I posted last night that I had just seen a late night showing of the new “Godzilla Minus One” movie… I really want to see it again and I probably will. The trailers show the monster and the special effects are astounding, and as I said before, make sure to see this on the biggest screen possible. I went to an IMAX showing and it was great. But this movie is so much more than about a monster stomping through Tokyo. Whereas other Godzilla movies begin with the atomic tests in the Pacific after World War II, this one begin before the war is over, with people dealing with the inevitable end of the war and being on the losing side. In an honor driven society the burden of survivors’ guilt is as devastating as a rampaging monster. There are plenty of nods to the original films with the music and roar of the beast, but the filmmakers also put the camera in places I’ve not seen in previous versions, that really capture the sense of scale and helplessness when faced with this dead-eyed creature. 

I saw the film in a huge but mostly empty big screen IMAX theater. The few fans were vocal, which helps. But make sure to see it in the theaters. The current run is in Japanese with English subtitles. I don’t know if there are plans on releasing an English dubbed version, but don’t let that deter you from viewing this film. The characters are so rich and their struggle is so gripping that hearing the language is a plus. If you can, don’t wait for streaming… it’s just not the same. 👍👍 👍👍 It is so much more than just a monster movie.

Sources:

2024-03-10. Godzilla Minus One gets an oscar!