personality. Even the extra were terribly overreacting - they had everyone in the cinema laughing uncontrollably. And the chemistry between him and the female lead - which is supposed to be the heart of the movie - is completely non existent. The movie quickly settles into a boring and repetitive rhythm of pointless chats between the two leads at home. And then cuts to a Godzilla fight scene at sea. And then back home for more pointless chit chat. And the ending, which I think was supposed to be emotional, had everyone laughing uncontrollably again. Seriously if this is the best Godzilla movie ever, I need to make a Godzilla film as the bar is LOW.